In a concert titled “I Am”, Morag Northey and guest pianist Sheldon Zandboer invite us to Warm our wintery autumnal Spirits with a colourful program of Cello, Piano and Song celebrating the rich experience of simply being human. Journey with Morag’s new, original, seasoned and other favourite songs on wings of this duo’s unique improvisatory language.
Morag Northey’s 35 year career in classical performance, string pedagogy, and passion for creating unique multi-genre art has seen her create Morag’s Album ‘This is the Life,’ a testament to her own experience-based expressions as a singer, songwriter, cellist and pianist.
She was awarded the Calgary 2015 Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Theatrical Composition for work in Alberta Theatre Projects “Butcher” and has performed as soloist, orchestral cellist, singer, songwriter, poet and listening ear for athletes and coaches at the 2010 Olympics. As part of the games she played for the Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean , and at the 2015 Canada Winter Games – performed her classical concert ‘Unstoppable Love’ with commentary about the multi-dimensional realities and characteristics of Love. Morag was honoured to play and sing the Opening Blessing of the Canada Winter Games in collaboration with a Lheidli T’enneh, First Nation Elder and Drummer.
Morag’s ‘Red Venus Blue Tango’ was a closing band for the Dalai Lama ‘Now’ tour and her work as composer, arranger, cellist, singer and co-producer on Kristoph Franz’s theologically inspired ‘Lilies of the Field’ album resulted in a nomination for “Outstanding Inspirational Album of the Year” Gospel Music Association of Canada’s 29th annual Covenant Awards, 2007.
As a way to give back to her community, Morag created a series of solo concerts called ‘Together Calgary’ which offered healing release through sound therapy in uninterrupted hours of improvised cello and voice. She performed a year cycle of ‘Full Moon Walks’ in Calgary’s Fish Creek Park where she encouraged audiences to reconnect with Nature through guided tours accompanied by cello, song and motivational discussions. Together Calgary and the Full Moon Series lead to Morag’s 2014, 720 kilometre Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage across France and Spain, carrying her cello and playing and singing everywhere and anytime invited. With her first Camino step she spawned a “Walk On” project, encouraging those troubled, to move healthfully through and out of difficulties.
Morag added Playwright to her description as she performed the world premiere of her play “17” as part of the Sunset Theatre 2017 Exploration Series in Wells B.C. “When Emptiness Turns Inside Out” ~ 17 tells a dramatic story with inseparable connection between cello, voice, words and worlds. 17 continues to share it’s voice and looks forward to it’s US premiere this coming November 2018.
“A distinguished virtuoso, her playing enraptures our mind with an artistry that brings blissful pleasures to the soul.” The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean
“one of the most passionate, unique, sensitive and expressive musicians I have ever encountered in all my years. I came to her to study the cello and my eyes were opened up to new worlds of possibilities in music practice and performance born first from inner peace. When you hear her cello voice, you will be truly touched.” Bruce Hildesheim B. Mus., Juilliard School
Calgary’s finest jazz pianist, composer, arranger, instructor, music industry professional, and author – Sheldon Zandboer is one of Canada’s most versatile musicians. Specializing in jazz piano and widely recognized as one of Canada’s premier jazz talents, he has been working behind the scenes on many recordings, theatre projects, song writing projects, jazz concerts, sound design, and film soundtracks.
Sheldon has performed globally since 1975 which makes him out to be one of the most experienced keyboard player/pianists in Canada. Extensive training and raw talent has allowed him to excel at playing whatever idiom that needs to be performed way beyond the norm. IE: Jazz, Classical, R&B, Blues, Rock, Pop, Country, Electronic Dance, Salsa, Reggae, Soca and Gospel.
Sheldon has performed jazz before Queen Elizabeth, as well as the other members of the British Royal Family, international dignitaries, Heads of State and publicly on 4 continents. His songwriting has extended into the European pop market and has composed music for a film that is on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.
His groundbreaking jazz training book The Tao of Jazz Improvisation adopts eastern philosophy and training techniques, which enables the young to advanced professional to reach a higher level of performance and creativity.
The City of Calgary has recognized and listed Sheldon as one of Calgary’s preeminent artists on their official tourism website. Sheldon teaches jazz and contemporary piano at the Mount Royal University Conservatory and works with the Calgary Board of Education as a Music Director for the Theatre department of a performing arts high school. sheldonzandboer.com
