Prokofiev and Bach, Radiohead and Persian motives,Brahms and Chopin, Bosnian tints and East Coast Medley to name just a few. Prairie Debut presented the fourth show of the 2018-2019 Concert Series with the Ladom Ensemble at Trinity Lutheran Church. Drawing from various global music genres, the unique ensemble that consists of piano, accordion, cello and percussion brings the musical variety together into a contemporary classical framework.
Despite the snow, wind, cold and poor driving conditions the eclectic and full of energy Ladom Ensemble made it to Estevan from Assiniboia, where they were performing earlier within their Prairie tour program. They’ve been on the road for over three weeks so far, and Estevan is one of their last stops before they head back to Toronto.
Pouya Hamidi (piano and the main composer), Michael Bridge (accordion), Beth Silver (cello) and Adam Campbell (percussion) filled the show with energy. Their emotions were transmitted not only through amazing music but also through mimics and gestures during the professional and brilliant performance.
The performers happened to be not the only ones who had to travel on Sunday. A lot of guests came from the Estevan area and even from Melville. Yet, those present could confirm that the music was worth the effort.
The concert wouldn’t happen if not for the Estevan Arts Council and volunteers, and artists remembered to ask guests to give a round of applause to their supporters.
The eclectic cultural richness of Ladom Ensemble’s music is a reflection of Canada’s cultural diversity. The ensemble, which consists of a Regina-born and raised in Calgary Bridge, originating from Tehran, Iran, but growing up in Toronto Hamidi, coming from Prince Edwards Island Cambell and Toronto-born and raised Silver.
The elasticity of styles is the musical foundation of the Ladom Ensemble that came together 10 years ago at the University of Toronto. As far as musicians know they are the only ensemble that consists of this particular set of instruments, so each piece they create is unique and unrepeatable in its nature. In their music, they incorporate inspirations of Argentinian jazz, classical tango, Serbian folk dance and Persian classical dulcimer, amongst others.
They state that the Ladom was formed not to define or represent one specific tradition but rather to express a modern and authentic Canadian experience.
