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CARISSA KLOPOUSHAK violin |
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Montreal-based violinist and chamber musician, winner of the 2009 Eckhardt-Grammatté Canadian Music competition, Artistic Director of
the Ritornello Chamber Music Festival. ©2012 Carissa Klopoushak. Last update 04.02.12 email Carissa
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BIOGRAPHY
- Carissa Klopoushak, violinEmail Facebook Twitter
Carissa Klopoushak is quickly emerging as one of Canada’s most versatile and creative violinists. Her playing has been described as the complete package of sensitive musicianship, effortless technique, and a charismatic, engaging stage presence.
Winner of the 32nd annual Eckhardt-Grammatté National Music Competition, Carissa completed a Canada-wide début recital tour with pianist Philip Chiu in 2009. Together, they have also been featured in recital at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival and on the airwaves of the CBC.
Based in Montreal, Carissa performs with many chamber groups around Montreal, including the ensemble Mooncrest (Crête de lune) who recently recorded Schoenberg's Pierrot Lunaire, Warhol Dervish, and Portmantô, and performs frequently with Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa) and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
Originally from Saskatoon, Carissa was working towards her bachelor’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan when she won the position of Principal Second Violin with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, a position she held for three years. Still active in the prairie music scene today, Carissa performs with Regina-based Boundary Ensemble, and is an Artistic Director of the Ritornello Chamber Music Festival, an annual event that showcases young Canadian musicians who are currently pursuing professional careers across the country and around the globe.
Carissa is the lead singer and violinist in the Ukrainian band Тут і Там. Established in 2003, the band has recorded three albums, performed at the Toronto, Montreal, Dauphin, and Vegreville Ukrainian festivals, and is currently working on a new album to be released in early 2013. Highly in demand as a studio musician, Carissa has recorded with JUNO-nominated Coeur de Pirate, Jordan Cook, for The Plumes and for the APTN program Wapos Bay. Carissa contributes vocal harmonies and violin, mandolin, and accordion in Canadian songwriter David Martel’s roster, and has recorded an album Ukrainian Roots with Theresa Sokyrka.
Carissa is completing a Doctorate in Violin Performance at McGill University with Jonathan Crow. Her research explores the largely unknown repertoire for the Violin by Ukrainian composers. When not performing, rehearsing, or traveling, Carissa can be found having coffee in one of Mile End’s many cafes.
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CALENDAR
- Upcoming Events
2012:
June 1, 2012 (Regina, SK)
Boundary Ensemble
Westminster United Church
June 2, 2012 (Saskatoon, SK)
Ritornello Chamber Music Festival
presents Boundary Ensemble
Ukrainian Museum of Canada
July 25, 2012 (Joliette, QC)
Festival de Lanaudière
Warhol Dervish
August 3, 2012 (Toronto, ON)
Toronto Summer Music Festival
Warhol Dervish
August 4, 2012 (Ottawa, ON)
Ottawa ChamberFest
Warhol Dervish
Music by Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire)
August 6, 2012 (Ottawa, ON)
Ottawa ChamberFest
Mooncrest - Crête de lune
present Pierrot Lunaire
August 6, 2012 (Ottawa, ON)
Ottawa ChamberFest
Mooncrest - Crête de lune
present works by Vivier, Scelsi, Sanchez
August 7, 2012 (Ottawa, ON)
Ottawa ChamberFest
Mooncrest - Crête de lune
Gellman Piano Quartet *premiere
August 9-18, 2012 (Invermere, BC)
Artist at the Columbia Valley Chamber Music FestivalPast Event Highlights
2012:
March 21, 2012 (Ottawa, ON)
Ottawa Chamber Music Festival 2012 Launch
Selections and Improvisations for Solo ViolinMarch 7, 2012 (Montreal, QC)
Brahms Trio no. 1 in B major with Andrea Stewart & Philip Chiu
Doctorate of Music Recital: Andrea Stewart, cello
McGill University, Redpath Hall, 8pmFebruary 6-21, 2012: Banff, AB
Winter Residency at the Banff Centre
feat. performance with Christopher Bagan, piano
7:30pm, Rolston Centre, Music & Sound Bldg.January 8, 2012: Saskatoon, SK
Gustin House Recital Series: Recital with Deborah Buck, piano
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
linkJanuary 1, 2012: Saskatoon, SK
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Prairie Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra
3rd Avenue United Church
link2011:
November 13-25, 2011: Eastern Canada
NACO Atlantic Tour (NF, NS, NB, PEI)October 29, 2011: Gatineau, QC
Ensemble Prisme - Mozart et les 3 BSeptember 9-18
Tyt i Tam Eastern Tour
Performing at Toronto and Montreal Festivals
linkJuly 2011: Pontiac, QC
Festival Pontiac Enchanté - Venturing Hills FarmJune 2011: Montreal, QC
Prix d’Europe competition: winner of the Guy Soucy prize for the best interpretation of a Quebecois workMay 27-29, 2011: Saskatoon, SK
