"In the Know"
Courtesy of Rogers TV
interview
 Cafe
Intimo
The Light of
the East Ensemble opens the 10th anniversary season for Neruda
Productions at the Waterloo Button Factory, March 11, 2011.
Cinematographer: Philip Bast
|
" Light Of
East Ensemble blends their love of music and their own
cultures into a refreshing and enlightening performance.
They grab your attention, and hold you right to the very
end. "
Morgan Baker
Associate Producer: A-Channel Morning
|
|
“The Light Of East Ensemble communicates an art form
which is both timeless,and uniquely innovative. Every
song is wonderfully detailed, yet spacious, allowing
the musicianship of each member to explore a
singular narrative whilst keeping within the greater
context of the whole. Their
exclusive use of acoustic instruments is a welcomed
and well favored approach, as the pieces they
present are carried on the heels of stunning
performances, and are allowed to breathe andtake
form as legitimate renderings of beautific sonic
offerings from the ether of historical landscapes. The
Light Of East are a rare exampleof what contemporary
'world' music could and should be."
Ian Doig - Phaneuf
Music
Director
LOLA
Festival
|
" Light Of East ensemble is an inspiration to our
audience at the SilkRoad Festival, as part of Tapestry,
Celebrations of Diversity in Kitchener. The blend
of Arabic and Middle Eastern sounds highlighted the
festival and brought home the nature of shared culture
and traditions crossing regions throughout history.
Adding classical instrumentation such as flute and
double bass to the oud's soul introduced contemporary
elements for a truly world music performance.
Encore! "
Brian Scott
Event Development
Special Events/ Film KW
City of Kitchener
|
" Light of East illuminate the audience by
presenting a wide variety of musical samplings from the
ancient and rich near and middle Eastern Mediterranean
cultures. Their command of their chosen
traditional instruments is masterful, as is their use of
them. Audiences are both entertained and informed,
and therefore enriched. "
Brad McEwen
Artistic Director
Mill Race Folk Society
|
One of our community members from Lebanon described your
music as: "My children say: Mommy, this music is just
like our music back home." Other community members used
words such as "lively and gypsy-like", "a great new
flavour to our multi-cultural festival", "We can't wait
until their CD comes out.", "We hope to have them back
again."
Mary
Starnaman, MSW, RSW
Artistic Director
St. Julien Park Community Festival
|
"The Light of East Ensemble put on a memorable
performance that captivated the audience with their
musicality & personality. They brought the sounds and
stories of the near & mid east to ears that were
delighted with the experience, transporting the
listeners with an exotic feast of sound. We look
forward to their return here at the London Music
Club."
Pete Denomme
Owner, London Music Club
www.londonmusicclub.com
|
" The "Light of the East Ensemble" is a very talented,
and eclectic group of musicians. The group met our goals
of "education and entertainment". Outstanding
explanations were given of the origin of the music and
the various instruments. "
Phyllis Anderson
Artistic Director of the Time Out Concert Series
|
|
"Refined, virtuosic and passionate ensemble playing
& intricate, authentic arrangements of traditional
middle-eastern folk songs."
Catherine McInnes
Artistic Director
Home County Folk Festival
|
|
"The Light of East Ensemble delivered a most
enjoyable performance to a full house. They engaged
the audience in 'world music' while also educating
the audience on the various instruments. I will
definitely have them back!"
Karen Bygden
Concert Coordinator
The University of Guelph
|
|
"Light of East Ensemble were a highlight to this
years CBC's Dramatic Reading of A Christmas Carol.
The spirit of their music brought a unique sense of
affinity and insight to the evening and we wouldn't
think twice about having them return for a well
merrited encore. Seeing LOE is truly an enlightening
experience for anyone who appreciates music's
undeniable ability to merge the visible world with
the unseen."
Pete Lebel
Unity Project for Relief
of Homelessness in London
|
“The Light of East Ensemble performed
beautifully at Museum London’s special Art of Eating
fundraiser. Our guests loved the music, which suited the
evening perfectly. I loved working with the ensemble who
were gracious and helpful, and contributed positively to
the night.”
Carol Kehoe
Partnerships Manager, Museum London
|
|
"What a pleasure it
was to have the Light of East Ensemble play at the
Library's Open
House! The audience was transfixed by the haunting
melodies and the chance to see the musicians play
their instruments at
close range."
Heidi Williams
Languages Librarian, London Public Library
|
"The Light of East Ensemble
provided the opening musical entertainment for a recent
art show opening reception at the Stratford Public
Library. The audience appreciated the ambiance and mood
setting music of The Ensemble. Their music was
interesting, exotic, and added just the right background
for our gala event."
Anne Marie Heckman
Community Services Librarian, Stratford Public Library
|
"The Light of East Ensemble
delighted the audience with an exciting closing
performance at the Innis Town Hall, as part of the
International Diaspora Film Festival 10. Greek,
Armenian, Arabic and Turkish melodies were performed
with skill and passion, entrancing the listeners, no
doubt carrying some back to a cherished homeland. The
Light of East Ensemble's performance was a memorable and
fitting conclusion to IDFF 10 and we thank them for
their enthusiasm and dedication to their art. The band
is unique in offering diasporic music with roots varying
from the East to the West with musicians trained in
Popular Music, Celtic, Jazz, Greek and Arabic."
Shahram Tabe
Director
International Diaspora Film Festival
|
"We are very fortunate to
have the Light of East Ensemble in our region of Canada,
as they are not only talented musicians and performers,
however are also enthusiastic and engaging educators who
have clear and understandable ways to help others learn
and understand the characteristics of Near and Middle
Eastern music. I recommend them highly for performances
as well as educational classes and workshops, as they
provide experiences that are very appealing and highly
memorable."
Lucanne Magill
Assistant Professor &
Coordinator
Music Therapy Program
School of Music
University of Windsor |
