Scandalous Romantics
A hilariously funny program based on great classical composers' real-life troubles and spectacular lapses in judgement, brought to you by Bridge (digital accordionist) and Wolak (clarinetist). Featuring some of the greatest concert music combined with edgy but tasteful comedic storytelling, Bridge & Wolak entertain with their dazzling virtuosity, down-to-earth humor, and signature arrangements in an explosive program that brings musical giants to contemporary audiences.
Michael Bridge, Accordion; Kornel Wolak, clarinet
PROGRAM
Stormy Daniels Gade’s Jealousy
Broken (Phillip) Glass Glass’ Prelude no. 6
DUI Mozart’s Figaro Overture
Hot & Sweaty Sonata Schubert’s Arpeggione
The Schumanns vs. The Brahmses Brahms’ Rondo alla Zingarese
- 4’33” John (in a) Cage -
Sickly ...but Willing Chopin’s Nocturne No. 20
Sierra Echo X-ray Plante’s Tango Romance
Greta’s Tantrum Bach’s P&F in C minor
Decomposed in F Bach’s Invention No. 8
‘’When I’m Hungry, I Eat” Rossini’s Variations
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Bridge and Wolak Biography
Over two millennia, Bridge & Wolak have been having a ball-twisting up classical music, folk traditions, and improv comedy. Their Bach to Chickens Tour (2022) made stops in 5 Canadian provinces and 15 US states – including Canada and Mexico. Equally dedicated to education, they founded the Bridge & Wolak Music Mentorship Program in 2020 (between month-long periods of listening to their hair grow).
Bridge & Wolak fuse accordion and clarinet – usually by melting them with blowtorches and letting them set. A unique instrumentation, Michael Bridge (accordions & piano) and Kornel Wolak (clarinet & piano) have to create their repertoire because their friends don’t like them. With deft virtuosity and endless wit, Bridge & Wolak have been called the “Victor Borges of the 21st Century.” Dr. Bridge & Dr. Wolak are widely known for their commitment to education through their mentorship program, university teaching, and really big vocabulary. In collaboration with Queen’s University (where Dr. Wolak is an Assistant Professor, clarinet blowing), B&W premiered their full show with orchestra, TANGORIUM.
