The best concert I saw in Winnipeg this year was right near the end: Cantor Dust at the Handsome Daughter on November 1. I have been a Cantor Dust fan since I first saw Mark Klassen perform solo over a decade ago. I was thrilled when Natanielle Felicitas was added to the group. I was also thrilled when Dan Moroz was added to the group, but this final development of adding Scott Ellenberger on drums elevated it more than I even thought was possible.
Having the canvas of the drums freed up Mark to somehow take the already gut wrenching emotional performance even further. We are truly lucky in this city to have these four world-class artists collaborate on something so important.
Paige Drobot, Stylus
cantor dust
Biography
Winnipeg’s Cantor Dust conjures evocative lyrics that explore the dichotomies between despair and hope, unearthing moments of humour amidst the dark. The caped quartet blends gripping saxophone, electric cello, and spectral percussion, above swirling synths, keys, and vocal harmonies. With a discography spanning 20 years, their pandemic release Too Many Stars spent 7 weeks atop the CKUW charts. A new album is in the works for 2025.
Scott Ellenberger – Percussion
Natanielle Felicitas – Cello, vox
Mark Klassen – Keys, vox
Dan Moroz – Saxophone