Two of the West Coast’s most exceptional musicians, harpist Heidi Krutzen and cellist Ariel Barnes, have formed Couloir, a new and unexpected duo. Couloir is dedicated to collaboration with Canada’s leading composers, performing modern art music at the highest level of excellence, and presenting engaging new music concerts in non-traditional settings.

Having collaborated for many years as chamber and orchestral musicians, Ariel and Heidi have joined forces to explore the sound, timbre, and colour of cello and harp, a combination of instruments rarely heard together. Their mutual desire to create memorable, moving performances, reaching deeply into music’s emotional and spiritual elements, provides the foundation for their new duo.  Couloir is project based, moving away from the traditional recital format, presenting innovative and thought provoking works, and exploring interdisciplinary creations with artists, dancers, and poets.

Couloir debuted at Music on Main’s Modulus Festival at Heritage Hall, Vancouver in October.  Their performance included the world premiere of “Three Meditations on Light” by Jocelyn Morlock, and a subsequent performance with DJ Michael Red.  Couloir has played several concerts since then, recently returning from a tour in Washington State for NY’s Piatigorsky Foundation.  This January Couloir will be featured in recital with world premieres of “A monk, dancing” by Glenn Buhr and “Drifting Seeds” by US composer Baljinder Sekhon.  This concert will be recorded live for CBC Radio’s “The Signal.” Couloir are looking forward to upcoming performances in Ukraine with violinist Petro Krysa in September 2012 and as touring artists for Prairie Debut 2012/2013.  Upcoming commissions include works by Canadian composers: James Maxwell, Andrew Staniland, Anthony Genge, and Caroline Lizotte.

Heidi and Ariel are Principal Harp and Principal Cello respectively of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, and former Principal Harp and Principal Cello of the CBC Radio Orchestra.  They are members of the Turning Point Ensemble, with whom they have recorded and premiered many new works.  As individuals they perform at festivals and concert series internationally as well as teaching on the national and international stage.  Their performances are broadcast regularly on CBC Radio and NPR in the US.