JUNE 7, 2026
(ERIK) SATIE-SFACTION GUARANTEED
➡ PLEASE NOTE: NEW CONCERT START-TIME 2:30PM
The sheer number of exquisite performers involved in this delicious – delirious! – 30th Anniversary Fundraiser Gala will generate enough positive and uplifting energy to carry us all the way to our 31st Anniversary. That is all we can say… for now!
Featuring:
Tom Allen, host | Colin Ainsworth, tenor | Russell Braun, baritone | Lucia Cesaroni, soprano | Lori Gemmell, harp | Andrew Haji, tenor | Erica Iris Huang, mezzo soprano | Elina Kelebeev, piano | Rachael Kerr, piano | Bénédicte Lauzière, violin | William Leathers, trumpet | Andrea Ludwig, mezzo soprano | Joseph Macerollo, accordion | Clara Nguyen Tran, viola | Maeve Palmer, soprano | Inna Perkis, piano | Adrianne Pieczonka, soprano | Leana Rutt, cello | Mark Skazinetsky, violin | Giles Tomkins, bass-baritone | Liz Upchurch, piano | Boris Zarankin, piano | Ilana Zarankin, soprano
Off Centre Music Salon presents:
Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes,
a Bechstein Piano and Boris:
Telling Life Stories
An “Off Centre” Art Film - conceived and developed by Inna Perkis and Boris Zarankin
Introduction and historical context provided by Dr. Julia Zarankin
From Glenn Gould to Oscar Peterson
to Boris Zarankin, a piano is a very individual choice
From William Littler at Toronto Star
Pianos are more individual than is sometimes realized. When I was on the jury of the Sydney International Piano Competition in Australia, I noticed that the contestants were offered a choice of four different pianos. Although most initially chose Steinway, by the final round some switched allegiance to Yamaha. Steinway had neglected to send a technician to maintain its piano in tip-top condition.
Boris Zarankin’s 1879 Bechstein from Berlin was by no means in tip-top condition when the Toronto pianist bought it in Seattle many years ago. But after submitting it to a thorough restoration, he found it to be an ideal agent for his recording of Shostakovich’s “24 Preludes.”
Read the full article at Toronto Star
Current Season Artists
For a complete list of our 2025-26 artists click here.