Morag Northey
Cellist, Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Teacher and Pianist

Originally from Vancouver B.C., Morag has been cellist, singer, songwriter, teacher, composer, and pianist, in Calgary for over 18 years.  Study at the the Banff Centre, the University of Calgary, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Victoria Conservatory of Music have built a solid foundation for Morag's professional career. 

Morag performs regularly in the VAD Ensemble, which she began in 1991.  In VAD, she is contractor, leader, soloist, chamber musician, and arranger. Morag has performed: with the Austin Symphony, the Calgary Philharmonic, and the Vancouver Pro Musica, Orchestras, in musical productions of: Beauty and the Beast (Theatre Calgary), Blanche (Poetry-Gilbertson, Music co-composed: Gilbertson,Northey,Lewis), Why Freud Fainted (Music co-created by Playwright David Rhymer,Northey,Yohemes, Alberta Theatre Projects) Camelot (Live Nation, Theatre Calgary), West Side Story, The Phantom of the Opera (Live Ent Inc. Calgary and Regina Touring Orchestra) , Les Miserables (Mirvish Productions),  and also with: the Royal Winnipeg and the National Ballet Touring Orchestras.  Morag has accompanied two seasons of Springboard Dance Company’s vertical dance production, Corvidae (Trina Rasmusen), using original compositions (performing cello, at the same time as drums).

Working with film is one of Morag's true callings.  Her music can be heard as recording artist in the Canadian Film Productions: Opening Night, The Former Mrs. Butterfly, Beauty Crowds Me, and the Genie-nominated short, Claire. She composed and recorded cello and piano in the sound score for Nicole Tritter's dance film, Enticed, and has been heard on soundtracks for film, and music video, with Six Degrees. 

Morag's works are infused with classical training, global contemporary cabaret, a hint of avant-garde, a sense of 'other-worldliness,' and humor. While Calgary group Cielo originally showcased her songs, it was And so it goes... that took them on the road performing in the US and Canada (Canadian Embassy - Washington DC - Alberta at the Smithsonian, and celebrating Alberta's 100th year, Alberta Scene - Ottawa). She was singer, songwriter, and cellist in original Canadian folk improv. group Tsk, and with Onalea Gilbertson (singer, pianist), performs in She. She is a Parisian, Mouliin Rouge, French Art Song duo, performing classic and original works written or arranged by Morag (cello, piano, and voice).

RedVenusBlueTango (created 2004) brings the first CD, This is the Life, to release February 2009. The CD features songs by Morag and Brent VanDusen (percussionist, composer, singer, pianist, and electronica) as well as Jonathan Lewis (violin and accordion).

Morag has freelanced with celebrities Tony Bennett, Lyle Lovett, Johnny Mathis, Linda Ronstadt and Rod Stewart. She has recorded with artists: Wil, Kristoph Franz, Jeff Landeen, Lin Elder, Jasmine Whenem, Jane Hawley, Mike Stack and the Kitchen Boys.

Lilies of the Field, a recording on which Morag is composer, arranger, cellist, singer, and co-producer, was nominated most "Inspirational Album of the Year" in the Gospel Music Association of Canada's 29th Annual Covenant Awards.

A recent CD release of Blanche (Oct 2008), is followed by Red Venus Blue Tango's own CD, recorded at Vancouver's Bakerstreet Studios, produced by amazing guitarist, singer, songwriter, and brother, Craig Northey. Russell Broom mixes, Dave Horrocks masters, while Michael Wrycraft designs. What a team!

Morag wishes to thank recording studios who have graciously shared time and care -without them, we wouldn't sound so great!: Bakerstreet Studios (Vancouver), Russell Broom, Glow Music Arts, Infinite Wave, Lief Gilbertson, Louis Sedmak Productions (Edmonton), Six Degrees, and Sundae Sound - Dave Alcock.

This 2008 summer, Morag participated in the One Yellow Rabbit Summer Lab Intensive. Her final performance Out of the Storm used three different cello tunings, played standing & dancing to her composed soundtrack, accompanied by iive song (thanks OYR). Morag celebrated OYR's 25th anniversary by playing with friends, Calgary's Greek/world band, the Rembetika Hipsters.

