Ventus Machina
Biography Ventus Machina
Ventus Machina
Formed in 2011, the New Brunswick-based woodwind quintet Ventus Machina quickly became a major player on Canada’s east coast classical music scene. Their flexible and dynamic style of performance—often presenting themed programs that at once engage, entertain, and educate—continues to attract and delight increasingly diverse audiences. Classically based and uncompromising in artistic quality, Ventus Machina makes regular excursions into other genres including jazz, opera, Latin and pop, challenging themselves and surprising their audiences.
Ventus Machina was honoured to be awarded Classical Artist of 2018 by Music NB at their recent Festival 506. Their latest album, In the Weeds, was launched in September 2017 and was nominated for an East Coast Music Award for Classical Album of the Year in May 2018. In November 2019, the group was featured at the French-language music industry event, Francofête en Acadie.
In addition to their many performances Ventus Machina presents two summer workshops each year; the week-long Wind Masters’ Workshop for students aged 12-22, and a chamber music retreat weekend for adults. During the school year they are found actively engaging in community outreach through their own initiatives and through partnerships with Symphony New Brunswick, Resurgo Place Museum, and multiple other artists and organizations. Individually they teach students at all levels, including at Mount Allison University and the University of Moncton.
