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Qristina Bachand is an expressive fiddler, with a personal style that is edgy but at the same time smooth and clean. Born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Qristina comes from a musical family with deep roots in France and Northern Spain. At the age of seven she began her musical journey with classical violin lessons through the Suzuki Violin Method quickly taking an interest in folk fiddle. She has been a member several fiddle ensembles including Calvin Cairns’ Conservatory Fiddles and Daniel Lapp’s prestigious B.C. Fiddle Orchestra. Clearly at ease on stage, Qristina is a natural performer, consistently delivering a spirited performance that features her energy, enthusiasm and love of Celtic music.
Over the years Qristina has received many regional and national awards, trophies & scholarships for her fiddling. In 2006 and 2007 she received full scholarships to study Irish Fiddle at Ceili Camp (Harrison Hot Springs) and Cape Breton fiddle at the Gaelic College (Cape Breton). She has also immersed herself in the Scottish and Irish Fiddle traditions while touring & performing in those countries.
Though strongly rooted in the Celtic tradition, her versatility and interests also include Old-Time, Appalachian, Swing and contemporary folk music. Qristina’s personal fiddling style reflects her varied musical interests and the many international coaches with whom she has studied. Her own compositions have subtle elements of various fiddle styles giving them a modern spin to a traditional genre.
Qristina is also an experienced teacher, having taught various levels of fiddle for several years, both privately and at music camps. Although she enjoys teaching the more challenging advanced level, she is particularly gifted when dealing with beginners and very young players.