I FURIOSI
Shunning the traditional concert-going experience, I FURIOSI Baroque Ensemble is revolutionising the face of Canadian early music. This group of four inspired and informed musicians performs programmes of music rarely heard on stage with an unparalleled and unusual fervour and sex-appeal. Having studied at institutions including University of Indiana at Bloomington, University of Toronto, McGill University, International Baroque Institute at Longy and The Banff Centre, these daring musicians bring their skill and expertise to new audiences, and are the edgy new voice in the early music world. The configuration of string trio and soprano allows a wide range of repertoire to be performed. I FURIOSI performs in Canada, the United States and abroad, and plans to expand to other venues in the coming years. In its Toronto concert series, the ensemble invokes the “bizarre and unnatural” aesthetic of the Baroque era, both cherished and despised in its time.
I FURIOSI Baroque Ensemble began to present concerts in 1999, quickly receiving national and international recognition for its daring and avant garde repertoire. Over its career, I FURIOSI has performed in both traditional and non-traditional entertainments.
In its concert series, I FURIOSI Baroque Ensemble has forged new ground by showcasing a wide range of repertoire in dramatically themed productions. From The Brazen Throat of War to CRAZY to Furieux (a staged production of cantatas based on motifs of abandonment), the group has always programmed technically challenging works in an inspiring and accessible setting. Renowned guest artists have also been inspired to play with the group from all over the world, including baroque flautist Jed Wentz; violinist Mayumi Seiler; horn player James Sommerville; harpsichordist James Johnstone and bass Sean Watson.
I FURIOSI’s newest CD Defiled is my Middle Name has garnered critical acclaim and sold outstandingly well since its release. Their next CD CRAZY is due to be released on the Dorian label in summer of 2008.
The four Artistic Directors are deeply committed to making this ensemble a driving force in Canada, and spend many hours devoted to research, administration and rehearsal. A key element of their programming involves historical research, to provide audience members with a context for understanding the music and performance. The group unearths rarely heard music as well as revitalizes more familiar pieces in order to engage audiences in themes based on current issues, putting the ensemble on the forefront of the latest musicological research and knowledge.
I FURIOSI has toured Germany, England, Ireland and the United States, taking part in several renowned Music Festivals. Further tours are planned for the near future, and upcoming appearances can always be found on the Concerts page.
Painstakingly crafted program notes provide insight into both the composer’s own vision, and the broad social themes of the day. In developing its programming, the ensemble works diligently to craft themes linked to current events, to provide contemporary audiences with an insight into historical themes that is entertaining as well as educational. For example, a programme offered just after the SARS crisis in Toronto, provided audiences with an opportunity to explore the ways in which Baroque musicians interpreted their experience of infectious diseases during that time. Such ingenious programming continues to expand our audience base, bringing the early music experience to new audiences, many of whom may be unfamiliar with this body of music.
Soprano Gabrielle McLaughlin currently maintains a large vocal studio in Toronto. Under demand as a voice teacher and stylistic coach, Gabrielle lives in Toronto with her two children. In the past, Gabrielle has worked with Tafelmusik, Arbor Oak Trio and The Elmer Iseler Singers. She can be found gracing the stage with Arcady, Les Violons du Roy and La Chappelle de Québec as well as her primary ensemble I FURIOSI Baroque Ensemble, of which she is a founding member and programming coordinator.Gabrielle is heard frequently on CBC and BBC radio.
As well as being a founding member of I FURIOSI Baroque Ensemble, baroque cellist and viola da gambist Felix Deak showcases his career as a freelance musician with orchestras and chamber ensembles, including Toronto's Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Opera Atelier. Felix instructs orchestral classes and private students in and around Toronto. He can be heard on CBC Radio Two in performances, and has made recordings for various labels at home and abroad.
Violinist Julia Wedman grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She is a core member of Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra as well as the Kirby and Eybler String Quartets. She has performed all over Canada, the U.S.A., Europe, South-East Asia and New Zealand. As a freelance musician in Toronto, she has performed with almost every group in town including the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet, Toronto Consort, and the Aradia Ensemble with whom she has recorded over fifteen cds for Naxos. Julia can be heard regularly on CBC Radio and is frequently spotted around town for television appearances such as Anne Murray Specials, the Juno Awards, and HGTV’s Homes To Go, in which she was featured with her newly decorated apartment.