Skye Consort & Emma Bjorling
Photo: Danylo Bobyk
Skye Consort & Emma Björling perform trans-Atlantic arrangements of songs & tunes from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, England, Québec, Acadia, the USA, as well as original compositions. Each musician brings their own individual interpretation to these traditions to create this extraordinary collaboration, consisting of voices, fiddle, nyckelharpa, cello, bouzouki, banjo, and percussion. An assortment of whirling polskas, groovy reels, passionate love songs, breathtaking hymns, and original compositions.
Skye Consort and Emma met during a La Nef project in Montréal in October 2017 and 'thanks to' their mutual love for each other's musicianship and Emma's cancelled flight they decided to start this band.
Photo: Danylo Bobyk
Emma Björling (lead voice, shruti box, perc.) is an award-winning Swedish singer, composer, arranger, active in the renowned Scandinavian bands Kongero and Lyy. Both bands have toured the world, and are busy in the European Folk/Trad scene. Emma teaches and conducts workshops all over the world.
Alex Kehler (fiddle, nyckelharpa & vocals) is a member of La Nef, Soulwood, a Kehler Williams duo, Les Siffleurs de nuits, and also busy playing with Suzie LeBlanc, Jeremiah McLane, Timmothy Cummings. Alex is also a much-coveted teacher at camps and courses.
Amanda Keesmaat (cello & vocals) is a member of La Nef, a vibrant presence in the Montréal early music community, and has recorded and performed with many prominent singers and renowned ensembles. Amanda has recorded for ATMA discs, Early-Music.com, Fidelio, Analekta, ombú, CBC Radio and CBC Television, BRAVO and Radio-Canada. Amanda also teaches regularly.
Seán Dagher (cittern/bouzouki, banjo & vocals) is the artistic director of La Nef and an active performer, arranger, and composer of music from various folk and classical music traditions. He has been nominated for numerous Adisq awards and participated in the Adisq-winning CD, La Traverse Miraculeuse with La Nef and Les Charbonniers de l’enfer.
