Halifax music presenter Cecilia Concerts marks Treaty Day and the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month with a performance uniting three musical traditions rooted in the essence of breath, featuring the traditional music of the Mi’kmaq, Inuit throat singing and Persian classical music.
This promises to be an extraordinary collaboration, immersing audience members in the richness of Indigenous and ancestral musical traditions while engaging in a timeless musical dialogue.
Headlined by the five-musician ensemble Constantinople, they will be joined by Mi’kmaw drummer and vocalist Darlene Gijuminag and Nunavut-based Inuk artist, educator, and performer Celina Kalluk. Together, the seven musicians will explore the common ground within their cultural backgrounds.
“This promises to be an extraordinary collaboration, immersing audience members in the richness of Indigenous and ancestral musical traditions while engaging in a timeless musical dialogue,” says Cecilia Concerts chairperson Jules Chamberlain.
Founded in 2001 in Montreal by its artistic director, Kiya Tabassian, Constantinople, featuring ney player Kianoush Khalilian, has promoted the creation of new works incorporating musical elements from diverse musical traditions worldwide.
Born and raised in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, in addition to performing widely as an Inuit throat singer, Celina Kalluk is also a visual artist and is currently the Inuktitut Language Specialist and Cultural Arts teacher for grades seven through twelve at Qarmartalik School in her hometown.
A well-rounded artist in her own right, singer-songwriter and percussionist Darlene Gijuminag was born in Gesgapegiag and continues to teach her community’s youth about the traditions and spirituality of Mi’kmaq culture.
Constantinople, featuring Celina Kalluk and Darlene Gijuminag, perform at The Stage at St. Andrews in Halifax on October 1. Visit ceciliaconcerts.ca for more information.