Ritornello Chamber Music Festival (3rd edition)April 23, 2011: Montreal, QC
Productions Berrisque presents “Gypsy-esque” house concertFebruary 24, 2011: Montreal, QC
David Martel & the Friendship at Divan OrangeJanuary 15, 2011: Toronto, ON
Ukrainian New Years Eve Gala with Тут і Там2010:
December 9-12, 2010: Saskatchewan
Theresa Sokyrka Ukrainian Roots album launchSeptember 11, 2010: Regina, SK
Recital with Phliip Chiu for the Regina Recital SocietySeptember 10, 2010: Saskatoon, SK
Recital with Philip Chiu at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian ChurchMay 28-30, 2010: Saskatoon, SK
Ritornello Chamber Music Festival (2nd edition)March 24, 2010: Montreal, QC
Doctoral Recital, McGill UniversityMarch 3, 2010: Montreal, QC
MusiMars 2010: Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire
McGill Chamber Players (Ensemble Mooncrest)2009:
October-November, 2009: Across-Canada
Eckhardt-Grammatté Winner’s TourAugust 2009: Ottawa, ON
Ottawa Chamber Music Festival: New Music MarathonMay 2009: Saskatoon, SK
Ritornello Chamber Music Festival (Inaugural)May 2009: Brandon, MB
Winner of 32nd Annual Eckhardt-Grammatté National Competition for the Performance of Canadian Music.March 2009: Montreal, QC
Foundation Arte Musica: Haydn 2009 with the Schulich Quartet
Musée des Beaux ArtsMarch 2009: Montreal, QC
Doctoral Recital, McGill University, presenting works by Canadian ComposersMarch 2009: Montreal, QC
MusiMars Festival, McGill University: Schulich Quartet with Jens LindemannJanuary 2009: St-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
Lakeshore Chamber Music Society: recital with the Schulich Quartet
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Carissa Klopoushak
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Tracks
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LINKS
- Projects & AffiliationsRitornello Chamber Music Festival (Saskatoon, SK)Artistic Director & ArtistEnsemble Mooncrest - Crête de lune (Montreal, QC)
Violinist & Violist
Warhol Dervish Chamber Music Collective (Montreal, QC)
ViolinistEnsemble Portmantô (Montreal, QC)ViolinistTyt i Tam Ukrainian Band (Saskatoon, SK)Violinist and VocalistDave Martel and the Acquaintances (Montreal, QC)Violinist & VocalistCarissa has performed and/or recorded with:
Coeur de Pirate - Blonde, The Plumes - Unreleased (2012), Jordan Cook - Seven Deadly Sins, Mike Evin - Do You Feel the World?, Theresa Sokyrka - Ukrainian Roots, & Patrick Watson (Sacred Sunday at Pop Montreal 2010) Video
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PRESS
- Selected Articles on CarissaViolinist Keeps Busy During Holiday SeasonSaskatoon Star Phoenix, January 5, 2012Brandon University School of Music News, May 4, 2009
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Posts
- Mar 10, 12
I wanted to share with you an article that was published in the Indie Music ‘Zine Pitchfork recently. Entitled “Making Overtures: The Emergence of Indie-Classical”, the article explores the ever more present synthesis of the two musical genres (both of which I’m a huge fan and geek!).
The article discusses composers influenced by pop, bands influenced by classical music, and newly forming musical collectives which defy labeling. I celebrate this very much, as it goes with my long-held belief that music is music…
An example of a lesser-known group with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working is the Plumes. Formerly known as Flotilla, this New York-Montreal collective is releasing a new album at the end of April on which I performed. I’m most excited for the string quartet track that opens the album, but for now, enjoy the fully orchestrated tune “Hero and Leander“.
- Feb 24, 12
I’m thrilled to be a part of an amazing concert taking place tonight in Ottawa. Nicolaj Znaider is playing with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Pinchas Zukerman at the helm, performing Tchaikovsky violin concerto.
Words cannot describe how right his rendition is…
It’s worth checking out. Please see his website: http://www.znaider.com/He and Pinchas are also performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. Virtuosic, playful mastery.
- Feb 22, 12
Well, in a major switcheroo of modes, I’ve ended up on the other side of the country, playing in the first violin section of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. This week, lucky for us, we’re playing a really interesting symphony by Jacques Hétu, and Sinfonia Concertante (Mozart) and Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto – Nicolai Znaider (violin) and Pinchas Zukerman (viola), soloists.
There is some very excellent musicianship and showmanship going on…
- Feb 17, 12
- Feb 14, 12
- Feb 06, 12
After a day of settling in, I’m well-nested in my room and studio at the Banff Centre. I, like all the other artists here, am continually inspired by the scenery, the resources, and many colleagues. Because of a breakfast conversation with one individual, I had a minor breakthrough and major revelation in my study project. That’s within 24 hours on site.
This place does truly “inspire creativity”.
