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Snapshot from The Gardener's Daughter

WHAT WE DO

NOMAD is a prize-winning, shape-shifting ensemble. Since our formation in 2021, we have made a bold commitment to creating experimental and intimate multi-media performances for our audiences.

Co-founded by three classically trained musicians - Ailsa Burns, Iona Kaye and Elena Orsi - at the heart of NOMAD is classical music, but they are not afraid to explore a diverse array of genres and art forms.

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Highlights include performing at Aviva Studios for Manchester International Festival, receiving the Elias Chamber Music Prize in 2023, and becoming recent recipients of the Royal Northern College of Music's inaugural Green Fund and Creative Innovators Award. Pushing artistic boundaries, NOMAD premiered their latest work ‘The Gardener’s Daughter’ in Autumn 2023, a brand-new immersive theatre piece created in collaboration with The Mancunium Consort.

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MEET THE TEAM

Iona Kaye, surrounded by trees

Iona Kaye

Co-founder

Classically trained opera singer, actor, poet and storyteller, Iona is a versatile performer.

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Ailsa Burns, under a tree

Ailsa Burns

Co-founder

With interests in folk and contemporary music, Ailsa is a classically-trained violinist with a varied performing and teaching career.

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Elena Orsi in a park

Elena Orsi

Co-founder

Elena is a creative violinist, whose skills span from improvisation to orchestral leading and solo recitals.

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Collaborators

FOUNDERS/CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Iona Kaye, Elena Orsi, Ailsa Burns

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VOICE

Iona Kaye, Adela Philippi, Molly Becker, Lili Holland-Fricke

 

VIOLIN

Ailsa Burns, Elena Orsi, Adela Philippi

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VIOLA

Emma Robinson, Samuel Kane

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CELLO

Lili Holland-Fricke, Hoda Jahanpour, Jakub Smola, Elena Edwards, Lucy McLuckie

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FLUTE

Jessie-May Wilson

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CLARINET

Samuel Austin

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TRUMPET

Cameron Chin-See

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PERCUSSION/VOICE

Dudù Kouate

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COMPOSITION

Lili Holland-Fricke, Devon Bonelli, Samuel Kane

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ENSEMBLES

The Mancunium Consort, K'in Ensemble

NOMAD co-founders Iona, Ailsa and Elena
NOMAD celebrating with a clapperboard after shooting 'The Gardener's Daughter'

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