Traverse Brings Vibrant Québécois Trad Music to Petawawa

On February 9, 2024, the Petawawa House Concerts series will host a captivating evening featuring Traverse, a trio renowned for their dynamic interpretation of traditional Quebec fiddle music. The concert will take place at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can expect two 50-minute sets, each separated by an intermission offering hot and cold refreshments, home baking, and cookies. A suggested donation of $30 will support this intimate and community-oriented music series.

Celebrated Musicians Unite for Unique Performance

Traverse consists of fiddler Laura Risk, accordionist and flutist Nicholas Williams, and pianist Rachel Aucoin. The group has gained international acclaim, winning Quebec’s OPUS Prize for Album of the Year in Traditional Québécois Music. Their sound has been described by The Guardian as “gorgeous, refreshing,” while Songlines refers to their performance as “mature, dignified and rewarding.” RootsWorld captures their essence perfectly by calling it “heart-lifting music, full of intelligence, delicacy, and detail.”

While deeply rooted in Quebec’s rich musical tradition, each member of Traverse brings a unique background to the trio. Laura Risk hails from California and is respected as both a performer and scholar of Quebec and Scottish fiddling. She has recorded over a dozen albums and teaches at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Nicholas Williams, a multi-instrumentalist and composer, is recognized for his collaborations with award-winning projects across Quebec and New England, particularly with the band Genticorum. Rachel Aucoin, raised in an Acadian community in New Brunswick, is an accomplished pianist known for her collaborations with prominent figures in traditional music, such as Natalie MacMaster and André Brunet.

An Evening of Community and Culture

The concert at Petawawa promises to be a remarkable opportunity to experience the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines Traverse. The musicians’ deep commitment to their art and their community creates a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences. Their performance is not just a concert; it is an invitation to engage with the rich cultural tapestry of Quebec.

To reserve a spot for this exceptional evening, interested attendees can send e-transfer donations to [email protected]. For additional information about the concert, contact Alastair at 613-602-6517 or Karen at 343-544-8512.