As Chernozem Duo, our artistic vision is grounded in the idea that music carries history in much the same way that land does. The term chernozem refers to fertile black earth found in parts of the Prairies and Eastern Europe, and it serves as a metaphor for our combined cultural roots and the shared musical experiences that have accumulated over many years of collaboration.
Since 2006, the artists of Chernozem Duo have cultivated a deeply collaborative chamber music relationship across several configurations and established an award-winning presence in Canadian music, performing from their teenage years in Brandon, Manitoba at the Brandon Festival of the Arts, the Manitoba Provincial Music & Arts Festival, stages of the National Music Festival, Winnipeg’s New Music Festival, the Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival, and in Montreal’s vibrant chamber scene. Their programs balance contemporary Canadian works by composers such as Jocelyn Morlock, Ana Sokolović, Jimmy Briére, T. Patrick Carrabré, Randolph Peters, and Christos Hatzis with a wide-ranging classical and Romantic repertoire.
Dr. Ariel Carrabré, originally from Brandon, Manitoba, is a laureate of the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition and a former winner of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Concerto Competition. He has appeared as a soloist with the WSO, was a national finalist in both the Canadian Music Competition and the National Music Festival, and has participated in prestigious programs including Morningside Music Bridge and Toronto Summer Music. Carrabré holds graduate degrees in music theory and performance and a Doctorate in Cello Performance from the Université de Montréal. His artistry is deeply informed by his Red River Métis heritage, reflecting a commitment to Métis repertoire and to research on sustainable and healthy performance practice for string players.
Dr. Daniel Tselyakov is recognized internationally for his emotional depth, technical command, and expressive virtuosity. Based in Brandon, Manitoba, he has performed across North America and Europe, appearing as a soloist with orchestras including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, San Luis Potosí Symphony Orchestra, and Canadian Sinfonietta. A prizewinner in competitions in Canada, the USA, and Italy, he holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, Université de Montréal, and a Doctorate from the University of Utah. Tselyakov is on the academic staff at Brandon University’s School of Music and serves as Co-Artistic Director of the Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival.
Drawing on deep roots in Canadian musical life and a strong affinity for Russian repertoire, the duo’s work reflects both personal heritage and formative artistic experiences. The name Chernozem refers to fertile black earth found in parts of the Canadian Prairies and Eastern Europe; a metaphor for the land that has shaped the duo’s cultural roots, as well as for the musical traditions that continue to inform their work. Their music-making reflects not only technical mastery but also a profound sense of musical narrative, cultural identity, and enduring ensemble chemistry, making every performance compelling, unique, and memorable.
Chernozem Duo — Daniel Tselyakov & Ariel Carrabré
Selected Press Quotes
“Chernozem Duo delivers performances that are expressive, engaging, and deeply connected; their musical partnership is immediately evident to the audience.” — Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival, Brandon & Erickson, Manitoba
“The synergy between Tselyakov and Carrabré is remarkable, presenting a program that is both thoughtful and emotionally compelling.” — Brandon Sun
Daniel Tselyakov — Piano
Selected Press Quotes
“Daniel plays as a nightingale sings with all that he is. And all who listen are enthralled for the love of it.” — Virtuosi Concert Series, Winnipeg, Manitoba
“Great to hear that such a gifted young pianist who together with players from the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra show that ‘local’ can mean ‘first rate’!” — Virtuosi Concert Series, Winnipeg, Manitoba
“One of several young musicians in a deep pipeline of keyboard talent coming out of Canada.” — Artsfile, Ottawa
“Daniel Tselyakov has garnered acclaim for the sensitivity and depth of his interpretations, as well as the rare emotional intensity, bold energy, and virtuosity that he brings to his performances.” — Ludwig-van.com, Toronto
“Daniel’s skills are truly exceptional, marked by a profound passion for his craft. His exciting performance of Kapustin’s Variations significantly contributed to the highest donation from our patrons this year.” — James Campbell, Festival of the Sound, Ontario
Ariel Carrabré - Cello
Selected Press Quotes
“Wonderful! So earthy and primal and moody all at once!” — composer Jeffrey Ryan regarding Ariel’s performance of Ryan’s work Bellatrix
arielcarrabre.com 