Two of Toronto’s best musical ensembles to perform together
During the prestigious Koerner Hall Music Series
To celebrate the release of Symphony!
On Sun Dec 1, JUNO nominees and 2x Canadian Folk Music Awards winners, Sultans of String celebrate their ultimate world-classical crossover CD at Koerner Hall– accompanied by the acclaimed Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Norman Reintamm.
Known for dizzying world music jams, polyrhythms and revved up riffs, Sultans of String can’t be pinned down — it’s Sable Island meets the Silk Road, with detours through the Gypsy-Jazz coffeehouses of Eastern Europe, next an East Coast Kitchen Party, then over to the majestic Arctic and the vibrant streets of Havana. Fiery violin dances with rumba-flamenca guitar while funky bass lays down unstoppable grooves. Throughout, acoustic mastery meets with a symphony of sound, deepened by world rhythms that inspire whole audiences to get up and dance.
Sultans of String is led by JUNO-nominated 6-string violinist Chris McKhool (Jesse Cook, Pavlo) who grew up in a Lebanese–Egyptian (Makhoul) house bursting with music and diversity. When McKhool first heard founding guitarist Kevin Laliberté’s rumba rhythm, their musical synergy created Sultans of String’s signature sound – the intimate and playful relationship between violin and guitar. From this rich foundation, the dynamic duo has grown, featuring such amazing musical friends as 2nd guitarist Eddie Paton (Robert Michaels), bass master Drew Birston (Chantal Kreviazuk, Amanda Martinez), and Cuban percussionist Chendy Leon (Parachute Club, Alex Cuba), as well as special guests such as Palestinian oud master Bassam Bishara, Dala, The Chieftain’s Paddy Moloney, ukulele giant James Hill, famed producer Ken Whiteley, and others.
Classically-schooled McKhool thought “why stop there?” With Symphony!, Sultans of String have brought the glorious and majestic sound of a full orchestra to their feisty world-jazz compositions, to create the ultimate crossover concert and recording.
The Sultans of String and Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra first performed together in December 2011. Since then, Sultans recorded Symphony! with the best Toronto symphonic players and has performed extensively with other musical ensembles. Because of their willingness to consistently perform compelling new repertoire and arrangements, Sultans of String and Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra are perfectly matched to create another evening of musical magic.