Recital features celebrated pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico

Christina poses with a piano
image by Bo Huang

York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD) will honour the artistry of world-renowned pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico with a recital, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

For more than 40 years, the world-renowned pianist and York University music Professor Christina Petrowska Quilico has been instrumental in developing future generations of music industry changemakers at the York University School of Arts, Music, Performance and Design.

Christina Petrowska Quilico
Christina Petrowska Quilico

On Sept. 29, AMPD will celebrate her lifelong commitment to the arts, education and advocacy with a special event “Celebrating Christina: Christina Petrowska Quilico in Recital,” held at the Keele Campus in the Tribute Communities Recital Hall.

A virtuoso and versatile pianist, an enthusiastic advocate for new music, and a seasoned performer with more than 50 recordings to her credit, four of which were nominated for JUNO awards, Petrowska Quilico has moved international audiences for over 60 years.

At AMPD, Petrowska Quilico is a beloved member of the Department of Music faculty. Her passion has inspired current musicians, including singer-songwriter Sarah Slean. Her boundless creativity deeply connected her with fellow faculty, including the late violinist Jacques Israelievitch and baritone saxophonist/composer David Mott. Astronaut and York University alumnus Steve MacLean twice took her recordings into space with him.

As a full professor, Petrowka Quilico was one of the esteemed winners of the University’s annual research awards in 2021 and 2022, after having been selected as a 2020 York Research Leader. In 2020, Petrowska Quilico was inducted into the Order of Canada “for her celebrated career as a classical and contemporary pianist and for championing Canadian music.” She would also be recognized nationally again in 2021, being named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada “for outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievement.”

Petrowska Quilico continues to add new music to her repertoire. At the same time, she maintains a busy schedule with a slate of live performances and the launch of new recordings. All are welcome to join AMPD in celebrating all Petrowska Quilico’s accomplishments and her marvellous journeys yet to be performed.

Celebrating Christina: Christina Petrowska Quilico in Recital will take place Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m., in the Tribute Communities Recital Hall. Tickets are $20, students and seniors $15 and are available at https://secure1.tixhub.com/yorku/online/index.asp.