Quoted by the Chronicle Herald as “A superb musician” and other critics as “accomplished, experienced….providing an evening of musical magic”, Swedish-born pianist Susanne Ruberg- Gordon’s passion for chamber music is evident. She has collaborated with artists such as Andres Cardenes, Ron Leonard, Andras Diaz, Desmond Hoebig, Ian Swensen, Alain Trudel, Jens Lindemann, Ning Feng, Ni Tao, Arnold Choi and Nikki Chooi.

Studies at the Banff Centre Music and Sound program brought her to the Bow Valley where she now resides with her family. Her primary teachers include Jose Ribera and Greta Eriksson from the Edsberg Institute of Music in Stockholm where she graduated with a Diploma in Chamber music, but she has also had the privilege to learn from Gilbert Kalish, Marc Durand and David Moroz. 

Susanne has been on faculty at the Mount Royal University Conservatory since 1991 where she is the coordinator of Collaborative Pianists and teaches chamber music. She has also been a Collaborative Artist for the acclaimed Morningside Music Bridge program in Canada, China and Poland since 2001.

Cellist Beth Root Sandvoss is known for her intensely committed performances and interpretations. She has a notably varied career as a recitalist, chamber musician and pedagogue. Beth lives in Bragg Creek,Alberta, and enjoys an active performance career in Canada and abroad.

She has recorded for WERN Madison public radio, RTHK Radio Hong Kong, and CBC Radio. Beth has recorded ten commercial CDs and has premiered more than 125 new works for solo cello, cello/piano and chamber ensemble. Beth has an intense interest in new music and is a founding member of the acclaimed Juno nominated Land’s End Ensemble.

Beth is also a member of the Calgary String Quartet in residence at the University of Calgary. Nominated as Instrumental Group of the Year, the Calgary String Quartet has completed live recordings of all the Beethoven String Quartets as well as the CD Far Behind I left My Country which features Klezmer and East European Folk Music.

Beth teaches at Mount Royal University Conservatory where she has been awarded the title, Distinguished Instructor of Cello. Additionally, Beth is also an instructor at The University of Calgary working with cellists in the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Beth has the great pleasure and privilege to perform on an award – winning cello made by her husband, Luthier, Christopher Sandvoss.

“The performance brought out its depth of passion…. Beth Root Sandvoss has a beautiful sound, coupled with an excellent sense of harmony.” -Gordon Rumson, Music and Vision

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cathedral as this renowned cellist and pianist perform contemporary and classical works. 

As a special festival treat, One Yellow Rabbit ensemble member Denise Clarke will join Beth and Susanne to present a movement work to the music of Arco Pärt’s “Spiegel im Spiegel” to complete this concert.

This concert is a proud community co-presentation with the High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts!