Skye Consort & Emma Björling

Skye Consort & Emma Björling perform trans-Atlantic arrangements of songs and tunes from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, England, Québec, Acadia, the USA, as well as original compositions. Each musician brings their own individual interpretation to these traditions to create this extraordinary collaboration, consisting of voices, fiddle, nyckelharpa, cello, bouzouki, banjo, and percussion. Collectively, the band present an assortment of whirling polskas, groovy reels, passionate love songs, breathtaking hymns, and original compositions.

All with the group are seasoned instructors eager to share their knowledge and love for their musical traditions.

Emma Björling (lead voice, shruti box, percussion) is an award-winning Swedish singer, composer, arranger, active in the renowned Scandinavian bands Kongero and Lyy. Both bands have toured the world, and are busy in the European folk-trad scene. Emma regularly teaches and conducts workshops all over the world.

Alex Kehler (fiddle, nyckelharpa, vocals) In addition to his work with Skye Consort, he is a member of La Nef, Soulwood, Kehler Williams duo, Les Siffleurs de Nuits, and Triton.

Amanda Keesmaat (cello, vocals) Principal cellist of Arion Baroque orchestra, Amanda Keesmaat (cello & vocals), has also performed with Les Charbonniers de L’Enfer, OktoEcho, Jean-François Bélanger and Projet ClaireObscur.

Seán Dagher (cittern/bouzouki, banjo & vocals) is the artistic director of La Nef and an active performer, arranger, and composer of music from various folk and classical music traditions. He won the OPUS “Creation of the Year” award in 2014 for Sea Songs and has been nominated for numerous Adisq awards.