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music | by Peggy Stortz "They have developed the confidence to incorporate the movements that go with the lively nature of Celtic music," observes Knutson. "I think that's been a real revelation to a lot of kids. It's not just about playing notes that are w r i t t e n . It's playing the soul of the music, feeling the movement and feeling the energy." b y Paul R u d n i c k seasons tickets o n s a l e n o w ! n o v d e c 2 1 7 come to our House we'll entertain y o u The removal of the music stands has made the Ensemble more mobile and, in the right environment, they can just walk in and play, as they did at the recent FANS Award Gala. With a mandate to become an active integral part of the community, this accessibility means they play more, heightening their profile and reaching a broader audience. To date, they have appeared at the Harmony Arts Festival, the Harrison Festival of the Arts, Year 2000 Canada Day Celebration and the Place des Arts in Coquitlam. There is now a twelve-member affiliate group, the Coquitlam Celtic Ensemble. b y Tom S t o p p a r d j a n J a n 1 0 2 5 * t & c r e a l i n s p e c t o r ° r P ^ * t h e tickets >· -a. m Adult Student Senior $39 $30 $30 the place Presentation H o u s e Theatre 3 r d & Chesterfield N o r t h Vancouver 4 blocks from the SeaBus The Ensemble plays in different configurations depending on the venue and situation. The instrumentation consists of several violins, violas, a cello, upright bass, percussion, woodwinds, keyboard, guitar and bouzouki. Future plans include the addition of a mandolin and horns as w e l l as c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h o t h e r artistic disciplines, especially dancers. VENUS by Maureen Hunter m a r a p r 2 7 1 2 . 0 the contact ^ Celtic music is widespread throughout the world. It comes not only from the British Isles but also from Scandinavia, Brittany, Spain, Persia and India. This cultural richness encourages a variety of arrangements w i t h diverse influences like African percussion, jazz and modern electronic music. "Any art form that sustains is able to go off in different directions and incorporate all sorts of different voices," says Knutson. The proliferation of Cejtic music, dance and art in the last couple of decades attests to its versatility. N o w O p e n I n N o r t h V a n c o u v e r But why this increased popularity of all things Celtic? "I like to think of it as a recessive gene," Knutson responds with a smile. " I t surfaces from time to time. Canadians have a constant need to seek out our roots, that fabric that is woven through us. Celtic music is part of it." Creative 0 0 Solutions o p u s ART SUPPLIES Celtic music touches all ages with energy and vitality. Everyone seems to have an affinity or affiliation with it. Those who aren't dancing are at least tapping their toes, nodding their heads or clapping their hands. No one stands still. The North Shore Celtic Ensemble is getting busier by the day. "The CD is opening up more opportunities for us to play at festivals," says Cornwall. In order to participate in these festivals and other events, they need to augment their funding. Up to now, the group has supported itself through membership fees, concert proceeds, CD sales and copious amounts of volunteerism. In response to their increased popularity, Giguere and Knutson have set up a society and are presently in the process of getting non-profit status. for the 'where artists prefer to shop' Profiday Season! For m o r e i n f o r m a i o n a b o u t t h e N o r t h S h o r e C e l t i c E s e m b l e a n d t h e i r c o n c e r t s d u r i n g t h e h o l i d a y s e a s o n , call 6 ( M . 9 8 6 . C E L T ( 2 3 5 8 ) 1 2 0 w w L o n s d a l e w . o p A v e n u e , u s f r a N o r t h m i n g V a n c o u v e r . . c o m N o v e m b e r | D e c e m b e r 5