A piano and cello duo hailing from the prairies is bringing their classical sounds to the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) Concert Series. Come together Although cellist David Liam Roberts and pianist Godwin Friesen are not biological brothers, their shared craft has made them family. “We were just born into families that were already full of musicians,” explains Roberts. Roberts says his three older siblings play violin, so he was handed a cello at the age of three. “Their violin teacher, I think, was a little bit sick of our family so she suggested I play the cello.” The duo began playing together in 2021, when they were both studying in Toronto at the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School of Music. “We’ve been playing a lot together as the Prairie Sons in the last couple of years,” he notes. in 2025, the two have performed roughly 40 concerts across the prairies. Creating an atmosphere “Classical music is one of these art forms that you can appreciate more, the more you know about it,” Friesen says. “There’s such an opportunity to connect with the arts, whether you get the whole backstory or whether you’re just enjoying the pictures it’s painting in your mind.” The duo aims to create immersive atmospheres, connecting with audiences through their storytelling and musicality. “One of the key things about classical music is it’s meant to be shared in real time... I think there’s a kind of connecting to something very real and natural that we get to do with classical music.” Music to the ears Their program includes classical staples and reimagined Canadian favourites, as well as an original piece by Friesen titled When Brothers Dwell Together. “It’s about that difficult thing to have a good relationship with your brother. There’s going to be conflict in that piece, but ultimately, reconciliation and collaboration,” explains Friesen. In addition to the original score, Prairie Sons will play a few Métis fiddler tunes by Andy de Jarlis — from Woodridge, Manitoba. Prairie Sons are coming to the Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS) Theatre on Nov. 2, 2025. To purchase tickets, visit the SAC website. With files from Laura Kathleen Turner