Viola Borealis Marina Thibeault, Orchestre de l'Agora & Nicolas Ellis

• Pēteris Vasks (b. 1946): Concerto for viola and string orchestra:
• 1 Vasks: Concerto for viola and string orchestra: I. Andante 07:17
• 2 Vasks: Concerto for viola and string orchestra: II. Allegro moderato 07:32
• 3 Vasks: Concerto for viola and string orchestra: III. Andante 10:37
• 4 Vasks: Concerto for viola and string orchestra: IV. Adagio 08:58
• Melody McKiver (b. 1988): Reckoning:
• 5 McKiver: Reckoning: VI. Ningodwaaswi (Arr. for viola by François Vallières, Transc. Robert Drisdelle) 02:30
• 6 McKiver: Reckoning: II. Niizh (Arr. for viola by François Vallières, Transc. Robert Drisdelle) 05:10
• Georg Philipp Telemann (1681 - 1767): Concerto for viola, strings, and continuo in G major, TWV51:G9:
• 7 Telemann: Concerto for viola, strings, and continuo in G major, TWV51:G9: I. Largo 03:16
• 8 Telemann: Concerto for viola, strings, and continuo in G major, TWV51:G9: II. Allegro 02:38
• 9 Telemann: Concerto for viola, strings, and continuo in G major, TWV51:G9: III. Andante 02:46
• 10 Telemann: Concerto for viola, strings, and continuo in G major, TWV51:G9: IV. Presto 03:34
• Total Runtime 54:18

Info for Viola Borealis

With her latest album, Viola Borealis, violist Marina Thibeault explores the musical links between several northern cultures. From the 2016 concerto by Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks to solo works by Anishinaabe composer Melody McKiver to the very first viola concerto—composed around 1716 by Telemann—the elections on this album showcase the spellbinding talent of Thibeault, who is joined by Orchestre de l’Agora under Nicolas Ellis.

Of special note are two pieces for solo viola by Melody McKiver. “Ningodwaaswi” and “Niizh” are part of Reckoning, a larger work dedicated to the memory of the composer’s grandmother, a residential school survivor.

“What a beautiful meeting in music! Marina’s interpretation of my viola concerto is truly excellent. She has captured and sensed my message. It is a pleasure to witness her own personal vision and understanding of it. We are together a double power. The way to confirm love and light in the viola concerto is not an easy one. She has power, confidence and, of course, excellent performance skills. And that is why the audience believes in her!“ (Pēteris Vasks)

Marina Thibeault, alto, viola
Orchestre de l'Agora
Nicolas Ellis, direction

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Booklet for Viola Borealis