Andrew Balfour is the founder, conceptual creator and Artistic
Director of Camerata Nova. In addition to extensive choral experience
(singing, directing, coaching and clinician work with a range of choirs
in Manitoba), Andrew has become a serious composer and arranger. He also
specializes in creating “concept concerts” (Wa Wa Tey Wak, Medieval
Inuit, Falls the Shadow) for Camerata Nova, where a theme is explored
through an eclectic choice of music, including new works written for the
performance, and innovative inter-genre and interdisciplinary
collaborations.
Of Cree descent, Andrew started writing his own compositions in 1998.
Since then, he has written a body of choral, instrumental and orchestral
work, including Gregorio’s Nightmare, Raven Can Tango, Wa Wa Tey Wak
(Northern Lights), Fantasia on a Poem by Rumi, Missa Brevis, Medieval
Inuit, Kihewetaniy (Eagle Feather), and Voice of the Lake.
Many of Andrew’s works have been performed and/or broadcast locally,
nationally and internationally. As well, several are featured on
Camerata Nova recordings. In 2010, two new orchestral works by Andrew
are being premiered: Manitou Sky was performed by the Winnipeg
Symphony Orchestra (WSO) in June and Oscana will be performed
by the Regina Symphony Orchestra in September with Andrew conducting.
Andrew has been involved extensively in editing and arranging music
for 20 years. Since Camerata Nova's inception in 1996, he has
specialized in arrangements of medieval, Renaissance, early Baroque and
Byzantine choral music. Andrew has also produced many experimental
arrangements using unusual instruments in conjunction with voice.
Camerata Nova is proud to possess a unique choral library, of which many
pieces are Balfour arrangements.
Andrew was Curator of the first Indigenous Festival sponsored by the
WSO in 2009 and Composer-in-Residence of the same Indigenous Festival in
2010. He also does extensive music education work in Winnipeg schools,
primarily as part of the WSO outreach program.
In 2007, Andrew received the Mayor of Winnipeg’s Making a Mark Award,
sponsored by the Winnipeg Arts Council to recognize the most promising
midcareer artist in the city. |
avemariasongs.org
