Esmerine is a Canadian contemporary chamber music ensemble that emerged out of Montreal's vibrant underground music scene in the early 2000s. Co-founded by percussionist Bruce Cawdron, best known for his work with Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and cellist Rebecca Foon, who also played in the critically acclaimed ensemble A Silver Mt. Zion, Esmerine has since established itself as an innovative force within the genre. Their musical style integrates elements of minimalist, post-rock and classical expressions, often weaving in influences from around the globe that reflect the diverse backgrounds of their evolving lineup.

The ensemble has consistently expanded and refined their sound over the years, as evident in their discography, which features albums such as "If Only a Sweet Surrender to the Nights To Be True" (2003) and "Aurora" (2005), laying the groundwork for their ethereal and hauntingly beautiful aesthetic. They continued their evocative journey with the Juno Award-winning "La Lechuza" (2011), a tribute to the late Lhasa de Sela, and "Dalmak" (2013), which pushed the boundaries of their music even further, infusing Turkish inspiration recorded during a residency in Istanbul. Esmerine's more recent works, including "Lost Voices" (2015), "Mechanics of Dominion" (2017), and "Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More" (2022), have seen the band delve deeper into the intricate textures and emotive dynamism that characterize their instrumental storytelling, securing their place as one of the most captivating and genre-defying ensembles on the international music stage.

Genres

Canadian Post-rock

Cello

Latest Release

Everything Was Forever Until It Was No More

Esmerine

Album - 9 Tracks - Released May 6, 2022