Morag's Broadview Cello Studio, host to 25 cello students ages 4 - 60, and an adult cello choir which rehearses in CBC's broadcasting building, brings all the music home. Home is her sanctuary, along with her two beautiful, sweet, creative, and supportive children - her greatest loves.

Sheldon NadlerViolin

Born and raised in Chicago, Sheldon Nadler has been a violinist and music educator in Calgary for over 30 years. He was a member of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra from 1974 to 1993, and continues to play with the CPO as an extra. Over the many years that Mr. Nadler has been active in the music scene in Calgary, he has played in a wide variety of groups, both classical and popular, including the CBC Calgary Strings, Alberta Chamber Players, the Beau Quartet, Music Mosaic Trio, Nota Bene String Quartet, Vad Ensemble, the Centre Street Ragtime Orchestra, Take the Oy Train Klezmer Ensemble, Heavt Shtetl Klezmer Ensemble, and many more.

Mr. Nadler has also taught at a number of summer schools, including the Saskatchewan Summer School for the Arts (Fort San, Saskatchewan), the Tidewater Music Festival (St. Mary's College, Maryland) and Strings and Keys (Bergen, Alberta).

Currently Mr. Nadler is a manager at the Mount Royal College Conservatory in Calgary, and teaches courses in music history and string literature for the Conservatory's Diploma Program in Music Performance.

Ron Bennie Piano

Ron is an active musician in the Calgary scene. When not performing with VAD, he is rehearsing with the Calgary Opera Chorus or coaching young singers at Mount Royal College. He also enjoys his work with the young women's choir Cantando, directed by Catherine Glaser-Climie. Ron holds degrees form the University of Victoria and the Royal Conservatory of Music. Ron is known for bringing a good deal of enthusiasm and positive energy to his playing. He and his wife, Maureen, devote themselves to their organization, Autism Awareness Centre, promoting education and resources to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Brigit Knecht B Mus; M.M - Violin

Brigit Knecht is an artist of diverse talents whose many interests keep her active as a performer, music director, and teacher across both the United States and Canada. On violin, Brigit performs with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, assistant concertmaster with the Red Deer Symphony, and as a member of the VAD, Players, and Helia Chamber Ensembles. She has appeared as a guest artist with the Land's End Chamber Ensemble and Kensington Sinfonia, and as a resident artist at the Banff Centre. A recipient of the Canadian Federation of University Women’s Creative Arts Award, her recordings include the independently released CD, Uncharted, with the Armadillo String Quartet and many concert recordings for CBC radio.

In the theatre, Brigit is a Betty Mitchell Award nominated musical director whose favorite place to be is conducting from the orchestra pit. Selected credits include: Bat Boy the musical (Mob Hit productions, Betty nom.), Jaques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Yale School of Drama), Dido and Aeneas (Opera Workshop), The Captives (Knebworth House), An Ideal Husband (Weston Playhouse).

When not artistically engaged, Brigit plays the role of scholar at the University of Calgary where she teaches arts-based courses in both communications and engineering. She holds a Master of Music degree from Yale University, where she studied with Syoko Aki, a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Calgary, and in 2009 will complete her PhD in cultural policy.

Brigit has received several grants from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and is a recipient of the Canadian Federation of University Women’s Creative Arts Award.

David Grimstead Piano

David, a native Calgarian, studied classical piano from the age of five, began teaching piano at age 12 and singing at age 14. David's performing styles have been shaped by his extensive experience in the music industry.

After completing his Bachelor of Music, David began his professional career with The Stratus Singers of Calgary. This show oriented group traveled extensively throughout Western Canada and the Northwest United States. Upon returning to Calgary, David sang and played with a variety of house bands in nightclubs and dining rooms.

David maintains his solo piano repertoire and continues to play for the Calgary Glencoe Club, Petroleum Clubs, and can often be found in many of the downtown hotels, “tinkling the ivories”. David's musical experience includes playing solo piano for dignitaries, performing in pit orchestras for television productions and concerts with Red Skelton. Some notable musical groups include Klaas Craats and Friends, Festival, and The Eric Friedenberg Orchestra. Currently, a high school music educator with the Calgary Board of Education, David is an integral part of Still Crazy (After All These Years).

