Versatile and incredibly talented, award-winning Similia continually transcends musical borders to encompass a wide and eclectic repertoire, delighting music aficionados from all cultures.
Winners of the coveted Prix Félix for Best Instrumental Album of the Year awarded by ADISQ (Quebec Recording Industry Association) in 2004 for Nota del Sol, Similia was also nominated in 2006 ADISQ's Félix Award for Best Classical Recording for their Fantasia CD!
Celebrated for their elegant and refined music-making, Similia has received many prizes and accolades.
With their alluring interpretations, the duo explores the flute and guitar repertoire with passion and impeccable musical flair, sometimes adding new and dazzling dimensions to standards with their own arrangements. And while they perform the classical repertoire with brio, the pair enjoys discovering new musical horizons. Whether playing Latin American music or works by contemporary composers, Similia thrives to charm music lovers with melodious musical selections and genuine passion.
Expo2005 Aichi, Japan
This appropriately named duo, comprised of twins, Nadia (flute) and Annie (guitar), created Similia in 1998. Their musical studies began at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec in Rimouski, where they earned their diplomas with high honours. After earning her Masters Degree from Université de Montréal, Nadia perfected her art with eminent musicians such as Patrick Gallois, Geneviève Amar and Emmanuel Pahud. She has been featured as soloist with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestre symphonique de l’Estuaire, and has toured North America, Europe and Asia as a member of the Orchestre Mondial des Jeunesses Musicales. In this role, she has worked with world-famous soloists including Anne-Sophie Mutter and James Ehnes, and conductors Kurt Masur, Yoav Talmi and Franz-Paul Decker. Nadia has received grants from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and FCAR fund. She was awarded the "Governor General's Academic Medal" recognizing her outstanding performance as a college student.
Annie completed her Masters Degree in Music Interpretation (guitar) at Université Laval under Alvaro Pierri, and is also a grant recipient from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec. She furthered her studies with renowned masters Abel Carlevaro, Roberto Aussel, Hubert Käppel, while polishing her skills as a chamber musician with Patrick Gallois. 2001 marked her debut as a soloist with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, conducted by André Moisan.
Both young musicians have received grants from the Fondation Beaulieu-Langis. They were presented with an ‘Emerging Citizen’ award from the Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec and the president of Quebec's Canada Celebrations Committee.
The Works, TV Show in Hong Kong
Invited to participate in numerous radio and television broadcasts all around the world, Similia have become better known thanks to the broadcasts of concerts by the Société Radio-Canada and CBC Radio. Their passion has led them to share their love of music with music lovers of all cultures. As well, Similia performed in Japan during the world EXPO 2005 at Aichi. Similia, selected from among more than 1200 applicants, was chosen to represent Canada at the World EXPO 2005. They share this distinction with other popular artists such as Corneille, Alanis Morissette, Jorane and Coral Egan.
Since 2005, Similia has also performed in U.S.A., Bosnia-Herzegovina, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, India and Canada.
On the Analekta record label, Similia (Nadia and Annie Labrie) have released four albums, Cantabile, Nota Del Sol, Fantasia for flute and guitar and Dolce Vita, performing pieces from both classical and contemporary composers.
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