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Paul Dykstra has been a performing artist in North America for over 35 years. Musically nurtured and trained in Canada, subsequent travels took him to the US, where he lived for 20 years. American performance credits include recording with clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, performances of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with Abendmusik Philarmonic in 2016, and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto #1 with the Great Bay Philharmonic in 2018. Other concerto collaborations have included Beethoven’s Fourth Concerto with the Prince George Symphony, and Mozart’s Concerto for two pianos with the Granite State Symphony in New Hampshire. He frequently participated in chamber music collaborations with renowned New England artists, and in many solo concerts in Canada and the United States. Paul was a finalist in the American Prize Concerto Competition 2017. He has toured with NYC Living Arts Company in performances of Gershwin’s “ Porgy and Bess “ in
the US and Trinidad. Other endeavours of note include his engagement as Musical Director for the opera “Grace” by Roger Rudenstein, in Boston. Recently relocated to his native Canada in 2020, he now resides in Kelowna and continues an active musical career which includes performing, mentoring, arranging, and musical collaborations of all types. Paul is on the Faculty of the Kelowna Community Music School, and is a member of the College of Examiners of the Royal Conservatory. He is delighted to return to St. Albert (hometown) to present amazing music with Cellist Martin Kratky!
Much in demand as a section leader, chamber musician, and soloist, cellist Martin Krátký is currently principal cellist of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and core second chair in the Okanagan Symphony. A graduate of the University of Toronto and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Martin also participated in several residencies at the Banff Centre and chamber music festivals across the continent. Notable solos include the Beethoven Triple concerto (Saskatoon Symphony), Haydn D major concerto (Kamloops Baroque Orchestra), and Brahms Double Concerto (Kamloops Symphony). In the 2023/24 season, Martin will perform Anna Clyne’s cello concerto, DANCE, with the Kamloops Symphony.
He is also a founding member of the Sycamore String Quartet, playing concerts, outreach/educational shows, and recording sessions throughout the BC Interior. Immediately out of grad school, Martin won the principal cello seat with the Saskatoon Symphony, his first professional position.
Martin is a dedicated teacher, maintaining an active studio through both the Kelowna Community Music School, and the Kamloops Symphony Music School. His students have won awards at local and regional festivals. Martin is also a regular guest faculty at the Strings the Thing summer camp. In his spare time, he builds and tends his off-grid mountain property.
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Concert Sponsors: Heather & John Dolman