Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Ensemble Polaris is a Canadian classical music ensemble that specializes in performing traditional music from Scandinavia and other parts of the world. The ensemble was founded in 1997 by Kirk Elliott, a musician and composer who had a passion for exploring the rich musical traditions of different cultures. The founding members of Ensemble Polaris included Elliott on guitar, mandolin, and percussion, along with Margaret Gay on cello, Colin Savage on recorder and clarinet, and Katherine Hill on nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish stringed instrument. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include other musicians, such as Ben Grossman on hurdy-gurdy and percussion, and Alison Melville on flute and recorder. One of the defining features of Ensemble Polaris is its commitment to exploring and celebrating the diversity of traditional music from around the world. The ensemble's repertoire includes music from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, with a particular focus on the folk music of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Ensemble Polaris has performed at a wide range of venues and events, including festivals, concerts, and cultural events across Canada and around the world. Some of the ensemble's most notable performances include appearances at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, and the Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound, Ontario. In addition to its live performances, Ensemble Polaris has also released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Midnight Sun" (2004), "Uncharted Waters" (2008), and "The Silent City" (2013). These albums showcase the ensemble's unique blend of traditional and contemporary music, and have earned the group a loyal following among fans of world music and classical music alike. Over the years, Ensemble Polaris has received numerous awards and accolades for its contributions to the world of classical music. In 2005, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Juno Award for Best Roots and Traditional Album, and in 2014, it was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Instrumental Group. Despite its success and recognition, Ensemble Polaris remains committed to its mission of exploring and celebrating the rich musical traditions of different cultures. Through its performances, recordings, and collaborations with other musicians and artists, the ensemble continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world with its unique blend of classical and world music.

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