UltraViolet is the only instrumental ensemble in Edmonton whose mandate focuses exclusively on the creation and performance of new classical compositions. The group was formed in 2014 as the in-house ensemble for New Music Edmonton’s annual Now Hear This festival. They have since performed over fifty new pieces, most of them Canadian. Many of these have been works by Edmonton composers, and almost all were given their Edmonton premiere by the ensemble. UltraViolet comprises four local artists who are committed to bringing new music to local audiences: pianist Roger Admiral, percussionist Mark Segger, flutist Chenoa Anderson, and saxophonist Allison Balcetis. Individually, the musicians of UltraViolet have premiered hundreds of solo and chamber works and have been active in commissioning and performing new works. They are forward-thinking, virtuosic, dedicated artists who have decades of combined experience in communicating the diverse and compelling languages of today’s composers. The quartet is named in honour of composer Dr. Violet Archer, who encouraged her students at the University of Alberta to create their own opportunities for their music to be performed. Her impact was broad and deep in Alberta and throughout Canada.

Recent premieres include Slightly Altered Suns (2024) by Anthony Tan, and UltraViolet (2024) by Ian Crutchley, and the ensemble will perform new commissions by Lina Allemano, Mari Alice Conrad, Roxanne Nesbitt, Mark Segger, and Olivia Shortt in Fall 2025.

field studies – chamber music of Emilie Cecilia LeBel was released in 2023, and features three tracks recorded by UltraViolet including … and the higher leaves of the trees seemed to shimmer in the last of the sunlight’s lingering touch of them… which was nominated for a 2024 Juno award. UltraViolet has also received a 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards nomination for Classical Artist or Ensemble of the Year, for their work on field studies.