Wind on the Waves Classical Duo from Victoria, BC

Wind on the Waves is an acoustic duo featuring Lillian Slanina (soprano vocalist and Celtic harp) and Lisa Szeker-Madden (Baroque Recorder). Both performers are university trained Classical musicians. Lillian earned her B.Mus. at The University of British Columbia, studying both voice and harp. After graduation, she went on to study at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, where she completed her A.V.C.M. in vocal performance. Notable instructors include Selena James and Dr. Jacob Hamm. Lisa earned her H.B.Mus at Western University, where she studied clarinet with Dr. Jerry Summers. But, after falling in love with early music in her third year, she switched to the recorder and began working with Dr. Richard Semmens. She completed her Master's and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Victoria, studying recorder and early music with Prof Lanny Pollet, Dr.E. Schwandt, and traveling to Vancouver to work with Liz Hamel. Both Lillian and Lisa earned many accolades and numerous prestigious awards during their studies. Their repertoire is quite varied, drawing music from the early Celtic Harp tradition and works from some of Classical music's greatest composers like J.S. Bach, Johann Pachelbel, Henry Purcell, Gustave Holst, Richard Wagner, and Franz Schubert, to name a few. Inspiring, well-loved hymns, charming folk pieces, and moving, original compositions round out their stirring programs. Musical styles and emotions rise and fall with every piece: at once, haunting and introspective, then full of fun, and deliciously fast with daring improvised ornamentation! They play with a passion that brings out the raw power and beauty at the heart of every piece. Both musicians perform with gorgeous, professionally hand crafted historical reproductions of their instruments, giving this duo a a truly unique look and sound. This can be paired with historical costumes for full effect! They are based in Victoria BC and are well suited to a wide variety of performance situations including weddings and renewal of vow ceremonies, dinners, receptions, private or corporate concerts, functions,events, Christmas parties or any special celebration. They can also provide live, unobtrusive, but exceedingly pleasant background music, or serve the delicate needs of the bereaved. Both musicians are composers and arrangers, and are happy to accommodate special musical requests with advance notice. If sheet music is unavailable, they can transcribe music from recordings. Wind on the Waves can add grace and beauty to any occasion, transporting listeners from the ordinary to the sublime. Online payments accepted!