Photo Courtesy of Chantal Gallant
Québécois
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Cécilia brings joy and virtuosity to the rich strands of Eastern Canada’s Québécois tradition. Each member of the trio—accordionist Timi Turmel, pianist Erin Leahy, and fiddler Louis Schryer—grew up in a musical family and brings a deep passion for the tradition 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 performing with Cécilia.
Born and raised in Lakefield, Ontario, Erin Leahy is a powerhouse piano player, carrying on a longstanding family musical tradition—the Leahys are one of Canada’s most renowned musical families. 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 fiddler, Louis Schryer, is one of the most sought-after fiddle players of his generation, who is the only eight-time Canadian Fiddle Champion and holds four titles of the Grand Masters Fiddle Championship. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, he started to play the fiddle at age eight—along with his triplet brothers—under the tutelage of his two older siblings. When not playing with Cécilia, he is teaching, producing, and composing.
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.
Cécilia’s performances at the Richmond Folk Festival are made possible in part with support from the Québec Government Office in New York.