Sutton Prepares for Traditional Music Celebration
The thirteenth edition of the Festival de violon traditionnel de Sutton will take place from August 6 to August 9, according to festival organizers. Headlining the bilingual event at the Espace Légion on Curley Street is the Open the Door for Three trio, featuring musicians Liz Knowles, Kieran O’Hare, and Pat Broaders.
Festival Schedule and New Instrumentation
Liz Knowles opens the performance schedule with a solo set on August 6 at 9:30 p.m., while the full trio takes the stage on the evenings of August 7 and August 8. According to the festival’s artistic director, Pascal Gemme, the event aims to foster shared music, discoveries, and lasting connections among attendees. For this year’s edition, the mandolin joins the traditional fiddle to introduce a fresh sonic element to the performances.
Did you know?
The Festival de violon traditionnel de Sutton features a bilingual program designed to welcome both francophone and anglophone audiences, offering workshops, concerts, and dance events.
Workshops and Educational Programming
Complementing the concert lineup, the festival offers specialized training sessions led by notable artists. Michel Bordeleau, formerly of La Bottine souriante, will lead a dedicated workshop centered around the newly introduced mandolin. Fiddle instruction will be led by Laura Risk and Anastasia DesRoches during the multi-day event.
According to festival communications, the programming caters to all experience levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned musicians. Activities range from a two-day training camp and tented concerts to dance parties, balfolk sessions, conferences, and dedicated children’s activities. Visitors can consult the official Festival de violon traditionnel de Sutton website for the complete event schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Festival de violon traditionnel de Sutton taking place?
The festival runs from August 6 to August 9.
Where is the event located?
The festival is held at the Espace Légion, located on Curley Street in Sutton.
Who is headlining the festival?
The headlining act is the trio Open the Door for Three, featuring Liz Knowles, Kieran O’Hare, and Pat Broaders.
What new instrument is featured this year?
The mandolin has been added to the festival’s traditional fiddle lineup, accompanied by specialized workshops led by Michel Bordeleau.
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