ANEMARA - Transatlantic Folk Quartet

Bringing together four acclaimed musicians from Canada and Sweden, ANEMARA is a dynamic

collaboration, merging traditional and original music from both sides of the Atlantic. With two

fiddles, harp, cello, stepdance, and four-part vocal harmonies, the quartet weaves a powerfully

rhythmic and textured sound.

First joining forces in Glasgow, ANEMARA invites listeners into a rich soundscape of vibrant

compositions inspired by their Nordic, Celtic, and Canadian roots. The name ANEMARA is

inspired by the word “Anemoi” (gods of the four winds), and the Gaelic word “Mara” (of the sea),

representing the quartet’s cross-Atlantic connection. With captivating melodies and energetic

rhythms, their notes swirl across the ocean and meet in a lively dance.

Featuring award-winning artists, Jocelyn Pettit (CAN), Lea Kirstein (CAN), Kristina

Leesik (SWE/UK), and Justyna Krzyżanowska (SWE), the members have collectively received

over 15 recognitions at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards,

International Acoustic Music Awards, Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Awards, and Zorn Folk

Music Awards ('Riksspelman' prestigious title for master Swedish folk musicians).

ANEMARA has toured in Sweden and the UK, performing at notable festivals including Urkult

Festival, Medeltidsveckan, and Celtic Connections. They have been broadcast on Swedish

National Radio P2 and reviewed in local media. They have released a single, “Atlantic Schottis”,

and will be touring in Canada and Europe in Summer 2026.

“Beautiful, entrancing, uplifting music.” – Leith Folk Club (Edinburgh, UK)

“Full house tonight...[ANEMARA] exceeded expectations. It was wonderful to work with such

professional musicians.” – Körsbärsgården Museum of Contemporary Art (Gotland, Sweden)

“With their captivating journey through the Celtic music world, the skillful musicians put on one of the

absolutely most appreciated concerts this summer.” – Bunge Museum (Fårösund, Sweden)

www.anemaraband.com | @anemaraband

About the Artists:

Jocelyn Pettit (CAN) — Fiddle, Vocals, Stepdance

From the West Coast of Canada, Jocelyn Pettit is a vibrant, award-winning fiddle player,

stepdancer, singer, composer, and music educator. She has toured across Canada and

internationally, released five albums, and received multiple recognitions at the Canadian Folk

Music Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, and International Acoustic Music Awards.

Jocelyn has a Master’s Degree in Traditional Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

She is the founder of Coast Mountain Folk, celebrating folk and traditional music through

community sessions, workshops and an annual Traditional Music Retreat in Squamish, BC.

Lea Kirstein (CAN) — Cello, Vocals

From the West Coast of Canada, and based in Toronto, Lea Kirstein is a dynamic multi-

instrumentalist, educator, and concert presenter. She grew up in Victoria, BC, immersed in many

traditional and contemporary fiddle styles, and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Music

Education. Collaborations have led her on tours across Canada and internationally with:

Medusa, iskwē, Citizen Jane, Roaring Timber, Folk Arts Quartet, and Balfolk Toronto. Lea is the

Artistic Director of World on a String, a Toronto-based Folk Fiddle Collective and Music School,

presenting concerts, jams, and group classes for fiddlers of all ages.

Kristina Leesik (SWE/UK) — Fiddle, Vocals

From Stockholm, Sweden, Kristina Leesik is a renowned fiddle player, singer, teacher, and

composer. She has a BA in Swedish Traditional Music from the Royal College of Music in

Stockholm, and a Master’s Degree in Traditional Music from the Royal Conservatoire of

Scotland. Currently based in Glasgow, she performs in award-winning bands including

Woodlands, Woodlands Bäckafall, Tern, and Cuan a Tuath. Kristina has received the prestigious

silver badge Zornmärket, awarded to prominent folk musicians in Sweden, and has earned the

title of Rikspelman, master of Swedish traditional music.

Justyna Krzyżanowska (SWE) — Harp, Vocals

From Stockholm, Sweden, Justyna Krzyżanowska is a highly-accomplished harpist, singer,

composer, and photographer. She holds a BA in Classical Music from the Royal College of

Music in Stockholm, and a Master’s Degree in Traditional Music from the Royal Conservatoire of

Scotland. Specializing in both the Classical pedal harp and the Celtic harp, she has performed

with orchestras and choirs such as the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Royal Swedish

Orchestra, Stockholm Concert Orchestra, and Gävle Symfoniorkester. Justyna tours in award-

winning bands including Woodlands, Woodlands Bäckafall and Flora and Fauna.