Essential Advent Calendar: Janelle Nadeau – ‘Star of Night’

Vancouver harpist Janelle Nadeau has released her a seasonal album, ‘Star Of Night’. The acting principal harpist with the Vancouver Opera, Janelle has performed with everyone from Diana Krall to Kanye West. The album comprises her take on ten classic Christmas songs.

Released on 30 November, ‘Star Of Night’ is a stunning album with many very familiar tunes, such as ‘What Child Is This’ (aka ‘Greensleeves’), ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ among many others. Janelle’s talent and skill as a harpist are made very evident and her arrangements, which are accompanied by guitar and other strings, as well as her harp, are gentle, soothing, and beautiful.

Janelle’s light and airy vocals are to be heard on ‘It Came Upon A Midnight Clear’, along with piano, guitar and percussive instruments, such as a variety of bells and cymbals. Of course her gorgeous harp is also to be heard, the ensemble creating an absolute gem of a cover of the classic carol. You can also hear her voice on the final track on the album, a lovely cover of U2’s ‘Peace On Earth’.

Speaking of the album, Nadeau says,

“Music soothes, enlightens and encourages the many emotions of life. This album is for the quieter times when you find yourself alone with time to think. May your path be lit by a Star of Night.”

Janelle Nadeau’s resume is long and magnificent; in addition to being the principal harpist with the Vancouver Opera and performing with Diana Krall and Kanye West, she’s also peformed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and performed at the World Harp Conference, and the American Harp Society Conference. Janelle has toured with Manitoba Arts Network, and the National Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Turning Point Ensemble. For a decade she toured across Western Canada, performing with acclaimed Celtic, Mediaeval and Classical Music group, Winter Harp. Her music is to be heard on CBC Radio and 102.3FM, Winnipeg.

“Whether you are driving in your car, cozying up on the couch or having a Christmas gathering, this album will be perfect to engage in the spirit of the holiday with a fresh sound,” explains Nadeau.

Find Janelle Nadeau online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as her official website. You can stream her music on Spotify and Bandcamp.

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com

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