Robert Verebes

Verebes, Robert
Robert Verebes. Violist, teacher, b Budapest 15 Nov 1934, naturalized Canadian 1962; Artist Diploma (Franz Liszt Academy, Budapest) 1956. He first studied the violin at seven. He later studied that instrument with Dezsö Radös at the Franz Liszt Academy 1949-56 before studying viola under Paul Lukács. In 1953 he became a member of the Béla Bartók String Quartet of Budapest. He arrived in Canada in 1957, where he was first viola with the Ottawa Philharmonic Orchestra before joining the MSO in 1959 where he became assistant principal viola in 1964. In addition to these two orchestras, he has been a soloist with the McGill Chamber Orchestra, the CBC Vancouver (Chamber) Orchestra and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Verebes has performed as soloist or chamber player in Canada and in Europe where he has played in Paris (1975), at Oxford (1981) and at Wigmore Hall in London (1990). He was a founding member and active participant of such ensembles as the New Chamber Music Ensemble of Ottawa (1957-9), Musica Camerata Montreal (1971-), and the Classical Quartet of Montreal (1968-76). From 1983 onwards, he has played regularly with the pianist Dale Bartlett with whom he has made several recordings. He has premiered several works dedicated to him, including Jean Coulthard's Symphonic Ode and Lothar Klein's Concerto Sacro. His performances exhibit sophisticated musicianship and impassioned playing. Verebes began teaching viola at the CMM in 1978 and introduced the concert series 'Robert Verebes et ses amis' there in 1985. He also has given summer courses in various musical camps starting in 1982.

Author Nadia Turbide

Discography

Bach 3 Sonatas; Fantasia cromatica (arr Kodály). M. Lagacé harpsichord. 1989. SNE 564 (CD)

Beethoven Nocturne, Opus 42 - Shostakovich Sonata, Opus 147. Bartlett piano. 1986. SNE 535

Brahms Sonatas, Opus 120 No. 1 and 2. Bartlett piano. 1985. SNE 529

Fiala Three Movements. Trio de Montréal. 1977. 5-ACM 27

Hindemith complete works for viola and piano. Bartlett piano. 1988. 2-SNE 546-547 (CD)

Mann Sonata, Opus. 17 - Glinka Sonata in D Minor (Reiner piano) - Joachim Music for Violin and Viola (Seigel violin). (1978). RCI 459/(Joachim) 6-ACM 14

Mendelssohn Sonata in C Minor - Martinu° Sonata No. 1 - Coulthard Sonata Rhapsody. Bartlett piano. 1988. SNE 550 (CD)

See also Discography for B. Laplante (RCI 393)