Yellowknife (Jan 12/07) - Yellowknife's most active classical musicians are bringing a day of learning and music to the capital this weekend.

On Saturday night, Classics On Stage Yellowknife (COSY), will host A Night of Chamber Music at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre.

Classics On Stage Yellowknife (COSY) members Deanna Roos, left, and Anita Kuzma play while Jo Russell turns pages during the NACC Classical Lunches Evening Concert last year. COSY hosts An Evening of Chamber Music tomorrow night at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre.- Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

The performance will feature pieces from Edmonton Symphony Orchestra concertmaster and violinist Martin Riseley, as well as renowned collaborative pianist Janet Scott-Hoyt.

"This is the first time COSY has brought in guest performers," said organizer Jo Russell.

The performance will consist of three pieces: Bach's Sonata No. 3 in E major, Stravinsky's Suite Italienne for violin and piano, as well as Franck's Sonata in A major.

Russell said both Riseley and Hoyt come from distinguished backgrounds.

Aside from his work as concertmaster with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Riseley has served as a soloist with orchestras in New Zealand, the US and Mexico, and obtained his doctorate in music from the renowned Juilliard School in New York.

Scott-Hoyt, meanwhile, has led the faculty of collaborative pianists at the Banff Centre for the Arts since 1995, following teaching stints at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and Augustana University College in Camrose, Alta.

There's more than just a performance to be had, however.

Earlier on Saturday, COSY will host a classical workshop with Scott-Hoyt, where the pianist and instructor can critique and encourage local classical players.

This is open to COSY members and anyone else who is willing to submit themselves to scrutiny.

Russell said this will be an excellent chance for classical performers to enhance their skills.

"It's nice to have somebody who specializes in the music we play, chamber music," she said. "It will be interesting to get some feedback from her."

Russell, who plays the clarinet, said she's looking forward to the class, even though it's been some time since she's had an official lesson.

"I'm very excited, and nervous as well," she said.

The class will also be a chance for classical fans to check out local musicians, such as the Brass Pains quintet, Anita Kuzma and Amy Hendricks on piano, and Russell, Hendricks and Claire Singer performing as a clarinet, piano and soprano trio.

"One of COSY's mandates is education and promoting classical music through education,"

Russell said. "This is a great way to do that."

The workshop takes place from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. tomorrow at NACC, followed by An Evening of Chamber Music at 8 p.m.