Ensemble Polaris was founded in the spring of 1997 and first performed for Toronto's Northern Encounters Festival later that year. Made up of seven gifted instrumentalists from the Toronto early, folk, new, improvisational and 'independent' music communities, the group reflects an uncommon diversity of musical backgrounds and sensibilities, all of which contributeto their work together.
Although some Scottish and Latvian ancestry can indeed be traced in the group, Polaris's exploration of circumpolar traditional tunes stems mainly from their affinity and respect for the music and for each other, and from a desire to enjoy themselves with musical creativity.
Kirk Elliott, Margaret Gay, Ben Grossman, Catherine Keenan, Terry McKenna, Alison Melville and Colin Savage are Ensemble Polaris.
Review of Ensemble Polaris's - Midnight Sun:
"Ancient songs with extraordinary words, laments and dances are all reworked here for modern ears. The arrangements are absolutely spot on - inventive yet never flashy, the result stimulating yet meditative...a tantalising, beautiful collection..." Classic CD
* Midnight Sun - Dorian 93195, January 2000
Traditional tunes from Scandinavia, the Baltic and Scotland with a Canadian twist.
A.M. on flute/recorder with Colin Savage, clarinet/recorder; Margaret Gay, cello/button accordion; Catherine Keenan, hurdy-gurdy; Kirk Elliot, harp/guitar/mandolin/dulcimer/pipes; Terry McKenna, lute/guitar/bouzouki; Ben Grossman, percussion/santur/jew's harp; and guest vocalists Sarah Granskou and Tiina Orpana
