Classical stringed instruments – in the right hands – can transform into contemporary tools, leaving traditional sounds behind to embrace modern beats.
Changing the way violins are played and heard is a key element behind the group Barrage 8. The group plays fiddle music, jazz, rock, pop and songs such as Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk featuring Bruno Mars and other genres.
Even though the group plays a variety of styles it markets itself as presenting a “high-octane fiddle fest.”
“Barrage 8 has never been limited by style,” said Tony Moore, co-creater and producer of Barrage 8. “It’s important for us to represent the sound of the style of music … with our classical instruments.”
The idea of playing fiddle music on violins began in the 1980s, said Moore. At the time it was controversial, he said.
Moore was in Calgary at the time and he started to gather with other classical violinists and perform fiddle music. It was a mixture of classical techniques and a re-imagining of new ways to play the instrument, he said.
Barrage, originally a violin group, was created in 1996 and toured until it disbanded in 2012.
Moore and his co-creaters launched a new project called Barrage 8 in 2015.
Barrage 8 uses more classical instruments besides the violin. It also has performers who use the cello, viola, mandolin and bass. Moore said the addition of other classical instruments has allowed the group to create a more “melodic and rhythmic” sound.
Barrage 8 is a “high-energy” performance group, said Moore. Besides changing how the instruments are played the group also mixes it up by adding dance moves to the performance. Keeping energy high is a priority. The musicians chosen to be part of the group train for several months to make the choreographed dances they perform seem effortless.
Barrage 8, presented by the Vancouver Island Symphony, performs at the Port Theatre Saturday (March 12) at 7:30 p.m.
“It truly is a show for five year olds to 95 year olds,” said Moore.
He said the show has a “rich sonic sound” and comes across as “high energy.”
The show is also a signature event for Festival Nanaimo.
Tickets range in price from $38 to $67.50 and are $18 for students.
For tickets please call 250-754-8550 or go to www.porttheatre.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
