CÉCILIA

Québécois
Montréal, Québec, Canada

Cécilia brings joy and virtuosity to the rich Québécois and Celtic music of Eastern Canada. Each member of the trio—accordionist Timi Turmel, piano player Erin Leahy, and fiddler Louis Schryer—grew up in musical families and brings a deep passion for their traditions to the stage. Cécilia’s music has an undeniably fresh and high-spirited sound, while honoring their roots, creating a unique and infectiously energetic musical experience.

A distinct musical style developed around the kitchen hearths and in the dance halls of Québec since the first French colonists arrived in the 1600s. A unique Québécois music and culture emerged over the centuries, as French tunes passed from generation to generation, slowly incorporating musical influences from nearby communities—First Nations, Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, and American. Local musicians added their own distinct Québécois swing to the jigs, reels, and hornpipes of their Scottish and Irish neighbors. Cécilia continues in that tradition, seamlessly weaving together Celtic and Québécois tunes in toe-tapping arrangements that reflect the musical heritages of each member of the trio.

Accordionist Timi Turmel grew up in Sherbrooke, Québec. His father and uncle are both talented musicians, who inspired Timi’s love for the instrument. From a young age, he has been devoted to the accordion, often sneaking in a few extra minutes of practice while waiting for the school bus each morning. Timi is a three-time Québec Champion of the one-row accordion, and is known around the world for his unique and distinctive style. He has toured with the Québécois folk dance troupe Mackinaw, and is now playing with world renowned La Bottine Souriante, when not playing with Cécilia.

Born and raised in Lakefield, Ontario, Erin Leahy is a powerhouse piano player, carrying on a longstanding family musical tradition. Erin’s father was an Irish Canadian fiddler, and her mother a step dancer from Cape Breton, and she has played with her siblings in the internationally acclaimed band LEAHY. She has earned a reputation for artful playing, and for highlighting the intimate relationship between the piano, violin, and accordion.

The trio’s regular fiddler, Louis Schryer, is replaced in Lowell by Courtney Drew, a young musician from the Eastern Townships in Québec. She frequently competes on Ontario’s fiddle competition circuit, and performs regularly at festivals and events across Québec and Ontario.

Cécilia brings a joie de vivre, spirit of generosity, and versatility to the stage, while always returning to the “kitchen-style playing” of their roots. Though just three players, they create a big band sound through clever arrangements, shifting harmonies and textures, and propulsive playing. Their debut album Accent displays Cécilia’s range to full effect— “We have many accents for you,” as Timi explains.

Artist social media and website:

ceciliamusic.ca
facebook.com/ceciliamusic
instagram.com/ceciliamusic
youtube.com/ceciliamusic

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