West Stockbridge — The last time Skye Consort appeared at The Foundry with Emma Björling, their performance sparkled with polish, flashed with virtuosity, and overflowed with joy—and I said as much. I also wrote that “the group performed one selection after another that defied expectations and brought everyone to their feet.” Now they are back, and those in the know are aware that tickets to their show at The Foundry at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, will sell out faster than you can say “Trans-Atlantic Chamber Folk.”
Skye Consort is composed of the following musicians:
- Seán Dagher — Irish bouzouki, banjo, lead vocal
- Alex Kehler — nyckelharpa, violin, vocals
- Amanda Keesmaat — cello, vocals
- Emma Björling — lead vocal, percussion
Seán Dagher—lead vocalist, Irish bouzouki, and banjo player—is a versatile performer, arranger, and composer whose work spans folk and classical traditions. He performs with ensembles such as The Swindlers, The Reese Witherspoons, and Gairloch and serves as co-artistic director of the Montreal-based early music group La Nef. Dagher is also known for his contributions to the “Assassin’s Creed” video game series, particularly “Black Flag,” where his sea shanty vocals reached a global audience. He has also appeared with the popular folk group The Longest Johns.
Alex Kehler, based in Québec, is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist specializing in fiddle and nyckelharpa. Active in bands across Québec and New England—including La Nef, Soulwood, and Triton—he is recognized as one of Canada’s leading nyckelharpa players. Since 2011, he has focused on Scandinavian music, studying with masters such as Torbjörn Näsböm, Magnus Holmstöm, and David Eriksson.
Amanda Keesmaat (cello, vocals) is a key figure in Montreal’s early music scene, known for her work with leading artists and ensembles. A founding member of Skye Consort and principal cellist of Arion Baroque Orchestra, she combines classical expertise with a natural affinity for pop and folk traditions. She also leads the ensemble Space Time Continuo and frequently collaborates with La Nef.
Emma Björling—lead vocalist, percussionist, and shruti box player—is an award-winning Swedish singer, composer, and arranger known for her work with acclaimed Scandinavian groups Kongero, Kongero/WÖR-Songbooks, and Lyy. A frequent presence on the European folk and traditional music scene, she has toured internationally with multiple ensembles. Björling serves on the board of the North Atlantic Song Community (NASC), teaches at Framnäs College, and leads vocal workshops around the world.
The band’s musicianship is remarkable. Their repertoire spans Swedish love songs, Scottish reels, and Acadian and Québécois tunes, all reimagined with contemporary harmonies and instrumentation reminiscent of chamber music. Each member is a skilled improviser, yet they bring equal discipline to performing complex arrangements with tight precision—while also delivering finely crafted four-part vocal harmonies.
Hear Skye Consort at The Foundry, 2 Harris Street, West Stockbridge, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29. Tickets are available here. Seating and the bar open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 232-5222.
Parking is limited at the venue, so please use one of the three public parking lots in town: one across from the Post Office, one behind Berkshire Bank, and one just off Main Street. Whatever you do, do not park at Trúc Orient Express Restaurant or the Post Office, unless you want to get a parking ticket.
