Café Paradiso and Fairfield Muse are excited to host renowned “transatlantic chamber folk” ensemble Skye Consort & Emma Björling on Saturday, January 28. Having received numerous awards, including the prestigious Opus Award for “2019 Album of the Year” for their last album, these musicians promise a very special evening at Café Paradiso. Consider getting your tickets early, as a full house is anticipated.
Skye Consort & Emma Björling perform arrangements of songs and tunes from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, England, Québec, Acadia, and the U.S. Each musician brings their own interpretation to these traditions, creating an extraordinary collaboration of voices, fiddle, nyckelharpa, cello, bouzouki, banjo, and percussion. Collectively, the band presents an assortment of whirling polskas, groovy reels, passionate love songs, breathtaking hymns, and original compositions.
All members of the ensemble are seasoned instructors eager to share their love for their musical traditions.
Emma Björling (lead voice, shruti box, percussion) is an award-winning Swedish singer, composer, and arranger, active in the world-touring Scandinavian bands Kongero and Lyy. Björling teaches and conducts workshops all over the world.
Alex Kehler (fiddle, nyckelharpa, vocals) is a member of La Nef, Soulwood, Kehler Williams duo, Les Siffleurs de Nuit, and Triton.
Amanda Keesmaat (cello, vocals) is the principal cellist of Arion Baroque Orchestra. Keesmaat has also performed with Les Charbonniers de l’Enfer, OktoEcho, Jean-François Bélanger, and Projet Claire-Obscur.
Seán Dagher (cittern/bouzouki, banjo, and 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 won the 2014 Opus “Creation of the Year” Award for Sea Songs & Shanties and has been nominated for numerous Adisq awards.
Showtime on Saturday, January 28, is 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $22 at the door, available online at CafeParadiso.net and at Cafe Paradiso, 101 N. Main Street in Fairfield.