a strange duo
voice/cello duo redefining vocal chamber music
based in montréal, qc
Recent
Jeffrey Fong / Roman de la Rose
Dans un sentier tout parfumé
Dans un sentier tout parfumé by Jeffrey Fong
Based on the poetry of Roman de la Rose by Jean de Meun, Guillaume de Lorris
The Romance of the Rose stands out as a significant example of courtly literature, aiming to portray what constitutes a love affair and romantic union. Within the Lover's journey, the term 'Rose' serves a dual purpose, functioning as the name of the central female figure while also symbolizing the concept of feminine sexuality. Today the poem is considered one of the earliest examples of feminist literature, but at the time it was published it was considered highly controversial for its allegorical portrayal of awakening sexuality.
Vanessa Croome, soprano
Sahara von Hattenberger, cello
Video by Huei Lin
Audio by Fan Jiang
Recorded at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours
Montréal QC
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Tavener / Akhmatova
Akhmatova songs for Voice and Cello
Akhmatova Songs by John Tavener
Based on the poetry of Anna Andreyevna Akhmatova
Anna Akhmatova (1899-1966) was one of the most significant poets of the 20th century. Her writing, characterized by its emotional restraint, made her a prominent dissident voice in Russia. She faced exile, condemnation, and censorship from the Stalinist regime for her work. Despite international recognition, she never emigrated and remained in the Soviet Union until her death, acting as witness to the events around her.
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Excerpt / VI. Death
I was on the border of something
Which has no certain name...
A drowsy summons,
A slipping away from myself...
Already I stand at the threshold to something, The lot of all, but at a varying price...
On this ship, there is a cabin for me And wind in the sails —
and the dreaded moment
Of the parting with my native land.
(1942)
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Vanessa Croome, soprano
Sahara von Hattenberger, cello
Video by Huei Lin
Audio by Fan Jiang
Recorded at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours
Montréal QC
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Duo Étrange: in recital
with Kyoko Hashimoto
Previn, Poulenc & Tavener
Chapelle Historique du Bon Pasteur
Montreal, QC
February 2023
Upcoming
Duo Étrange, studio recording
ATMA
Montreal, QC
2025
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Duo Étrange: recital debut
Salle Bourgie
Featuring a world premiere work by Nicole Lizée
Montreal, QC
TBD
Duo Étrange, studio recording
ATMA
Montreal, QC
2025
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Duo Étrange: recital debut
Salle Bourgie
Featuring a world premiere work by Nicole Lizée
Montreal, QC
TBD
Vanessa Croome
Soprano
Vanessa Croome is a critically acclaimed classical singer who has performed with leading orchestras and opera companies.
A graduate of the Santa Fe Opera and Opéra de Montréal artist residency programs, Vanessa is known for her work in baroque, classical, and contemporary repertoire. Dedicated to creating contemporary classical art for modern audiences, Vanessa is a founding member of Fondation Kin, a Montreal based non-profit dedicated to the democratization of the classical arts. In 2025, her first studio album with "Duo Étrange" and composer Nicole Lizée will be launched at Salle Bourgie under the ATMA label.
Sahara von Hattenberger
Cello
Sahara von Hattenberger is a Canadian cellist and chamber musician with a mission to create engaging contemporary music. A member of the Chamber Orchestra of New York, Sahara is a Canada Council of the Arts grant recipient for her work in Japan as a founding member of the group Duo Kagarashi. Her debut album, blending classical and jazz traditions will be released in 2024 under the Odd Sounds label featuring two new commissions by Grammy-winning composer Remi LeBoeuf and Malcolm Sailor. In 2025, her second studio album with "Duo Étrange" and composer Nicole Lizée will be launched at Salle Bourgie under the ATMA label.