Pianist Janina Fialkowska plays here February 25. (Photo: Julien Faugère/ATMA)

In her youth, Janina Fialkowska’s name was associated with Chopin, since the renowned pianist Arthur Rubinstein had taken her under his wing and pronounced her “a born interpreter” of the great Polish composer.

Her name became synonymous with courage, as she conquered cancer that threatened in mid-career to destroy her ability to perform.

On February 25, the Montreal-born pianist returns to McGill’s Pollack Hall in a lyrical program including some of Chopin’s most beloved works, as well as short pieces by Edvard Grieg.

There will be a chance to witness her musical thinking in a master class the next evening.

Watching Fialkowska coach concert pianists-in-training provides a glimpse for musicians and classical music-lovers of the painstaking detail and passion that goes into the creation of an artist’s unique interpretation. 514-398-4547.

 CONCERT HONOURS YULI TUROVSKY

The Montreal musical community is deeply saddened by the death last month of cellist and conductor Yuli Turovsky, founder of I Musici of Montreal. The chamber orchestra, now directed by Jean-Marie Zeitouni, was created in 1983. His legacy includes a second orchestra assembled in 2011 called—poignantly or joyfully—Next Generation.

As a teacher he changed people’s lives. As a musician he elevated the cultural level of this city.

In a special concert on Sunday, March 17, I Musici doubles up with Les Violons du Roy, directed by Zeitouni in a program of works by Benjamin Britten, Vaughan Williams and Edward Elgar. Béla Bartòk’s exciting Romanian Folk Dances, orchestrated by Zeitouni and the haunting but rarely performed Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta are also featured.

Info: 514-982-6038, info@imusici.com. Tickets also available at 514-842-2112, pda.qc.ca.