The Ensemble
The Don Adriano ensemble is a group of musicians led by composer and singer Adrian Rodriguez along with Guitarist Adam Goulet and Clarinetist Christine Hoerning. We could describe their music as Neoclassical folk. In it’s trio formula they offer a cocktail of rearranged folk songs from Spain, Latin America, Italy, France and new compositions.
Singer, composer and guitarist, Adrian Rodriguez seeks under the Alias “Don Adriano” to combine his rich musical background into one project. His musical journey started in Venezuela, his country of origin. In his teen years, he recorded an ep with a pop-punk band called S.A.S where he arranged, composed and played electric guitar.
Ironically, he took serious interest in latin music only once he moved to Canada. Led by a desire to keep connected to his roots, once established in Montreal, he put a band together: Zorte. They recorded a ep entitled: I’m not a Mexican, which is humorous comment about latin stereotypes. During their existence the band played some festivals and local gigs before dissolved.
In parallel, he began his studies as a classical singer at Université de Montréal and obtained a Bachelor and a Master degree in opera performance. He has interpreted many roles in local an international opera productions: Alfredo in La Traviata, Le Chevalier de la force dans Les dialogues des Carmelites, Remendado and Dancairo in Carmen, Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi….
Guitarist Adam Goulet is also a graduate from UDEM in classical guitar and musically fluent in many styles: jazz, latin and rock.
He has work as a leader, sideman and collaborator with local and international talents
such as: Boogat, Rachel Therrien, NeEma, Andy Rubal, Los Anormales, Timba MM, Akawui, Ramon Chicharron, Bumaranga, David Pabon, Valerie Ekoume, Karen Young, David Tremblay & Bruno Labrie , Karen Potje, Roads, Willard and Kat among others.
Eventually the duo was joint by Clarinettist Christine Hoerning. A New York native now based in Montreal, Christine Hoerning is an accomplished clarinetist, director, teacher, and creator across a multitude of genres. She is currently serving as the visiting professor of clarinet at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.
