Calvin Vollrath

Calvin Vollrath (born 16 May 1960) is a Canadian fiddler and composer. He is one of the best fiddlers in the world.[1] He is also one of the few European-Canadian fiddle players playing professionally in the Métis style.[2] He lives in Alberta.

He won the Grand North American Old Tyme Fiddle Championship in 1985. In more recent years, he has judged the Canadian Grand Masters fiddle competition, and was awarded a Life Time Achievement Award from them in 2005. He participates in Emma Lake Fiddle Camp. He has played with various other musicians including John Arcand. Some of his music is jazz-like, some from the Métis tradition. He is an inspiration and a mentor to many Canadian fiddlers, including April Verch,[3] Patti Lamoureux,[4] and Samantha Robichaud.[5] Jerry Holland has composed a tune in Calvin's honour, named "Calvin, Fiddler’s Idol". Calvin has represented Canadian music internationally, such as at the World Music Expo in Berlin in 2000.[6] He became the first fiddler to play at an NHL hockey game when the Edmonton Oilers invited him to play during the Stanley Cup Finals in 1988. He has made recordings with musicians such as Ian Tyson, George Fox, Colleen Peterson, and Laura Vinson. CBC's documentary show hosted by Adrienne Clarkson aired a show about Métis fiddling that featured Calvin Vollrath and John Arcand.

He composed and performed a piece for the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.[7][8]

Discography

And many more, including live sessions from the Emma Lake Fiddle Camp and recordings with other musicians.

References

Citations
  1. LaFrance, Robert (2 July 2008). "'Fiddle camp' isn't just for fiddlers". The Victoria Star. Retrieved 13 August 2008.
  2. Lyon 1999, p. 139
  3. Virtucio, V. Paul (4 April 2003). "Master Fiddler April Verch Performs 'Ottawa Valley' Music". Duluth News Tribune. p. 03G.
  4. Patti Lamoureux on Myspace
  5. Monaghan, Alex (2003). "World Famous in Alberta: Canadian fiddler Calvin Vollrath interviewed". Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  6. "The WOMEX 2000 Conference: List of Conference Sessions". WOMEX.
  7. Iltan, Cigdem (22 February 2010). "Calvin Vollrath brings Canadian tunes to world at Olympics". Edmonton Journal. edmontonjournal.com. OCLC 43767023.
  8. Ross, Andrea (10 Sep 2013). "Fiddler’s Roost moving on". Edmonton Journal.
Bibliography

External links