Six Vocal Ensemble has charted a unique path, combining choral, pop, world, and folk influences, surprising audiences everywhere with the versatility and blend of their voices. To categorize their genre is difficult; to experience their music is indescribable.
Although a relatively new player in the world of music, it has not taken long for Six Vocal Ensemble to leave their mark. Building upon the inspiration from such groups as Rajaton, The King's Singers, and The Real Group, Six has charted a unique path, combining choral, pop, world, and folk influences, surprising audiences everywhere with the versatility and blend of their voices. To categorize their genre is difficult; to experience their music is indescribable.
The members of Six come from entirely different musical backgrounds. In its inception, Six came together as a group of opera and rock singers, jazz artists and choral traditionalists. From amidst this diversity a common goal has seamlessly forged a unified and surprisingly unique a cappella sound. New and returning audiences alike are left constantly amazed at the musical possibilities of the human voice. As the group continue to develop, each member brings different strengths, adding to the complexity that makes Six Vocal Ensemble. This diversity allows the group to explore many genres of music, while retaining in each style the power of a synchronized, well-blended ensemble.
In 2010, Six released their debut CD, "Swept Away", beautifully showcasing their ability to create a diverse body of work. Amidst the explosion of pop a cappella music in the mainstream media, it is this album, featuring entirely original works and arrangements, that sets Six apart. This album is the first of its kind in Canada and has been tremendously well received, reaching audiences in North America and Europe. As a result, Six has been featured many times on CBC Radio, and have been invited guests to world-renowned music festivals. This success has led to a continually growing audience and an opportunity to perform throughout the country.
Biographies
Julia Haggarty, Soprano 1
I learned to whistle long before I could walk, but that's just the start of it. I took piano lessons when I was very young, which lasted for a couple years. I always had a passion for music, but it was when I attended a music-elementary school that I truly understood my own dedication to music making. Since then, I have never looked back. I began studying music privately in both piano and voice, and continued in the music program at school up and into the high school level. As part of a co-op placement, I was able to return to my former elementary school to teach music. I was also a music peer tutor in my final year of secondary school, and now enjoy teaching voice privately. I've sung as a soloist and chorister in the Amabile Youth Women's Ensemble and now study music at the University of Western Ontario.
I enjoy singing an array of styles from classical and folk to more contemporary genres, and any other new and fun sound that Six comes up with! What I love most about singing with Six is the energy and great sense of reward that comes from singing in a group. The partnership and collaboration is always exciting, with new and rewarding things happening on a daily basis. To top it off, the music is always a fun challenge.
Sarah Atkinson, Soprano 2
I am fortunate that I have been given the opportunity to explore and pursue music throughout my life. I began taking piano lessons at the age of five, and later added singing lessons into the mix. Church choir soon became a great outlet for me to explore choral music and develop my personal singing style. While my life seemed to revolve around music, my last two years of high school was the critical point when singing took over. I was thrown into a world of chamber choirs, musical theatre, and vocal jazz.
Currently I am a student at the University of Western Ontario majoring in both music and business. In all of my "spare" time, I teach piano, voice, and horseback riding and try to enjoy the outdoors whenever possible.
It is such a great feeling to be able to sing with a group like Six. The challenge of singing in a small ensemble pushes me to grow musically, and gives me the opportunity to get on stage and share music with others.
Kristin Darsaut, Alto
Six has always been a special musical number for me.
I moved to London from Toronto when I was six and went to an elementary school with a fantastic music program. A year later I began singing in a choir called "Syncopation". This sparked my interest in choral singing and as a result I've been part of some fantastic groups - "Project Sing!", Conspirato Chamber Singers, the Orchestra London Philharmonic Choir, and University of Western Ontario Singers to name a few.
My first piano lesson from my mom was at the age of six, and now I'm usually found on a Sunday morning playing at church. I've since learned many other instruments during my time at the University of Western Ontario while obtaining my Bachelor of Music and look forward to sharing my love of vocal and instrumental music as a high school teacher.
Most recently I've continued my musical "six" trend by joining Six. I have grown tremendously in this group as we push the boundaries of our previous ensemble experiences, and I look forward to what lies ahead for this great group.
Other than that, I love to travel and volunteer, enjoy a good/bad pun, can tough my tongue to my nose, dislike pink, and once had to whack a squirrel with a rubber chicken (in self defence).
Brad Rostas, Tenor
Music has been a part of my life since an early age. I was lucky to be accepted into an arts elementary school - this is probably where I developed a passion for music. From there I joined the Amabile choir, where I met Malcolm. During university, Malcolm and I met Sarah in another choir and began singing in a small group, which would eventually form to become Six.
I wrote my first arrangement of an a cappella piece in 2002, and have chipped away at writing and arranging since then. Writing for Six is great because the other singers are so versatile. Singing in Six, though, is even more rewarding. More than any other musical endeavour I've done, singing in the group is the most fun I can have in music.
When I'm not singing you can catch me scoring goals (or trying to anyway) on the hockey rink.
Malcolm MacDonald, Baritone
To sing or not to sing? That was never the question. Having sung in choirs since I was five, I have loved music every waking hour of my life. Whether it be the mechanical and calculated motifs of Bach, or the free and frantic riffs of Oscar, music has always had a strong foothold in my life.
Studying piano since the age of six has profoundly enhanced my drive to try my best at what I do. Singing in church and school choirs as a youth has grown within me a sense of community and teamwork in all my endeavours, musical and otherwise.
Currently I am touring the world encouraging young men to join together in song with the Amabile Choir. In my spare time, I enjoy walks and composing works for the group, usually getting the best results when I combine the two. Taking naps on my couch is a close third.
Ryan Vamos, Bass
I first began to sing in church - an experience that is likely shared by many others. This experience, along with the continued support of my family and friends really developed within me a love of singing. While singing in Amabile, I met Brad who told me about an opening in an a cappella group called Six. I had previously only sung in all-male groups, but I realized very quickly how much fun it was going to be to sing in this group.
I love singing with Six because the music is really challenging and innovative, and it pushes me to the boundaries of what I can do, helping me grow as a singer. Even beyond singing, we have a great time socializing, and the experience has been a blast. I really look forward to what the future has in store for Six.
Other than singing, I spend my time playing guitar, hanging out with (my other) friends, and singing.
"Swept Away" Review
"This album was absolutely fantastic. Not only does it showcase each member beautifully, but it provides a sound that Canada has not yet heard. Their blend was wonderful and the variety of songs was perfect. The album has something for everyone to listen to and enjoy. Congratulations on an amazing record!"
Montanwah - iTunes
A Group for All to Hear
"This album has something for everyone. Whether you are into the vocal sounds of Rajaton, or enjoy pop tunes, whether you prefer fast songs or slow, this album has plenty of everything. A small group that always seems to be enjoying itself, jam packed with talent and fantastic people, Six Vocal Ensemble is a group that deserves to be heard. Seeing the names of its members as those who have written or arranged many of the songs on the album is an incredible thing to see. A personal favourite is the title track, Swept Away. The song is light-hearted and full of amazing sound and beautiful harmonies. All the songs that follow have something to show as well, fabulous composition, rock solid harmonies, beautiful solos, fun tracks, you name it, this CD has it. Ryan, Malcolm, Brad, Kristin, Sarah, and Julia, I hope you will get the chance to share your gift with everyone. For you have surely gifted me with this music."
Squeaker221