Sandi Sykes Vocals

Over the past decade Sandi has gained recognition on the opera stage and as a recitalist in the sacred/gospel arena.  Known as a vocalist of exceptional range, her performances are noted for richness of tone and expressiveness.  Recently it was said that she has a voice with the quality of chocolate.

Sandi commands an eclectic mix of repertoire from Bach to contemporary gospel and jazz.  She has been singing actively in The Calgary Opera as a chorus member in numerous main stage productions the last being the world premiere of Filumena in February 2003.  She can be seen in the upcoming production of Sweeny Todd in February 2004.

Sandi teams up with her friend and well-known cellist Morag Northey-Taylor to create and develop music that features a diverse musical range. Sandi is in her element singing traditional melodies of jazz, folk and classical genre, including bringing instrumental works to the voice such as the J.S. Bach Arioso and Air on a G String.

Theresa Plotnick Viola

Theresa Plotnick, a native of Dayton, Ohio, earned her music degree at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and then played professionally in orchestras in Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio; Caracas, Venezuela; and Erie, Pennsylvania.

Since her move to Calgary, Alberta, Ms. Plotnick has performed frequently as a freelance violinist with such groups as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Bach Society, Calgary Festival Chorus, Royal Winnipeg Ballet Orchestra, Red Deer Symphony, Springbank Trio, and numerous chamber groups. She is a founding member of the Allegra String Quartet.

After serving on the faculty of the Suzuki Talent Education Society for 17 years she now teaches a private studio of violin and viola. She is also on the faculty of the Mount Royal College Conservatory where she helps to coordinate the preparatory and intermediate academy programmes for young string players.

Francesca Davenport Recorder

Francesca Davenport holds a Bachelor of Music in bassoon performance from Memorial University of Newfoundland. After graduation she continued her bassoon studies with Christopher Weait and reedmaker L. Skinner. She attended bassoon master classes with Leonard Sharrow, Otto Oromsegi, Loren Glickman and John Miller. She also studied baroque bassoon at the Baroque Performance Institute at Oberlin Ohio, recorder at the Northumberland Recorder and Viol School at Durham University in England, and participated in recorder master classes with Carl Dolmetsch and Han Tol.

For over twenty years Ms. Davenport was principal bassoonist with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, ran a full teaching studio (bassoon, flute, oboe and recorder) and was bassoon instructor at Memorial University School of Music in St. John's. She had an active performing career as soloist on both bassoon and recorder with the Newfoundland Sinfonia, and played in many baroque and chamber groups. She was frequently heard on CBC radio in the east, and played bassoon and recorder in the CBC documentary movie East of Canada.

In 1999, Ms. Davenport moved to Calgary. She now works as a clinician and free-lancer, playing with such groups as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Ballet Orchestra, Calgary Opera, the Alberta Ballet, the Bach Society and the baroque group Euridice. She has directed sessions of the Calgary Early Music Society and has coached young bassoonists in the Alberta Youth Orchestras at the Banff Centre. She currently teaches bassoon at the University of Calgary department of music, and adjudicates at many festivals.

Colin Haydu Trombone

Colin Haydu is an active performer and teacher in the Calgary area. He has played with show bands abroad with Princess Cruises and Holland America Cruise Lines. Colin plays regularly with the Dave Jones Big Band, the Eric Friedenberg Orchestra, and numerous area musical groups. Colin received a Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas. In addition to performing, Colin has served on the music faculties of the University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan Community College.

Heather Haydu Oboe

A resident of Langdon, Alberta, Heather Haydu holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University. Her principal teachers are Sara Lambert Bloom and Ray Still. Heather has held positions in the Victoria Symphony and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Heather is co-Principal Oboist with the Red Deer Symphony. Heather is a sought after teacher in Alberta, and she has held positions on the faculty of Augustana University College and the University of Alberta. She currently has a private studio in Calgary, and continues to be an active freelance musician with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and other musical groups in the Calgary area.