The Métis Fiddlers (Performance + Interactive Workshop)
Sunday 11 Sept 10:45am — The Backyard at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre + livestream
Métis siblings Alyssa and Conlin were born in Winnipeg, Manitoba where they nurtured a passion for music from an early age. Building on their foundations in classical music studies, they mentored with Indigenous elders from across Canada to develop their repertoire. Together with their two younger siblings they form Métis Fiddler Quartet. The group’s debut album North West Voyage Nord Ouest won best traditional album at the 2012 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
The group performs for audiences across Canada, including recent performances at the 2015 Parapan Am games opening ceremony, as well as La Grande Gigue, a collaboration with the Caprice Baroque Ensemble for the 2016 Montreal Baroque Festival, at the opening ceremonies for the 2017 North American Indigenous Games, and most recently with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.
Having completed her doctorate of music in the spring of 2018 with highest honours from the jury, Alyssa was selected as the Indigenous representative of Kuné, Canada’s Global Orchestra – a project founded and supported by the Royal Conservatory of Music.
In addition to his work as a musician and performer, Conlin received his JD from the U of T Faculty of Law in June 2022. He is currently enrolled in the Law Practice Program at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Performance will also include an interactive workshop suitable for all ages.
Kakashkabatek – Smothered in smoke: kick up the dirt the Métis way. Informed by facilitator Alyssa’s Red River Métis lineage- come learn a few words in Western Michif, try your hand at accompanying live fiddle on spoons and enjoy some Métis aerobics by jigging. No materials or previous experience necessary. Suitable for all ages and abilities.