Wind on the Waves

Performances mix vocal works with instrumental. For weddings, we can perform the traditional classical and sacred standards, (Pachelbel's Canon, Wagner and Mendelssohn Wedding Marches, Jesu, Joy of Man`s Desiring, Air on a G String, Morning Has Broken, Schubert or Bach or Vavilov Ave Maria), popular music favorites, as well as some not so common Celtic pieces. It all depends on the bride's personal preference. Our goal is to create a musical experience that is each bride's very own and to leave cherished musical memories. We can accommodate your personal requests.You can even commission new (link hidden)r background music situations, the performers provide exceedingly pleasant, but unobtrusive music, that will delight guests during lulls in conversation, but will not inhibit conversation with excessive volume or display. For formal concerts, audiences can expect a full 1-2 hour program with researched program notes, formal concert attire and comportment. Repertoire will vary in style, period, and mood, with an emphasis on passion, expression and virtuosity. Attention will be paid to ensuring that the program is varied and original, filled with beautiful, complex music that will be new for many audiences. Informal concerts will include pieces that many in the audience will know and appreciate, as well as a few unknown gems. Rather than a printed program, Dr. Szeker-Madden regales audiences with fun facts about each piece. Dress will vary according to the client's preference.

What Wind on the Waves does:
Lisa and Lillian offer personal, in-home consultations in the Greater Victoria BC area to ensure that your musical vision can be beautifully and perfectly realized on your special day. These musicians have a vast repertoire spanning all periods of classical music that also includes Early Celtic music, folks songs, sacred music, pop, Broadway, and original compositions. This, coupled with their extensive performing experience allow them to make the music selection process easy, fun, and painless if you are unsure of what you need. They are both arrangers and composers, so, if you have a special request that is not yet in their repertoire, they can arrange it to suit you. Perhaps you would like to commission a new work for your event to really give the occasion its own signature? Lisa and Lillian can write it and perform it for you! From full live concerts, to t.v., film or radio taping and broadcasts, weddings, background music, receptions, cocktails, celebrations, church services, or funerals and bereavements, Lisa and Lillian have the look and the sound to meet your musical needs.
Lillian Slanina (Celtic Harp and Lyric Mezzo-Soprano) and Lisa Szeker-Madden (Baroque Recorders: the early flute) have been performing together since 2008. Their sound is both delightfully pleasing and unique. While most people are familiar with the sound of a harp, the sound of a wooden recorder played by a professional musician is uncommonly beautiful and refreshing for many audiences. The recorder was highly prized in times past as being best able to imitate or 'record' the human voice. So, when Lillian sings and Lisa joins in harmony with her recorder, their perfect blend creates a wonderful resonance that reverberates in the heart.
They also have a large performing wardrobe from casual dress to stunning evening gowns or historical costumes, and lots in between to suit the particular needs of your very special event. Lillian and Lisa are flexible, fun to work with, and take pride in exceeding their clients' expectations. Their goal is to give every event its own, unique musical signature. Some reviews of their work can be found on this site, as well as on the Wedding Wire site. Stand out from the crowd and let the singular sounds of Wind on the Waves add magic to your event!

Bio for Lisa Szeker-Madden:
Dr. Lisa Szeker-Madden completed her undergraduate degree in music at the University of Western Ontario, where she majored in musicology. While there, she studied recorder with Dr. Richard Semmens, and clarinet with Profs. Robert Sheffield and Jerry Summers. She completed her Master's and Ph.D. degrees in musicology at The University of Victoria working under the supervision of Dr. Erich Schwandt, studying recorder with Prof. Lanny Pollet, Elizabeth Hamel in Vancouver, and performing regularly with early music ensembles at the Uvic. She earned several awards as a students, including a fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She is a composer and a member of SOCAN (The Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada), and CFM local 247. In addition to her work with Wind on the Waves, Dr. Szeker-Madden teaches music courses at The University of Victoria, The Victoria Conservatory of Music, and she writes music-related articles for Focus Magazine. She serves on the board of The Friends of Music Society.
Bio for Lillian Slanina:
(link hidden)anina completed her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of British Columbia, where she studied Classical voice and harp. She then studied vocal performance at the Vancouver City College with Dr. Jacob Hamm. A year later, she moved to Victoria and earned her AVCM from the Victoria Conservatory of Music, studying with the revered vocal pedagogue, Selena James. She won several Kiwanis competitions while a student. She went on to teach voice and music lessons for many years at both the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the Whistling Gypsy Community Music School. Her beautiful Celtic Harp was custom made for her by the internationally renowned harp maker, Lawrie Niesh of Salt Spring Island, after a harrowing chase down country roads to track him down!

For each performance, Wind on the Waves requires the use of two armless chairs with backs. We are an acoustic group, so if the client wishes amplification, it is their responsibility to make the appropriate arrangements. We can perform outdoors during the summer months, but we must be protected from direct sunlight, rain, wind, and bare ground. These conditions are to protect our very delicate instruments, which are highly susceptible to cracking and warping. Wind will also block the sound of the recorder.