When astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk shot up to space in 1997 on the NASA Columbia shuttle, the New Westminster resident brought two CDs with him.
Both were from Quartetto Gelato.
On Nov. 26, the classical music foursome will land in Coquitlam as part of a B.C.-wide tour this month to share their tunes.
Made up of Colin Maier (oboe); Konstantin Popović (violin); Matti Pulkki (accordion); and Kirk Starkey (cello), the Canadian group is known for its high-energy performances that showcase a wide range of genres.
Over the years, the ensemble has been nominated for a Juno Award, named Debut Artist of the Year by the American radio station NPR and received two Gemini Award nominations.
In 2010, during Canadian Music Week, Quartetto Gelato won the Best Classical Group at the Independent Music Awards.
Its work was also featured on the soundtrack for the film Only You starring Robert Downey, Jr., and Marisa Tomei.
Tickets to see Quartetto Gelato on Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) are $37/$34/$16. Call the box office at 604-927-6555 or visit the centre’s website.
