Ensemble Made In Canada is thrilled to introduce its newest members, pianist Philip Chiu and violist Sheila Jaffé.
EMIC also wishes to acknowledge the outsized contributions of its outgoing founding members, Angela Park and Sharon Wei. Says violinist Elissa Lee, “The personal and musical bonds that I felt with Angela and Sharon were very special and I will miss them very much.” Cellist Trey Lee added, “I had a blast touring with Angela and Sharon, and am truly impressed by all the hard work and dedication required to establish such a superb quartet. I wish them the very best in all their new musical adventures!”
Philip, a Hong Kong-born, Montreal-based pianist brings years of experience as a master collaborator, chamber musician and soloist. “Since its inception, Ensemble Made in Canada has set itself apart as Canada’s sole champion of great piano quartet playing, a reputation cemented by their extraordinary Mosaique project. I have admired EMIC for so many years; it is an honour to take on the mantle left by the exceptional pianist Angela Park and continue EMIC’s mission of excellence and innovation. Moreover, the connection I feel with Elissa, Sheila, and Trey, is nothing short of electric. I know audiences are in for something special.
Sheila is originally from Montreal and completed her musical studies in Berlin. She lives in Toronto where she is principal viola in the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra as well as a member of the Canadian Opera Company orchestra. Sheila also plays violin in the Rosebud String Quartet and enjoys switching between the two instruments. She is an active member of the Toronto music scene and has a special appreciation for chamber music. “I am thrilled to be joining this group of outstanding players and look forward to discovering our new musical voice.”
Says EMIC violinist Elissa Lee, “I am really excited to start a new chapter with two incredible musicians. Philip’s dynamic musical personality and technical bravura brings new ideas and a fresh direction to the group and Sheila’s refined musicianship and insight inspires us to new levels. EMIC cellist Trey Lee added, “From the first time we played together, I immediately found Phil and Sheila to be artists with genuinely unique and expressive musicianship. It’s going to be a truly invigorating journey with them!”
Having inaugurated its new members in performances at BIGLAKE Festival 2022 in Prince Edward County, Ontario, EMIC is gearing up for a tour in February and March, performing concerts in Kitchener Waterloo, Winnipeg, Regina, Vancouver and Sechelt. And EMIC is currently working together with Dene fiddler Wesley Hardisty and Sub-arctic composer Carmen Braden on a new commission work for fiddler and piano quartet. More news to come!