;)
Who We Are...
The North Shore Celtic Ensemble is a non-profit society and registered charity dedicated to connecting youth and communities through music. Our programs and performances touch thousands of people every year.
What We Do...
Most people know us as one of BC's best young performing arts groups. Directed by professional musicians Claude Giguère and Jay Knutson, the Ensemble brings raw energy and a whole new style to the Vancouver music scene. What started as celtic is now a spirited original repertoire that reflects a dynamic mix of musical influences - celtic, jazz, classical, folk, and more - creating an exciting genre-spanning experience for the players and the audience.
But we're way more than that. The North Shore Celtic Ensemble is committed to using music to build and strengthen connections in communities. Events such as our Community Concert Series give young musicians an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to vital community initiatives and services. These and other free community events are designed to help people connect and celebrate with music. An important part of this commitment to community involves building connections within the arts community, and the NSCE continues to seek out and facilitate collaborations with a range of artists and arts organizations.
At its core of course, the NSCE is all about engaging and empowering youth, especially to creating the skills, motivation and lifelong habit of giving back to communities through music. In 1999, artistic directors Claude and Jay gathered a small group of kids in a school basement and imagined a whole new way to bring music to kids and communities. Today, they help sixty young musicians in three programs to do more and go further with music. Through innovative music programs, community events and artistic collaborations, the North Shore Celtic Ensemble inspires kids to explore who they are as musicians, to push themselves artistically, and to come into their own as socially-conscious members of the community.
And that's what we're all about.
Our Vision...
Kids from all walks of life are inspired to do more and go further with music. They know that great music has no boundaries - it spans generations, cultures and genres. They use music to reach out and connect, to live well and to make a difference in the world.