Trobairitz Music and Storytelling

Angelica Ottewill
Singer, Harpist and Storyteller

Angelica Ottewill is a trained singer, harpist and storyteller who performs music and stories for all ages. She is a unique performer who combines the art of storytelling with music and weaves the two seamlessly together. Her musical repertoire includes folk, classical, Celtic and original material and she is equally at home on the concert stage as she is in the storyteller’s chair.

Angelica performs stories from around the world that appeal to adults and children of all ages. They include Medieval tales, Fairy and folk tales, Greek myths, historical stories and anecdotes.

As past president of the Ontario Folk Harp Society, Angelica has presented concerts and workshops throughout Ontario and at the International Harp Conference in Indiana, 2002.

A graduate of the University of Toronto, Angelica holds a Bachelor of music in Education and a Bachelor of Education. She also holds an A.R.C.T. in vocal performance from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto.

As a retired elementary music and French teacher, Angelica brings a wealth of experience to her Children’s performances. Her passion for storytelling led her to create a music and drama program that incorporated folklore and traditional stories. As a result, her children’s performances are interactive, educational, and curriculum based.

Betty Bennett
Storyteller

Betty Bennett is a retired librarian who discovered her second adulthood through telling stories. She is now a professional storyteller who tells across genres, including folk tales, fairy tales, and personal stories. Betty has presented workshops on storytelling for the Peterborough and Ottawa Storytellers and has told stories in numerous schools, libraries, service clubs and seniors groups. Her recent performance venues with Angelica have included Brockville, Marmora, Lakefield, Brighton and Peterborough.

In addition to storytelling, Betty takes part in a number of volunteer activities, including membership on the Westben Festival Theatre fundraising committee.

Véronique Kwakkernaat
Flautist

Véronique has been performing professionally and teaching flute for over 30 years.  She performs with the Ardmore Trio, Scattered Seeds Ensemble, Belleville Theater Guild and is principal flautist with the Trenton Military Band.  Véronique is a retired teacher, having taught French immersion with the Algonquin-Lake-Shore Catholic District School Board.

Tori Owen
Oboe and Recorder

A native of Peterborough Ontario Tori moved back to her home town in 2002 where she lives currently and is sole proprietor of 'Tori Owen Performing Arts Management' offering an array of musical services: these include Cultural Management, Live Music Performance and Music Instruction.

Formally trained in Classical music Tori has performed as a freelance orchestral musician since the late 80's and has held the distinguished position of Principal oboe for the International Symphony the Pembroke Symphony and currently the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with a number of orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout Ontario.

Tori grew up in a house full of Celtic music-lovers and players; her 'Celtic hobby' developed into a new sideline of performance and teaching for
Recorder, Tin Whistle and Bodhran.

Education:
The University of Western Ontario M. M. - Oboe Performance
Wilfrid Laurier University B. M. - Oboe Performance
Humber College Arts - Administration and Cultural Management

Trobairitz
Harp and Flute Duo

Angelica Ottewill, vocalist, harpist and storyteller and Véronique Kwakkernaat, flautist, create a dynamic duo that never fails to delight their audiences.  Whether they are providing a purely musical program at such venues as Warkworth’s Art in the park, or delivering a program that combines stories and music, like their Christmas concerts at various churches and clubs, their artistry is always evident.

Trobairitz Harp and Flute Duo's repertoire includes Celtic, popular, sacred, classical and original material as well as Christmas music. Their music is perfect for weddings, funerals, and other celebrations and events.

Additional Performers

Rita Grimaldi - Storyteller