Sweet Moments of Confusion performs original instrumental compositions inspired by folk traditions from many corners of the world, particularly Northern and Eastern Europe. Drawing from classical technique, improvisation and traditional styles, cellist Myra Joy and accordionist Diana Strong weave together complex rhythms and captivating harmonies to create a rich tapestry of sounds, ranging from delicate and subtle to playful and bold. They produced their debut self-titled album, released in summer 2012, and perform across the West Coast.
The project is the result of nearly 8 years of collaboration, which began with new arrangements of traditional Celtic, Scandinavian, and Balkan tunes, and developed into a finely crafted repertoire of original work. Deeply informed by an Old World aesthetic yet infused with a distinctly modern voice, the music moves seamlessly between tradition and innovation.
About our name
Our name came from this quote from an appreciative listener: “Sometimes, there are these sweet moments of confusion when I can’t tell which instrument is playing what.” The phrase describes not only the way the sounds of our instruments blend together, but also something about the artistic process in which we find ourselves. Often, it is the moments when things are uncertain, when we find ourselves pleasantly disoriented, that lead us to fruitful surprises.
The musicians:
Myra Joy Myra Joy began playing cello at six years old and holds a degree from San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In 2007, she released an album of original compositions. She is a founding member of Elameno Quintet and has had the pleasure of collaborating with many musicians and ensembles including: Kitka, The Black Brothers, Hans York, Melanie O’Reilly, Druid Sister’s Tree Party, the pickPocket Ensemble, and Hamed Nikpay. She has participated in masterclasses and festivals with cellists such as Stephen Geber, Richard Aaron, Nathaniel Rosen, and Peter Reijto, and studied privately with Debbie Tandoc, Peter Gelfand, Page Smith, Andor Toth, and Jean-Michel Fonteneau. Myra is on the teaching staff of Lark in the Morning music camp, and currently enjoys living and teaching on the north coast of California. |
Diana Strong Diana Strong began studying piano at age seven, and discovered the accordion in 2006. Her teachers and mentors include Susan Waterfall (piano), Dan Cantrell, Chris Bajmakovic, mandolinist Mike Marshall, violinist Jeremy Kittel. She currently plays with the Red Hot Chachkas (klezmer fusion), Juliet Strong, and has performed with numerous Bay Area artists including Moh Alileche, Sylvia Herold, Go Van Gogh, Dark Porch Theatre, Cielo aerial dance company, and is featured in the 2013 Accordion Babes Pinup Calendar. She taught beginning accordion at Zambaleta world music school, and teaches private lessons and children’s music classes in Oakland and San Francisco. |
Frequent collaborators:
Aharon Wheels Bolsta- Percussion
Aharon Wheels Bolsta loves to share what he has learned in his music-seeking travels around the world. Aharon studies classical Indian tabla under the guidance of Swapan Chaudhuri since 1996 and studied santoor, vocals, and bansuri flute with Ali Akbar Khan at AACM in San Rafael for more than 10 years. Aharon plays drums, middle-eastern percussion, tabla, cajon, kalimba (African thumb piano), marimba, flutes, jaw harps, body percussion and sings. He also studied improvisation and new music under Fred Frith at Mills College, jazz singing with Maye Cavallaro at the Berkeley Jazz School as well as with masters in the locations and traditions of Bali, Japan, Mali (West Africa), Turkey, the Balkans, Ireland, and the good old USA. www.rhythmwheels.com.
Sean Tergis- Percussion
Growing up surrounded by the rich world music community in the Bay Area, Sean fell in love with Middle Eastern hand percussion at a young age. He has studied with Tobias Roberson, Faisal Zedan, and Mark Bell, learning to incorporate technique, soul, and creativity in his style. In 2006 Sean spent a year living in Istanbul, Turkey, studying and performing traditional Turkish Rom music. On returning to San Francisco, he began studying Balkan music with the renowned Roma multi-instrumentalist and percussionist Rumen Shopov. Because of his versatility and expressive musicality, Sean is a highly sought-after musician and can be seen performing with the raucous MWE, Inspector Gadje (balkan brass), Dan Cantrell’s Megaband, Juliet Strong, has appeared with Fishtank Ensemble, and many others. When he’s not holding down the beat, he’s usually out on the dance floor riling up a party.
Briana Di Mara- Violin
Briana Di Mara has been playing violin since age 5. She was trained in western classical music with the Suzuki Method and has since gone on to study a variety of traditional styles including Irish, English, Greek, Turkish, Persian, and Arabic. She has performed and recorded with numerous artists in the Bay Area, including Stellamara, Moh Alileche, Aywah, Shuvani, the Silk Road Caravan, Melita Doostan, and Daniel Fríes. It is a privilege to share the music that is food for her soul. She is a certified Suzuki instructor, and since 2002 has enjoyed teaching students of all ages and maintains teaching studios in both Oakland and Sacramento, CA. She also leads a percussion workshop for women to explore and improve their rhythmic skills, and has been on the teaching staff at Lark in the Morning music camp, Middle Eastern music and dance camp, and the Sierra Music and Arts Institute.
To be added to our mailing list for updates on performances in your area, or to inquire about booking or other questions, please contact us: sweetmomentsofconfusion@gmail.com