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. Other video collaborations have followed.
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;
• Christie Goodwin, oboe – hailing from Alberta, this Prairie girl has played with orchestras and chamber music groups across the country. She is the manager and soul of the quintet;
• 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;
• Patrick Bolduc, bassoon – with a little Quebecois ‘joie de vivre’, a lot of humour, and wide-ranging performing experience, Patrick brings boundless energy to the quintet.
Contact: ventusmachina.com/ email: ventusmachina@yahoo.ca /Tel: 1-506-381-7769
