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About Gemini
GEMINI, an apt title for a duo whose members are identical twins. Julie and Valerie Rutter both responded to music from an early
age after hearing some of Schumann's piano music at their first kindergarten school assembly.
Their first exposure to classical music inspired them to rush up to the pianist and beg for lessons.
They have never looked back! Born and educated in Birmingham, England, Val and Julie studied at
the Birmingham Conservatoire where between them they gained eight diplomas with first class honours
and distinction on their dual instruments as well as numerous prizes as soloists and chamber
musicians. Now living on the Sunshine Coast, B.C., and further to their individual performing careers in Europe,
as GEMINI they continue to tour in Canada and the US. Their two CDs frequently receive airplay on CBC
and the first one: "Dances for Duo" was nominated in 1999 for the best classical album by West Coast Music Awards.
Their most recently developed show for young audiences "Beethoven and the Boys" has received highest ranking at ArtScan 2004 and they have been featured with the
Victoria and Edmonton Symphonies with their special collaborative presentation of Saint-Saens' Carnival of the Animals.
VALERIE-ANN RUTTER
Piano & Recorders
A founding member of many ensembles with
international artists such as James Davis (former
Concert Master of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and The BBC Philharmonic), Val’s career highlights include performances of piano as well as recorder concertos with several chamber orchestras,(e.g. The English String Orchestra).
She made her London debut in 1987 at St. Martin’s in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, gave six world
premieres, and was piano collaborator in many master classes with artists such as Jacqueline du Pré.
Val has given recitals in countless music series and major music festivals, including Cheltenham, Malvern
and The Three Choirs; recorded for Nimbus, commissioned many new works, and broadcast on radio
and television. In Canada she has founded and performed extensively with The Artemis Trio
and Gemini. Val also performs with soprano and harpist Wendy Humphreys ,and as a soloist.
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JULIE RUTTER
Piano & Flutes
After venturing into other musical worlds on her many travels, including jazz studies in England, Julie
brings a fresh approach to GEMINI. After her move from England, where highlights included performances of Bach’s
Brandenburg Concerto No.5 as flute soloist, and collaborations with Stephen Isserlis, she arrived in
Canada in 1981 and since then has given numerous solo and chamber recitals. From 1986 to 1992 she was
resident accompanist at The Kathau-mix International Festival which also featured her as flute soloist.
She has been a regular accompanist with the Vancouver Children’s Choir, Vancouver Bach Choir
(Children’s and Youth), the Amadeus Children’s Choir and Douglas College Children’s Choir.
Her twin sister, Valerie, joined Julie in Canada in 1992. They have both performed with
soprano and harpist Wendy Humphreys, and of course extensively as the duo GEMINI.
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Gemini's School Show Study Guide
"Dances for Duo"
Nominated
for "Best Classical Album" 1999 West Coast Music Awards
"The Sound of Moosick"
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