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From virtuosic showpieces and romantic ballads to fiery Romani tunes and overlooked gems, Quartetto Gelato brings it all to life with remarkable skill on multiple instruments. This unique classical quartet is known for blending serious musicianship with a sense of fun and adventure.
With performances in major cities around the world, including New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, Quartetto Gelato has earned praise for its engaging mix of classical masterworks, global folk traditions, and spirited stage presence. Their warm connection with audiences, combined with rich vocals and lively humor, makes every concert feel both personal and unforgettable.
Please note: this performance features Quartetto Gelato only and does not include Walla Walla Symphony musicians.
Concert Snapshots
Founding member Peter De Sotto plays the violin and sings operatic tenor, often in the same concert.
The group takes its name from the Italian word for ice cream, a nod to their flavorful blend of music, topped with personality.
Wine Sponsor
Before the concert and during intermission:
Wine is available from our wine sponsor.
Sweet treats and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
All proceeds support the Walla Walla Symphony.
About the Guest Artist
Quartetto Gelato
Virtuosic showpieces and romantic ballads, blazing gypsy tunes and forgotten chestnuts, all brought to life with multi-instrument mastery: this is Quartetto Gelato—a popular and highly unusual classical quartet.
With sold-out performances in New York, Washington, L.A., London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and elsewhere, this dazzling ensemble has enchanted audiences and critics worldwide with its exotic blend of musical virtuosity, artistic passion and humour. With a performance repertoire that spans the globe and includes classical masterworks, engaging vocals, the sizzling energy of tangos, gypsy and klezmer songs, the group’s theatrical stage presence and relaxed humour establish an intimate rapport with audiences worldwide.
Quartetto Gelato’s international career was launched when they won the coveted title of NPR Performance Today’s “Debut Artist of the Year.” The group’s first DVD, Quartetto Gelato: A Concert in Wine Country, was picked up by PBS throughout the U.S. in 2007 and is still broadcast regularly. The group is regularly heard on CBC, Classical 96.3 FM, NPR, PRI, and NUR networks, not to mention the soundtrack of the Hollywood film Only You, starring Robert Downey Jr and Marisa Tomei. At the 2010 INDIE Awards, Quartetto Gelato was honoured as Best Classical Ensemble, and achieved unique global reach when Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk chose their first two CDs to take on board during his NASA flight on the space shuttle Columbia, to literally be heard around the world!
Quartetto Gelato released a highly successful first CD in 1994. Subsequent recordings such as Neapolitan Café (2001) and Musica Latina (2009) showcase the ensemble’s flair for imaginative international themes – Travels the Orient Express (2004) features music associated with stops along the route of the famous train. The quartet recorded a Christmas CD in 2010 and their 9th disc, “All Original – 100% Canadian” , featuring works written for the group by Canadian composers that highlight their signature style. QG released their 10th album in 2021 called “Tasty Tunes” which features a blend of fun, eclecticism, international flavours, multi-instrumentation, vocals and superb musicianship.