A Perfect Pairing of Cello and Piano for a Rapt and Delighted Audience
Internationally acclaimed cellist Nicholas Canellakis and renowned pianist/composer Michael Stephen Brown brought their unique and beautiful sound to the Queensborough Performing Arts Center stage in Canellakis-Brown Duo, a special recital presented by the Department of Music on February 18.
Steven Dahlke, Music Professor (choral and vocal music, sight-singing and ear-training), welcomed everyone, commenting that The Washington Post wrote that Canellakis and Brown “play with their antennae tuned to each other.” Steven added that, “Their music making is of the highest order.”
Among those in the audience were three students from the Music Production Program, who helped hang microphones and set-up cameras to “learn about camera and microphone placement to get the most effective picture and sound.” Dwight Drapper said his passion is creating game soundtracks. Alexander El-Div, also a game soundtrack enthusiast, will graduate in spring 2026. Isdore Ekwebelem, also planning to graduate this spring, said, “I want to understand the inner workings of recording music, and continue my education in sonic arts.”
Nicholas Canellakis performed as a young cellist at Queensborough when his father, Martin Canellakis, a former long-time faculty member in the Music Department, was Conductor for the Queensborough Orchestra.
Dr. Kip Montgomery, Associate Professor, Music (history of music/theory), who started teaching at Queensborough in 1997, said that over the years he enjoyed “very pleasant” conversations about music with Professor Canellakis.
“It’s wonderful that Nick is living up to his father’s legacy as an excellent cellist,” said Mark Russell Amsterdam, Interim Director, Queensborough Performing Arts Center.
The program began with Chopin’s Polonaise brillante in C Major, Op. 3, Sonata for Solo Cello György Ligeti (1953), then an original piece composed by Michael Stephen Brown, Four Lakes for Children for Solo Piano (2024).
Brahms’s Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op. 99 followed before the last movement, Bulgarian Bulge (Don Ellis/Arr. Canellakis).
Dr. Montgomery added, “Nick’s familial connection to QCC influenced my desire to bring him and Michael to the College. But even without that connection, I would have been thrilled to have musicians of their caliber and reputation play a concert here.”
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