Violin: Mary Ashton

Biography
Mary is a violin performer and teacher living in the rural hamlet of Ivan, Ontario. Classically trained, she constantly explores new sounds and musical styles – Celtic, Cajun, Greek,
Middle Eastern, blues, jazz, folk. Improvisation is her passion and delight and in these moments, instrument and player become one.
Mary performs with Light of East Ensemble, is a regular at the Chaucer’s Tradsession and freelances with various musicians. In addition to performing at festivals, weddings, and other venues, Mary teaches violin to young and old in her Ivan studio. She also teaches group and private lessons at the London Waldorf School.
 
History
Mary studied piano with Toni Mazan and violin with Dr. Robert Skelton and Gwen Thompson at the University of Western Ontario, receiving her BAHons Music in 1975. During and after graduating, she played with Orchestra London.
Mary has studied various fiddle styles with Canadian fiddle champion Pierre Schreyer, Irish fiddlers Maire Breatnach and Patrick Orceau, Scottish fiddle master Brian McNeil, and Cajun players Tracy Schwarz and Ann Lederman.
In 1998 she played violin/fiddle with a 4-piece band Deep River, performing at venues such as the Celtic Gathering in Harris Park, London, opening for Stephen Fearing and performing with Night Sun.

In 1999, Mary began performing with Bernie Gilmore as part of a folk duo playing various venues including the Canterbury Folk Festival, the Fairy Lake Bandshell, and the Home County Folk Festival.
She joined Tulleygarley for the Dochas show held at London’s Aeolian Hall.
With Light of East Ensemble, Mary has played the River Run Centre, Kitchener’s Tapestry Festival, Aeolian Hall, and Home County Folk Festival as well as other events.

 

Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone & various winds: Bryan Covey
Double Bass: Steve Clark

Percussion (Darbuka, Frame Drum, Drum Set): Daniel Baerg
Oud, Bouzouki, Baglama, Tzoura: Panayiotis Giannarapis

"Extended Family": Craig Wensell, Leo Georgoulis,
Copper Ferreira, Jennifer Baetz Chester, Joel Jacobs