Andrew Balfour: A Fusion of Indigenous Identity and Western Tradition
Andrew Balfour is a Cree composer and conductor from Winnipeg who has gained both national and international acclaim for his innovative choral compositions. He blends Indigenous storytelling with Western choral traditions which reflect his personal journey of reclaiming his Indigenous heritage within the classical music landscape.
Andrew Balfour
A Journey of Rediscovery
Born in 1967 in the Fisher River Cree Nation and taken from his birth family during the Sixties Scoop, Balfour's early life was marked by a disconnection from his Cree roots. Raised in a predominantly white environment, he was introduced to music through his adoptive family's involvement in church and the arts. However, it was not until later in life, after a period of personal challenges, that Balfour began to reconnect with his Indigenous identity through music. This reconnection has profoundly influenced his compositional voice, leading him to explore themes of identity, history, and reconciliation in his works.
Innovative Choral Compositions
Balfour's choral compositions are characterized by their unique fusion of Indigenous languages, stories, and musical elements with traditional Western choral forms. One of his notable works, Nagamo, reimagines the sacred choral music of the Renaissance masters—such as Byrd, Tallis, and Purcell—by translating their Latin texts into Cree and Ojibway. This innovative approach not only honors the original compositions but also introduces Indigenous perspectives into the sacred choral tradition.
A Commitment to Reconciliation and Education
Beyond his compositions, Balfour is deeply committed to reconciliation and education. As the founder and artistic director of the vocal ensemble Dead of Winter (formerly Camerata Nova), he has created a platform for Indigenous voices within the choral community. His outreach efforts extend to schools in low-income and northern communities, where he works to inspire and educate young people about Indigenous cultures and histories through music
Andrew Balfour's choral works are a testament to the power of music as a tool for cultural expression and reconciliation. By intertwining Indigenous narratives with Western choral traditions, he not only enriches the classical music repertoire but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. Through his compositions, Balfour continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative musical landscape.
Cantala Choir Concert poster 2025
Cantala is preparing Balfour’s work Wyandot Realm and Ave Maria for their December 13th, 2025, 7pm concert. We are very excited to share this powerful voice in today’s choral composition landscape.