Instruments of Happiness is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2015 by the Canadian composer and guitarist Tim Brady. The ensemble is known for its unique approach to classical music, which combines traditional orchestral instruments with electric guitars and other contemporary instruments. The idea for Instruments of Happiness was born out of Brady's desire to create a new kind of classical music ensemble that would be able to explore the full range of possibilities offered by the electric guitar. Brady, who is himself an accomplished guitarist and composer, had long been fascinated by the potential of the electric guitar as a classical music instrument, and he saw an opportunity to create something truly innovative by bringing together a group of like-minded musicians who shared his vision. The ensemble's main members include Tim Brady himself, who serves as the group's artistic director and lead guitarist, as well as a number of other talented musicians from Canada and around the world. These include classical guitarists Antoine Berthiaume and Simon Duchesne, percussionist Shawn Mativetsky, and bassist Pierre-Yves Martel, among others. Since its founding, Instruments of Happiness has become known for its dynamic and engaging performances, which blend elements of classical music, rock, and experimental music to create a truly unique sound. The ensemble has performed at a number of major festivals and venues around the world, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Ottawa Chamberfest, and the Festival International de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville. One of the highlights of Instruments of Happiness' career came in 2017, when the ensemble released its debut album, Electric Guitar Quartet. The album, which features a collection of original compositions by Tim Brady, received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for a Juno Award in the category of Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber Ensemble. In addition to its performances and recordings, Instruments of Happiness is also committed to promoting the electric guitar as a serious classical music instrument. The ensemble regularly collaborates with composers and other musicians to commission new works for the electric guitar, and it has also developed a number of educational programs and workshops aimed at introducing young musicians to the instrument. Overall, Instruments of Happiness is a truly innovative and exciting classical music ensemble that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the electric guitar. With its dynamic performances, groundbreaking recordings, and commitment to education and outreach, the ensemble is sure to continue making waves in the classical music world for years to come.

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