Every once in a while, a project comes along that feels so new and exciting and unknown that I think about it all the time. “The Night Sky” was one of these. I first got an email from Jordan Nobles about it in December with the 88 constellations spread across the attachment. He drew out each constellation onto sheet music and he wrote each star as a note then connected the lines to create the shape of each particular constellation. The ones in the northern hemisphere were written in the treble clef and the ones in the southern hemisphere were written in the bass clef.
I love Jordan’s creativity and his willingness to think about music in ways that I could never dream of. Then he allows so much flexibility to his musicians that I find it very fun to collaborate and work on this creations.
Here is my favourite constellation because my dad taught me how to find it in the sky when I was very young. I look for it every time I can see the stars:
I gave Jordan at least three takes on each constellation where I would try to interpret them all differently. For example, if there was a distinct line that felt like it should be followed, I would do that instead of reading the music conventionally from left to write. Sometimes, little closed sections of the constellations made us think that they should be played a few times. In others, it felt like a gliss was needed to connect specific notes.
Here are about a dozen of the constellations in a video with me playing them while the constellation is up to see what exactly I am playing:
When listening to this music, do not think of it as melody and accompaniment because that does not exist in this composition. Rather, imagine looking up at the night sky and seeing the stars, some clearer than others, creating a tapestry of randomness to be admire and lost in.
The album is out now and can be found on Bandcamp. If you scroll to the bottom of the songs on this site, or click here Jordan has put together one track of all of them being randomly played and layered. I think this is my favourite way to listen to it.
It is with great excitement that we announce the “The Nadeau Ensemble: A Prairie Christmas” is returning to the stage! It’s official! Tickets are now live for all tour dates across the province and we are thrilled to bring this year’s remarkable cast of musicians your way. We are overjoyed to return to the stage with Christmas classics and the magnificent joy that abounds when music and community come together.
We are featuring some incredible musicians this year! For the first time with the group, Quintin Bart joins us on hurdy gurdy and bass along with Natanielle Felicitas on cello. My longtime friend and colleague, Joaquin Ayala (not pictured here) will be returning on nyckelharpa, symphonie and harmonium.
Pinawa – November 24 – Pinawa Community Centre – 7:30PM
Winkler – November 26 – Emmanuel Mennonite Church- 2:00PM
Deloraine – November 28 – Winchester Theatre 7:00PM
Fannystelle – December 2- Children’s Afternoon Concert – 3:00PM
It’s a hallmark year in Pinawa with the Eastern Manitoba Concert Association celebrating its 50th season. Pinawa holds a special place in my heart and it is an absolute honour to kick off the tour in this heartwarming town.
Winkler is also celebrating a banner year with Southern Manitoba Concert’s 50th year of presenting captivating artists to South Central Manitoba audiences. We are honoured to be included among the shows in Winkler’s remarkable musical history.
Tickets available at The Flower Shop in Altona, Morklers in Morden and Bloom Floral Creative in Winkler.
Deloraine, Manitoba
Tuesday, November 28 · 7:00 pm
Winchester Theatre
The Winchester Theatre will be shining with holiday music and light for the evening performance of beloved holiday classics. We are so grateful for the grassroots community support with tickets being available through our local friends in Deloraine.
To purchase advance tickets, you can call
Kim Sunaert at 204-522-5041 or Barb Williams at 204-665-2248.
Fannystelle, Manitoba
Two Performances on Saturday, December 2
The Nadeau Ensemble returns with two shows in my beloved hometown, Fannystelle. For the first time, we’re presenting an Afternoon Children’s Concert at 3pm catering to the little ones in your life. Enjoy a shorter one-hour performance, interactive instrument demonstrations for kids, a carol sing-a-long of Silent Night with the show wrapping long before your nighttime routine.
The Evening Performance at 7pm also returns to the enormously supportive community at Sacred Heart Church. Featuring the Christmas classics you know and love, the show unlocks the warmth of the holiday season shared in our community brimming with Christmas spirit.
Thank you, Winnipeg! Tickets are flying for our Winnipeg performance at Club Regent Event Centre on December 5. Visit the link below to view the seats that remain and get yours secured now. We hope to see you there!
A huge thank you goes to our incredible sponsors for this year’s tour: Platinum Sponsor:
Tony Roma’s
Gold Sponsors:
Nadeau Seeds Inc
Arnold Brothers Transport Ltd
Bronze:
Steinbach Credit Union
Scott Wolds Chartered Professional Accounts
Meridian
Valley Agro Services Ltd
A huge thank you goes to our incredible sponsors for this year’s tour: