On Wednesday, June 29, two of the brightest young artists to emerge from the burgeoning revitalization of traditional fiddle music, will play in a house concert here in the Comox Valley.
Emma Beaton (cello, banjo, voice) and Mariel Vandersteel (fiddle, hardanger fiddle) will delight their audience with their acoustic duet.
Mariel and Emma started playing together soon after meeting at Alasdair Fraser’s Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddle School in 2002. Growing up in a community of musicians, Emma and Mariel were introduced to the leading performers in a variety of traditions.
From Scandinavian to Old-Time to Irish and to Cajun, exposure to diverse musical sounds and textures nurtured Emma and Mariel to devise their own unique styles of playing.
Emma adapted dance tunes for the cello and conjured up her own rhythmic accompaniment style to suit the fiddle repertoire, while Mariel melded graceful Irish ornaments with the infectious rhythmic bowing of Old-Time fiddling.
Taking time off from touring with their respective bands, the pair will be up close in our living room for your musical enjoyment. Tickets are $15 (youth at half price), seating is limited and the concert starts at 7:30 with the door opening at 7.
For information on the location and tickets, contact Craig at 250-339-4249.