With her latest album, Viola Borealis, violist Marina Thibeault explores the musical links between several northern cultures.

From the 2016 concerto by Lithuanian composer Pēteris Vasks to solo works by Anishinaabe composer Melody McKiver to the very first viola concerto — composed around 1716 by Telemann — the selections on this album showcase the spellbinding talent of Thibeault, who is joined by Orchestre de l'Agora under Nicolas Ellis.

"What a beautiful meeting in music!" says Pēteris Vasks. "Marina's interpretation of my viola concerto is truly excellent. She has captured my message and it is a pleasure to witness her personal vision and understanding of it."

Of special note on this recording are two pieces for solo viola by Melody McKiver. Ningodwaaswi and Niizh are part of Reckoning, a larger work dedicated to the memory of the composer's grandmother, a residential school survivor.

Named Radio-Canada's classical "Revelation" for 2016-2017,Thibeault has delighted audiences around the world with herengaging performances. Her first album, Toquade, received ADISQ and Prix Opus nominations, and ELLES, honouring women composers, was nominated for a 2020 JUNO Award.

Conductor Nicolas Ellis is the Artistic Director and Founder of the Orchestre de l'Agora and serves as Artistic Partner to the Orchestre Metropolitain.