Violinist Aline Homzy delves into her Québecois and Eastern European roots with her group Étoile Magique; her original compositions sparkle with jazz, folk, and classical elements. Joined by four of Toronto’s most in-demand improvisational collaborators, Homzy’s compositions and performances deftly usher the jazz violin tradition into the contemporary world with both nuanced writing and space for improvisation to flourish, creating a dazzling musical world.

Aline’s étoile magique has really captured my attention… It’s intelligent, soulful, exploratory, and above all – fun! For those with curious ears, this music is for you. – Mark Fewer (violinist)

Her Chamberfest program features songs from Éclipse, to be released August 25. Homzy’s first original album was ten years in the making and is a testament to both working without haste and laser-sharp focus and intention, allowing a richly nuanced musical world to grow where theremins, vibraphones and violins combine, showcasing Homzy’s brilliant musicianship and compositional point of view with impressive clarity and maturity.

Beyond composing, Homzy is a Toronto recording studio fixture, laying down tracks, arranging music, and leading string sections for a multitude of local and international artists. In 2019, Aline initiated and curated a “smashing-hit-of-a-music-series” at Sapori wine bar, highlighting women-instrumentalists and creating fair-pay opportunities for underrepresented musicians in her community. Homzy gigs around Toronto frequently and enjoys performing at the TD International Toronto Jazz Festival, Festival international de jazz de Montréal, Stockholm International jazz festival and many other chamber-music and jazz-related concert series.

• Aline Homzyviolin