The Métis Fiddler Quartet is one of Canada's most unique and versatile young musical groups today. Originally from Winnipeg, this Toronto based bilingual family group is renowned for their mastery of both traditional Canadian Métis fiddle music, as well as, classical repertoire. Siblings Nicholas, Conlin, Alyssa, and Danton believe in the importance of sharing this ancestral idiom of fiddle music, and continue to acquire and interpret fiddle tunes, exploring their cultural repertoire.
By exploring their Métis musical culture roots, they have fashioned a work of Métis tunes that honours that heritage while possessing a contemporary and fresh resonance.
Métis Fiddler Quartet has been honoured to study and perform various aboriginal fiddling styles with Elders from across Canada. These include Métis fiddler and dancer “Teddy Boy” Houle, Cree fiddler James Cheechoo, Saskatchewan Métis Fiddler John Arcand, and Colin Adjun from Kugluktuk Nunavut.
Métis Fiddler Quartet’s début CD, Oméigwessi Reel Métis: A Tribute to Walter Flett, won two 2008 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards: Best Fiddle and Best Instrumental. MFQ recently performed at the 2011 Alberta Aboriginal Youth Awards, a CTV televised event, and at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection 2011 Canada Day Celebration.
A few highlights for the Métis Fiddler Quartet include: 2010 Olympic Aborigiinal Pavilion performances, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian 20th Anniversary 2009 Gala Banquet performance, Washington D.C., 2009 Planet IndigenUs performance at Toronto Harbourfront, 2008 Canada Live recorded concerts at the Westend Cultural centre in Winnipeg and in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan; 2009 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in Winnipeg which has been aired on Global and APTN Television.
interests
Bikram yoga and music: Jazz, Classical, World