Jarek JD Group
- Toronto, ON
- Violinist
- 39 Verified Bookings
Nicola S. said “Amazing guitarist, mood and tone was perfect for memorial. Very much appreciate a well done performance by Jarek. Thank you Jarek.”
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A versatile Toronto-based cellist, who's artistry spans baroque and classical traditions, to contemporary and popular genres. Erika is available as a solo artist, or hire Erika to contract an ensemble.
Be the first to review Erika Nielsen, Cellist
Price Range: $250 and up.
Languages: English
Unions: AFM
Erika replies promptly, offers warm, friendly, professional service, plays beautifully, and has years of professional performance experience.
Described as "a colourful cellist of many temperaments," Erika Nielsen has a multi-faceted career as a collaborative artist, chamber musician, orchestral player, and educator. Her musicianship spans the Baroque and classical tradition to contemporary and popular genres.
In fall of 2016, Erika produced the debut of her multi-genre solo show, OPPOSITES ATTRACT at Gallery 345, Toronto, featuring music for solo Baroque cello, followed by improvising quartet ARKANA: pianist Ali Berkok, saxophonist Brodie West, percussionist Andrew Miller, and cellist Erika Nielsen. Earlier in 2016, Erika joined the faculty of the ArtsAhimsa Chamber Music Festival in Lenox, Massachusetts, USA.
In 2015, Erika premiered a new Canadian music drama: The Bells of Baddeck in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, followed by completing a tour of Canadian contemporary opera throughout Nova Scotia and Ontario, on bicycle (with her cello), as a member of The Bicycle Opera Project.
Born in West Germany, Erika worked as Principal Cellist of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra for the 2011-13 seasons, where she headlined as a concerto soloist, performed recitals, chamber music, and was an instructor at the conservatory of music. She performs with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout Ontario, and was a member of the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, Kingston Symphony Association, and the Glenn Gould New Music Ensemble. Erika was also a selected fellow for the 2014 Tafelmusik Summer Baroque Institute, and has performed at festivals such as the Banff Centre, Schloss Beuggen, Germany, Le Domaine Forget, and the Toronto Summer Music Festival.
As a collaborative artist, Erika has had the privilege of performing with Grammy-winning artist Kanye West for MTV Canada and Live at the Concert Hall series, with Johnny Reid for Canada's Walk of Fame, and performs frequently with Canadian songwriter Jeffery Straker. She has also recorded for artists such as The Trews and for the 2014 JUNO-nominated album by Splash 'n Boots. From 2008-11 she was a member of minimalist ensemble Muskox, featuring the music of Toronto composer Michael Smith, and has performed for Soundstreams, Spectrum Music series, and The Thin Edge New Music Collective.
Erika holds an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School as a student of David Hetherington, and is a graduate of Queen’s University, Kingston.
She currently performs with 25 piece Toronto Motown band The Big Sound, Classic Albums Live, and has many upcoming performances in the USA with ELO tribute band Strange Magic. Erika is also a featured artist with Westwood Concerts, a chamber music series at Gallery 345, who's 2015 season finale included Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time.
Erika Nielsen maintains a busy freelance career and private studio in Toronto, and also teaches for Havergal College and Branksome Hall.
Please contact Erika for requirements pertaining to your unique event.
Nicola S. said “Amazing guitarist, mood and tone was perfect for memorial. Very much appreciate a well done performance by Jarek. Thank you Jarek.”
Kat A. said “Thank you so much for making our event so special! From the song selection to the sheer talent, we’re so grateful for you!!”
Salina S. N. said “I would use these talented sisters again and highly recommend them all my guests where in awe”
Alyssa said “We wanted to add some live music to a birthday party and decided to hire Peter from The Sidewalk Crusaders to play the saxophone for us. Peter was very…”