New horizons for local fiddle player

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This article was published 15/08/2016 (3418 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A local man has played his part in a production that will celebrate Canada’s landmark 150th birthday next year.

Alex Kusturok, 24, who hails from St. Vital, is a Métis fiddler and fiddle teacher who features in Horizon by SESQUI.  

According to www.sesqui.ca, SESQUI is a “touring, immersive media experience that reframes how we imagine Canada as a nation. Featuring 360-degree cinematic, interactive content, live events, online activities and learning programs, SESQUI showcases the best in Canadian arts and innovation.”

Organizers say Horizon is a showpiece that details a cinematic journey across the nation and into the heart of Canadians. On Aug. 10, principal photography took place at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which featured Kusturok, before the production team moved on to Richardson International Airport and were joined by dancers from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet for an overnight shoot on Aug. 11.

“I’m happy to be part of it,” Kusturok said.

“It’s a cool way of 360-filming, and for my part, they are focusing on my Métis-style of fiddling. It’s an honour to be involved.”

Kusturok said playing the fiddle is an inseparable part of his identity, and something that helped him come through a difficult period in his life.

“Music is highly-spiritual for me, and continues to be a rich, cultural experience for me. It is something that was passed on to me by my mom and grandfather,” Kusturok said.

“Music also saved my life. I was in a dark place a little while ago when I was living the rock star life, and my music lifted me up both spiritually and financially. I love playing music.”

Kusturok said one of his favourite parts of playing the fiddle is the audience participation factor.

“When you’re playing and people get up and dance, it’s a great feeling,” he said.

“I’m fortunate that I never had to learn the fiddle, as it was more of a natural feeling, and something that was a lot bigger than me. I feel like it’s such a gift that I can fill a dance floor.”

Directed by Drew Lightfoot, Horizon is produced by Jennifer Scott. Joanne Loton, Heather Sinclair, and Andrea Stewart are executive producers. Ray Dumas and Vinit Borrison are directors of photography.