Formed in 2011, the New Brunswick Canada-based woodwind quintet Ventus Machina quickly became a major player on Canada’s east coast classical music scene, and continues to be an inventive musical force. Their flexible and dynamic style of performance—often presenting themed programs that at once engage, entertain, and educate—continues to attract and delight increasingly diverse audiences. Classically based and uncompromising in artistic quality, Ventus Machina makes regular excursions into other genres including jazz, opera, Latin and pop; challenging themselves and surprising their audiences.
Ventus Machina was honoured to be awarded Classical Artist of 2018 by Music NB. Their first album, In the Weeds, was nominated for an East Coast Music Award for Classical Album of the Year in May 2018. A work commissioned for Ventus Machina also received an ECMA nomination and was released in the form of an extended music video in early 2018. Many other video collaborations have followed, including an imaginative series with videographer Christopher Simpson. Most of these can be viewed on the Ventus Machina YouTube channel.
Ventus Machina has achieved a unique position in Canadian chamber music ensembles by breaking down stylistic and cultural barriers, partnering with musicians of all kinds as well as dancers, visual artists, authors, videographers. Now in their 11th season, their continued rise in national and international recognition, and their positive track record of attracting funding, point to the success of their artistic instincts. Their second CD, Roots, was recorded in the depths of the pandemic in 2020, and set a new course that featured original compositions and arrangements. Marcher à l’infini (2022) is yet a further broadening of reach—a visual album, featuring original arrangements of Acadian folk/pop songs by the legendary Denis Richard.
In addition to their many performances Ventus Machina presents two summer workshops each year; the week-long Wind Masters’ Workshop, and the Chamber Music Retreat for adults. During the school year they are found actively engaging in community outreach through their own initiatives and through partnerships with Symphony New Brunswick and other arts institutions. Individually they teach students at all levels, including at Mount Allison University and the University of Moncton.
The members of Ventus Machina are:
• Karin Aurell, flute – originally from Sweden, she brings a wealth of orchestral and chamber music experience. She is the driving force behind the quintet and much of its imaginative artistic thinking;
• Daniella Tejada-Cortes, oboe and english horn—Daniella crossed over the continent from Colombia to Quebec, where she completed a Masters in Music at the Univeristé de Montréal. Now in New Brunswick, Daniella is establishing herself as the go-to oboist in the province while teaching oboe to everyone from third-graders to university students.
• James Kalyn, clarinet and saxophone—renowned woodwind doubler and a professor at Mount Allison University, Kalyn has toured internationally with the Cleveland Orchestra. He now spends much of his creative energy writing and arranging music for Ventus Machina;
• Jon Fisher, horn – a native of British Columbia, Jon has played his way ever-eastward, studying in Calgary and Toronto before accepting a position in Saint John, NB, where he has made his mark as a teacher, performer and conductor;
• 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. He currently serves as Secretary for the Council of Canadian Bassoonists, a Canadian registered charity.
Former founding members:
• Christie Goodwin, oboe (2011-2023) – hailing from Alberta, this Prairie girl has played with orchestras and chamber music groups across the country. She was the manager and soul of the quintet. Christie is now Manager of the Peterborough Symphony.
• Patrick Bolduc, bassoon (2011-2023) – with a little Quebecois ‘joie de vivre’, a lot of humour, and wide-ranging performing experience, Patrick brought boundless energy to the quintet. He is now national sales manager for Shimano Canada, and is still an active performer.
• Ulyses Aragon, horn (2011-2017) – originally from Venezuela, Ulyses studied in Germany and brought the best of the European traditions of high orchestral standards to the ensemble. His playing on the CD In the Weeds is unforgettable.
• Jean-Guy Boisvert, clarinet (2011-2014) – Jean-Guy is professor of music at the University of Moncton. His deep knowledge and high standards were critical to forming the professional voice of the quintet.
Contact: info@ventusmachina.com /Tel: 1-506-536-8762
