Forbidden Flutes
is an eclectic ensemble which pushes the boundaries of classical music. Laura
Barron and Liesa Norman founded this electrifying duo in Vancouver, British
Columbia in 1998. Originally they specialized in the highly virtuosic and entertaining
repertoire of the nineteenth century. However, Laura and Liesa's vision
quickly expanded as they started exploring ways of incorporating their experience
with theatre, dance and the fashion world into their art. They have created
an image that is edgy and enticing. Their music now ranges from jazz arrangements
and film scores to Bach and Mozart. As well, they have commissioned music and
also written and arranged works themselves. Forbidden Flutes works as a duo,
a trio with piano, or backed up by a rhythm section of bass, piano and drums.
In addition to numerous concert appearances they have been featured on City
TV, Kron 4, Vancouver Television, KNAU and CBC radio and have toured extensively
throughout North America both performing and teaching workshops. Next year
they will be producing their first music video and commercial recording. Expect
their shows to attract everyone from martini drinking hipsters to the tea and
crumpet crowd. The only thing forbidden to them is limits!
Liesa Norman
Liesa Norman is an accomplished flutist who holds a doctorate from the University of British Columbia. She has performed with the Vancouver Symphony, numerous ensembles and has been featured on CJRT radio Toronto, City T.V., Vancouver television and CBC radio and television among others. At the same time, Liesa is a model and actress who you may have seen on one of several international runways, or on many movie and television sets. She combines her modelling experience with her musical talent by co-ordinating, arranging and performing music for international fashion show productions. Liesa also works as a composer and jazz arranger and is busy expanding the Forbidden Flutes repertoire. As well, she specializes in teaching improvisation workshops to classical musicians. Her other passions include recording and performing flute and piano with her five piece band Beatthief, a genre-crossing "organic house" band. Beatthief has performed at the premier of the James Bond movie "Die Another Day" and was most recently featured at the M.A.C. show held at Vancouver's premier venue The Commodore. Liesa currently resides in Toronto Canada.
Laura Barron
At 17, Laura Barron made her solo debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
and has since then maintained a passionate and diverse professional career.
Highlights include concertos with the Brandenburg Ensemble in Lincoln Center
as well as performances with Alexander Schneider's Orchestra in Carnigie
Hall. Recently, she was hailed "one of the finest flutists of her generation" (Flute
Network). Her passion has taken her to England, Germany, Austria, Japan and
to nearly every state and province in North America for recital, orchestral
and chamber music engagements. She loves to teach and before taking her current
professorship at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, she taught at UW ÐMadison.
In Flagstaff, she also founded the Painted Sky Music Festival which features
the Forbidden Flutes each summer amongst many of the country's finest
artists. Her recordings include "Echoes of a Blue Planet" and "Playing
with Fire" which have been met with rave reviews. If you ever find her
in a compromising position it is likely to be "upside-down lotus" because
she also teaches yoga workshops for musicians throughout the US and Canada.
Recital Programs * School Shows
For Bookings and/or more information please contact: