Now in its 15th year, Ventus Machina is a cornerstone of the New Brunswick music scene, with a strong digital presence and a growing audience both nationally and internationally. True to its classical roots, the group continues to push genre boundaries with adventurous explorations into jazz, Latin, pop, rock, and even bluegrass. Ventus Machina’s frequent collaborations with local musicians and personalities – both musical and non-musical – have fostered deep connections within the Anglophone and Francophone communities across the region. Through these collaborations, the group has honed its distinctive voice, often commissioning new works for traditional and extendedinstrumentation, and performing stunning original arrangements and re-compositions by the group’s clarinetist, James Kalyn.
Ventus Machina’s second album, Roots, recorded in 2020 and released on the Leaf Music, garnered attention for its originality, accessibility, and rich sound profile. Roots was nominated for MusicNB’s Album of the Year in 2021. Thegroup’s first visual album, Marcher à l’infini, was released in winter 2022 and marked another significant step in their innovative output. Their debut album, In the Weeds (2017) earned a nomination for the East Coast Music Award for Classical Album of the Year in 2018. Ventus Machina was also named Classical Artist of the Year at the 2018 MusicNBAwards and was featured at Francofête en Acadie in both 2019 and 2020.
Beyond their performances, Ventus Machina presents a popular annual summer workshop—a chamber music retreat weekend for adult musicians. During the academic year, the group is actively involved in community outreach, both through their own initiatives and partnerships with Symphony New Brunswick, Resurgo Place Museum, local universities, and area care homes. Each member also teaches students of all levels, including at Mount AllisonUniversity and the University of Moncton.
The Members of Ventus Machina are:
Karin Aurell, flutes – Originally from Sweden and now proudly settled in Canada, Karin brings extensiveorchestral and chamber music experience, boundless energy, and a drive for forward momentum to the quintet.
Daniella Tejada Cortes, oboe and English horn – Hailing from Bogotá, Colombia, Daniella moved toCanada to pursue a master’s degree in oboe performance at Université de Montréal. A passionate Sistema teaching artist based in Moncton, she shares her love for music with young people throughout the region.
James Kalyn, clarinet and saxophone – Renowned for his work as a woodwind doubler, composer,arranger, and professor at Mount Allison University, James’ creative vision continually drives the group to explore new technical and stylistic territory.
Jon Fisher, horn – A BC native who has journeyed eastward, Jon has studied in Calgary and Toronto before settling in Saint John, NB, where he has established himself as a respected teacher, performer, and band director.
Neil Bishop, bassoon – Originally from St. John's, Newfoundland, and now residing in Saint John, Neil is a dedicated bassoonist and teacher with Sistema NB and the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra faculty. Hecurrently serves as Secretary for the Council of Canadian Bassoonists, a Canadian registered charity.
