L’ensemble Cercamon - musiques des traditions orales
Amidst the passion of musical exploration, the pleasure of creation, the exhilaration of musical interpretation, evolves l'ensemble Cercamon.
In the manner of the troubadour whose name the Ensemble has borrowed, Cercamon (sser-ka-mon) makes their art known both on stage, and among throngs of music-lovers while incorporating new sounds in their quest for unique musical experiences.
And thus, since the founding of l'ensemble Cercamon at the turn of the century, this trio of musicians has succeeded in developing a most original style of music. Their creations exploit exceptional tones, produced by instruments from other periods and other lands, oriental as well as occidental. Hurdy-gurdy, oud, rauschpfeife, saz and bouzouki...all working together to yield a truly novel blend of music.
Cercamon's energetic interpretation of musical works and songs drawn from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance Era attracts large crowds. To these works represented from the past, the Ensemble adds its own compositions, bringing fresh new life to the music, and bringing music-lovers to their feet, dancing at festivals and other public events throughout Quebec and elsewhere in the world.
Their exotically tinged compositions have energized choreographic creations, and have been used as sound tracks for several documentaries. Many of the Ensemble's creations have already been compiled on three albums.
Welcome to the musical universe of l'ensemble Cercamon!
Pierre-Alexandre Saint-Yves
Directeur Musical
Voice, Flutes, Citole, Hurdy Gurdy, Rauschpfeife, Chalumeau
Pierre-Alexandre Saint-Yves began his musical studies when he was very young, studying in a manecantary. He finished his singing training at Cegep of Trois-Rivieres, and in 1996 became involved in the field of medieval music. He continued his musical studies while recording and touring in France with the ensemble of Gerard Zuchetto, a specialist in the music of troubadours. More recently, he worked for the musical company “La Nef” where he interpreted the role of Aucassin in “Aucassin and Nicolette”, a chantefable of the 13th Century. Pierre-Alexandre is fascinated by the medieval era, old instruments, and historical musical performance. After more than one hundred compositions, performances, and combined with all his musical experience, he founded the group “Cercamon” in 2000. They specialize in the interpretation of medieval and traditional music, pleasing fans with their music and their stage presence around the world. Pierre-Alexandre is the musical director of the group, researching and composing the music that has made Cercamon so popular today. Pierre-Alexandre plays a large variety of instruments, many of which are flute-like in appearance, and many of which he has made himself. Music and creation are a way of life for this talented "liberal arts major"!
Andrew Wells-Oberegger
Bouzouki, Oud, Laouto, Saz, Percussions, Gaïta, Voix
Andrew Wells-Oberegger studied the Renaissance lute at Marie-Victorin College. While performing in the musical "Aucassin et Nicolette" Andrew met Pierre-Alexandre, and in late 2003 he joined forces with him and Jean-Simon, to create the ensemble that is Cercamon today. Andrew plays many stringed instruments, including the oud, buzouki, saz, and mandolin, although he will tell you he only plays one instument...the strings! He also plays the bulgarian bagpipes, and enjoys percussion. Andrew is the eldest in "this boy's band!" He keeps Jean-Simon and Pierre-Alexandre on an even keel when their energies exceed the limits. Andrew feels that each member, coming from such diverse backgrounds, contributes to the overall sound of the group, and feels that each one helps the others to excel.
Jean-Philippe Parent
Percussions, Voice
Jean-Philippe Parent studied classical percussion and modern drum-set at Laval University in Quebec City, Montreal, in Canada. He has played with a variety of ensembles, from symphony orchestras to big bands, and from rock bands to Brazilian percussion groups! He loves all types of percussion instruments and likes to blend different musical genre into his own personal style. Jean-Philippe has recorded many Cd's and is a highly acclaimed studio musician in the Montreal area, adding his unique talents to many Canadian artists. He is currently finishing a degree in Latin percussion, and has been contributing his talents to Cercamon since the spring of 2007!
Text: Karen Beleck