Spotlight shines on local steel guitarist

FANNIE SUNSHINE

February 5, 2010

Four years ago, York resident Don Rooke patiently waited for his big moment to arrive in Art of Time Ensemble's performance of Shostakovich: A Portrait.

It will be deja vu for the steel guitarist come Feb. 12 and 13 when Art of Time Ensemble will present the same piece at Enwave Theatre downtown.

"I'm featured for a minute or so," Rooke said. "I sit and wait for my part, play my part out, which comes out of nowhere, and then I'm done. It's like a spotlight is suddenly on me."

The performances will feature two of composure Dmitri Shostakovich's greatest chamber works - String Quartet No. 8 and Piano Trio No. 2, along with the rarely performed No. 1 Jazz Suite.

"The part I'm in is an old-fashioned jazz piece," Rooke said. "It's a steel guitar piece. I did the same part four years ago and the shows were really good and interesting. It's a little like being in a time capsule. All the musicians play beautifully."

The steel guitar is played sitting down with the instrument on the knees, he said, adding a steel bar is used to play it.

"It has a Hawaiian guitar sound," Rooke said. "I specialize in this version of the guitar."

A guitar player since his teen years, Rooke is the leader and songwriter for band The Henrys.

A composer for television, film and jingles, Rooke has also played on movie sound tracks, including Academy-Award winning film Ryan. Now in its 11th season, Art of Time Ensemble presents performances based on classical music with twists of artistry, often combining contemporary music or dance, film and theatre with classical pieces.

Art of Time Ensemble will present Shostakovich: A Portrait Feb. 12 and 13 at Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West, at 8 p.m. nightly.

Tickets cost $19, $39 and $49 for adults and $25 for students and seniors.

To purchase, call 416-973-4000 or visit www.artoftimeensemble.com