Categories Archives: Ensembles

Nova Brilliante

The combination of flute and harp has captivated listeners for centuries. Bringing together two of the most ancient instruments, flutist Patricia Creighton and harpist Karen Rokos formed Nova Brilliante to be able to create soundscapes for listeners that would not only be very pleasing and provocative, but also healing. Both artists have fully professional and long-standing orchestral and chamber careers. Their recent disc “Melodies of Love” was a 2008 ECMA Best Classical Album nominee, and their concerts are received enthusiastically.

NOVA BRILLIANTE presents many different styles of music, from renaissance through baroque, classical, latin, very modern, and even improvisation, depending upon the needs of the concert presenter. Their presentation is artful, seamless and totally engaging.

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      The Aeolian Singers

      Now in its 39th season, the Aeolian Singers began under the direction of founder Claire Wall as a program of Dartmouth Continuing Education. From 1976 to 1990 the choir performed under Claire’s direction, competing and winning in music festivals, making recordings, performing with Symphony Nova Scotia and touring throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and many parts of Canada. The Aeolians have always been enthusiastic champions of new music created for women’s voices, including commissions in those years supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the CBC, such as Dennis Farrell’s Vestigia and Alasdair MacLean’s Songs and Sayings, among other pieces. (more…)

          Rhapsody Quintet

          For more than 20 years Nova Scotia’s Rhapsody Quintet has thrilled and delighted audiences with its sparkling renditions of a wide range of music, including light classical, salon, musical theatre, jazz, tango, klezmer, movie music and more. Through their performances and recordings they have reached out across Canada and the world, performed for royalty, worked with school children and helped to raise funds for many deserving causes. (more…)

              Blue Engine String Quartet

              The Blue Engine String Quartet was formed in 1997 as the core ensemble of the Nova Scotia chamber music series, Blue Engine Music, a registered not-for-profit society. The quartet players are also members of Symphony Nova Scotia. From classical roots, the Quartet has expanded its horizons to perform innovative works that draw a wide-ranging audience to some of the East Coast’s most interesting chamber music programs. The Quartet and its guest artists has delighted Halifax with the music of such diverse musical minds as Shostakovich, Brahms, Copland, Steve Tittle, Arvo Pärt, Kurt Weill, Queen, The Turtles, Elvis Costello, Steve Reich, R. Murray Schafer, Christos Hatzis, P.D.Q. Bach, and Leonard Cohen. (more…)

                  Réjouissance

                  Karen Langille – baroque violin
                  Ivor Rothwell – baroque bassoon, recorder
                  Shawn Whynot – harpsichord
                  Hilary Brown – baroque cello

                  Réjouissance was founded in 1995 by Halifax musicians Karen Langille and Ivor Rothwell, both long time members of Symphony Nova Scotia. This ensemble specializes in the performance of 17th and 18th century music on period instruments, in historically informed style. The name “Réjouissance“ means rejoicing or merrymaking, and the ensemble strives to instill their performances with these sensibilities. Often, the musicians perform in18th century costume, and by candle light. (more…)

                      Maritime Brass Quintet

                      The Maritime Brass Quintet brings the highest calibre chamber music to concert halls, churches, festivals and schools across the Maritimes. The group is comprised of five of Canada’s finest brass players: Curtis Dietz and Richard Simoneau (trumpet), Gina Patterson (horn), Eric Mathis (trombone) and Bob Nicholson (tuba & bass trombone). (more…)