Quartetto Gelato, which appeared Monday at Severna Park High School as part of the Anne Arundel Community Concert Association's series, took its name from the Italian word for ice cream, and its sound matches its name: smooth and sweet.

The Canadian musicians displayed great versatility in a program that ranged from Viennese confections to contemporary American pieces, performed on violin, oboe, cello, guitar and accordion. And in honor of St. Patrick's Day, they played the Irish tune "Danny Boy," sung by violinist and tenor Peter De Sotto with feeling that touched the heart.

Cynthia Steljes, an oboist who doubles on the English horn, gave a haunting and exotic performance of "Four Bagatelles" by Antonin Dvorak with Joseph Macerollo echoing the lovely melodies on his accordion. Macerollo made his instrument sound like an orchestra.

The quartet, with fourth member, George Meanwell, a cellist who also plays guitar, went from a 19th-century Czech composer to a 20th-century American, offering "Prelude and Dance" by Paul Creston. The work had a spontaneous sound, filled with expansive melody.

Also on the program were such familiar favorites as a suite from Richard Strauss' "Der Rosenkavalier," played in a lovely, lilting style; Augustin Lara's infectious "Granada," and a fiery Hungarian Czardas by Vittorio Monti.

The unusual combination of instruments added an interesting dimension to the quartet's sound. Each member took a turn introducing selections with clever banter that shows us that they are each adept at communicating with charming wit.

German pianist Jan Gottlieb Jiracek comes to town April 13 as the last performer in the series.

Information: 410-647-6873 or 410-647-8912.

Pub Date: 3/18/99