A very unique concept, KUNÉ brings together on stage the crème de la crème of Canada’s established musicians from diverse backgrounds. KUNÉ brings together eleven artists who exchange and merge their different cultures in their work, contributing to create a distinctive sound. Through its combined cultural identities, KUNÉ’s Universal Echoes offers a new and original musical language. 

KUNÉ’s musicians come from the four corners of the world – from Peru, Burkina Faso, Cuba, China and elsewhere – and are based in the Toronto area. The eleven musicians of the ensemble play instruments as diverse as their ethnic backgrounds: from the tar of Iran to the Peul flute of Burkina Faso and the Brazilian percussions. In 2017, the ensemble shared each other’s cultures and musical traditions through rehearsals, compositions, workshops and concerts. 

The project was initiated by Mervon Mehta, director of the prestigious Koerner Hall (Toronto) and the group’s first performance was presented there in collaboration with the Aga Khan Museum, the Batuki Music Society, CBC Music, Diaspora Genius, the Lula Music and Arts Centre, Small World Music, the Department of Music at York University and the 918 Bathurst Centre. The ensemble released a first album in 2018 (Universal Music Canada) and is working on a second original album scheduled for 2023.

KUNÉ – Canada’s Global Orchestra – includes:
Demetri Petsalakis, Musical Director – lyra, guitar & oud
Ahmed Moneka – percussion
Aline Morales – congas, pandeiro, alfaia & zabumba
Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk – violin & viola
Dora Wang – dizi, xiao & alto flute
Lasso – djembe, n’goni, peul flute & tama
Luis Deniz – alto saxophone
Matias Recharte – drum, cajón & percussion
Paco Luviano – double bass & electric bass
Padideh Ahrarnejad – tar
Selcuk Suna – clarinet & tenor saxophone