Bowfire

Bowfire is a total violin experience. It is a meeting of eleven critically acclaimed violinists and fiddlers whose expertise encompasses styles as diverse as classical, jazz, country, rock, old-time, Texas-style, bluegrass, gypsy, eclectic, Celtic, and electric. The high level of talent and the diverse range of material presented in their performances serve not only as a testament to the virtuosity of these musicians, but also as a loving tribute to this amazingly versatile, complex and lyrically romantic instrument. Assembled by acclaimed jazz violinist Lenny Solomon, the performing ensemble consists of the eleven violinists, piano, bass, drums, guitar, and cello.

Formed in June 2000, Bowfire made its debut performance the following month at Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany. Audience response was wildly enthusiastic, and the group was subsequently invited to perform on the Governor-General's Awards telecast, the Canadian equivalent of the United States' Kennedy Center Honors. The program aired in Quebec in December, and throughout the rest of Canada in January 2001. The ensemble made its North American debut in a series of performances during the summer of 2001 in Canada and New York City.

Bowfire is made up of the leading names in each genre of modern violin playing. Artistic Director Lenny Solomon, who composes and arranges many of the group's selections, is one of the leading jazz violinists performing today. He is joined by the ten other acclaimed violinists: Quebecois jazz talent StŸphane Allard; classical virtuosos Moshe Hammer, Lara St. John, and Peter De Sotto (who also sings); Bluegrass fiddler Ray Legere; Celtic fiddlers Jon Pilatzke and Stephanie Cadman (accomplished stepdancers as well); nineteen-year-old Shane Cook, a master of several styles; virtuoso of the Chinese erhu George Gao; and Daniel Lapp, whose wide-ranging interests embrace a host of modern styles.