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The
Chris Norman Ensemble
Roots Music of Maritime Canada
www.chrisnorman.com
Program Offerings
Chris Norman: Solo & Duo
Presenter Resources
"The Chris Norman Ensemble wondrously demonstrated that classical and folk need
not necessarily be separate entities at all. They can intertwine to enchanting
effect.... Norman's agility with his wooden flutes was exceptional, as was his
way of conveying the expressive heart of each piece. He has formed a marvelous
ensemble of like-minded musicians." Cleveland Plain Dealer
The
finest wooden flute player in the world... and few that have heard him play
would dispute that description.
Halifax Mail Star
With flutes, pipes, guitar, mandolin, mandola, harmonium, bass, percussion, drums & vocals, the Chris Norman Ensemble reaches across five centuries of traditional, renaissance and baroque music with a range of energetic programs. Their originality, intelligence, fun, and sheer mastery have won them respect from audiences, presenters, and colleagues alike in North America, Europe and Asia. At the heart of the group is Chris Norman, whose brilliant and imaginative flute playing has contributed to groups as diverse as the The Baltimore Consort, Skyedance, Helicon, Chatham Baroque, Concerto Caledonia, as well as Hollywood soundtracks and seven solo recordings. His influential work as a performer, composer, educator, and director of the Boxwood Festival & Workshop has played a significant role in reviving the flute in traditional Scottish and Canadian music. The Ensemble's extraordinary range runs the gamut from dynamic performances headlining international folk festivals to programs for some of North America's most prestigious chamber and early music societies and universities. Education and public service is at the core of the group's values, and they regularly incorporate workshops, school programs, and community outreach into their tours.
Chris Norman
Ensemble
Program Offerings
Read a letter of appreciation for a Chris Norman Ensemble school residency.
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| Concerto Caledonia - click image for download |
Battle At the Forks
September 2008 marks the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Duquesne,
one of the pivotal showdowns during The Seven Years' War. Far more than an
isolated skirmish in a conflict often seen as a backdrop of the American
Revolution, the battle of Fort Duquesne came at the turning point of a
centuries-long conflict between the French and British in North America, the
Caribbean and Europe. The Chris Norman Ensemble joins with guests
Concerto Caledonia, dancers Pierre Chartrand and Anne Marie Gardette, to
weave together a fascinating and powerful program exploring the complex
dynamic of this moment in history. Music of Philidor, de la Barre, Reid,
Frederick the Great and CPE Bach as well as traditional American, Acadian,
Scots, English, French, and First Nations music is brought to life with
traditional and baroque dance, and with readings from the diaries of
George Washington, General John Forbes, Benjamin Franklin and others.
With guest artists Concerto Caledonia (David McGuinness-keyboards, melodica;
David Greenberg-violin; Alison McGillivray-cello); Pierre Chartrand-traditional and baroque dance; and
Anne Marie Gardette-traditional and baroque danc
Oliver's Travels - A multimedia
journey with Oliver Goldsmith
Flute player, writer, dramatist, poet, and legendary traveler Oliver Goldsmith
was born in Roscommon, Ireland in 1728. Our program celebrates his journeys,
writings and musical life with traditional and art music of 18th century Ireland,
Scotland, England, Holland, France, Switzerland and Italy as well as readings
from some of his most outstanding works. Guest artist Rod Cameron joins the
CNE for readings and songs as well as Scottish keyboardist David McGuinness.
Goldsmith's earthy wit and mission to reveal the absurdities of 18th century
"genteel" society make for a perfect match with the CNE's wide ranging creative
approach to the music of the era.
WIND
& WIRE - A baroque duo recital Chris Norman presents a recital of
mostly Scottish baroque music with harpsichord.
Composers include Scotsmen Oswald, McGibbon, and Reid, as well as the Italians
who were inspired by Scotland's music: Barsanti, Veracini, and Muffat. Some
gems from the standard repertoire of Boismortier and Bach may be included as
well as a few 18th c. dance tunes on flute and pipes. Harpsichordists are either
Byron Schenkmann, or David McGuinness. Recently performed at Seattle's Benaroya
Hall on 1/17/03.
Piper
in the Pantry - A uniquely aromatic exploration of flute and food
The CNE takes a peek behind the cupboard doors of early English, Irish and Scots
musical traditions at their intersection with the culinary arts, as well as
presenting a selection of favorites from their repertoire. The program roughly
follows the plan of a great meal - beginning with an apertif of a few flagons
of ale then exploring dance tunes, songs, and traditional airs associated with
everything from dairy, vegetables, meat, game, and seafood, to the digestif
of a few drams of whiskey. Guest fiddler David Greenberg is available for most
shows.
The
Caledonian Flute - Scottish music from the 16th-19th centuries
The CNE's critically acclaimed, groundbreaking program brings to life music
of 16th-19th c. Scotland. Guest artists David McGuinness (harpsichord, harmonium,
and melodica) and/or Ronn McFarlane (lute) regularly join the CNE quartet. "[The]
playing was always of wonderful virtuosity and expressiveness, either hurtling
through jigs, reels and two-steps, or sounding slow airs with passion and soulfulness.
. . some of the finest and most original playing in the world." Banffshire Journal
(Scotland)
In
the Fields in Frost and Snow - A program for the Christmas season
This is a seasonal program of dances, airs,
Noels, hymns, and songs from early sources with a special emphasis on the musical
heritage of Maritime Canada: Acadian, Scottish, French, German, English and
early American roots. The CNE strikes a fine balance combining blazing musicianship
with an eclectic contemporary approach that bridges traditional music with the
renaissance and baroque. Guest artists may include Canadian soprano Suzy Leblanc
and/or Scottish keyboardist David McGuinness. This program was broadcast nationally
in Canada 12/03.
Presenter Resources - Chris Norman Ensemble
Ensemble bios in Word format - short bios - long bios
Tech requirements - Chris Norman Ensemble
In-house sound system and one soundman.
90 minute soundcheck to begin 2 1/2 hours prior to performance
6-8 channels
2 vocal microphones, boom stands
1 instrument mic, boom stand
3 Dls.High resolution photo - click on the image below.
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