ABOUT THE BROGUE QUARTET
Atlantic Canada is known for its Celtic roots. The Scottish "brogue" can be heard all throughout the region. This, when combined with the French Acadian tradition and flavoured by the influences of the many other peoples that have walked our shores, create something unique—our vibrant and living culture!
Similarly, The Brogue Quartet - based in the port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia - fuses the styles and backgrounds of its four members to create an ensemble that is lively, engaging, cohesive, and dynamic! Their performances are highly polished, reflecting a respect for their audience, and always include an element of entertainment while maintaining a high level of musicianship. Going well beyond the boundaries of the traditional saxophone quartet, the players bring to the group their skills on other instruments and in diverse musical styles. You never know what you might hear!
Formed in 2013, the Brogue have played on the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, along with stages in Halifax, Truro, Antigonish, Wolfville, Berwick (NS), Sackville (NB), and more! They feverishly prepare exciting and fun new programs for their performances, and are adding new repertoire all the time. Brogue events are always engaging and full of surprises. Be sure to catch a show and tune in to The Brogue!
James Kalyn—soprano saxophone
(also flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, guitar)
James Kalyn has built an international career over the past twenty five years as a soloist and orchestral musician of the highest calibre on both clarinet and saxophone. He plays saxophone in the Cleveland Orchestra and has made a number of solo and chamber music recordings. Kalyn is Professor of Single Reeds and Conducting at Mount Allison University.
Tristan De Borba—alto saxophone
(also clarinet, soprano/tenor sax, penny whistle)
Soloist, chamber musician, pedagogue and conductor who has performed classical saxophone throughout North America and Europe. As a pedagogue, Tristan is on faculty at Acadia University, has given masterclasses at Mount Allison University, University of Toronto and is a regular clinician at the Atlantic Band Festival. An active freelance musician, Tristan has performed most notably with: Symphony Nova Scotia, Opera Nova Scotia, Scotia Winds, and the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. Tristan resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Brad Reid—tenor saxophone
(also flute, clarinet, bassoon, fiddle)
Brad Reid has become known as a surprisingly versatile and capable musician and arranger. After studying jazz saxophone at St. Francis University, he spent 7 years as a musician and bandmaster on luxury cruise lines. Brad now performs around the Maritimes and across Canada with singer/songwriters; his jazz trio; the Baroque N' Fiddle String Quartet; or Jigs Start Here. He works regularly as a woodwind doubler in the pit orchestra for Neptune Theatre, on shows such as Shrek the Musical, A Year With Frog and Toad, The Addams Family, Avenue Q (Young Company), Into the Woods, and Sweeney Todd. Brad also plays with the Myles Goodwyn Band.
Catherine Hatt—baritone saxophone
(also flute, clarinet, spoons)
Catherine is an alumna of the Mount Allison University Music Program, and the Band of the Ceremonial Guard, performing the Changing of the Guard on Parliament Hill, as well as performing in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. She has been a guest performer with New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and enjoys playing for musical theatre, where she has been able to develop her doubling skills. Catherine is currently residing in Dartmouth, NS where she plays as a reservist with the 36 Canadian Brigade Group Band.