Formed in 2005 as the brainchild of founding member Andre Donawa, the Alternative Quartet is a revolutionary string ensemble that offers a distinctively unique musical experience to the Caribbean region and beyond. Having played the stages of Trinidad & Tobago to rapturous applause for more than half a decade, this exquisitely talented, classically trained and pioneering group share a vision to not only become the premier string quartet in Trinidad, but to do so in a new and exciting way.
Guided by the versatility and strength of electric instruments and the raw emotion that their charged strings provide, the members of the Alternative Quartet harmoniously fuse the violin, viola and cello to give a rich and resounding performance. Having played to some of the Caribbean’s most prestigious audiences, including the Machel Montano’s Alternative Concept, Tobago Jazz Experience, the 5th Summit of the Americas, Tourism Development Corporation’s Taste T&T and Caribbean Road Show in St Lucia and Barbados and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) Awards, the Alternative Quartet are fast becoming a national and international musical treasure. Our most memorable experience was playing for the Queen of England and the other Commonwealth Leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which was hosted in Trinidad and November 2009.
The Alternative Quartet is comprised of four very special individuals, competently and astutely managed by Kathy-Ann Donawa, with creative direction from Brian Macfarlane. Andre Donawa is lead violinist, arrangement specialist, producer and director; Andre Comeau plays second violin; Nariba Herbert is on viola and our international cellist from Venezuela Dulce Martinez. Each musician is outstanding in their own right, yet together they seamlessly blend to create a luminous and carefully crafted contemporary sound, drawing on the rich diversity of Caribbean influences including local soca and dancehall, in conjunction with more traditional string arrangements that can be tailored to a variety of musical and social occasions.
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Andre Donawa
Founding member of the Alternative Quartet, Andre Donawa is an extraordinarily accomplished and talented violinist. Recipient of a Grade 8 diploma from Trinity School of Music for his excellence in practical violin, he has demonstrated the art of talent and musical innovation. Under his directorial guidance, the Alternative Quartet explores the realms of contemporary string arrangements, fusing popular modern day pieces with more traditional and time-honored classics. In addition, Andre is a gifted composer and producer with the wondrous ability to craft electrifying and moving musical delights that the Alternative Quartet as a whole then brings to life. His works can be heard on their upcoming album.
The versatility of the electric violin, under Andre’s mastery, creates a soaring and swelling sound that is able to fill and resonate around every part of the smallest church performance, to the largest stage or festival arena. more info
His exceptional skills and musicality were developed from an early age when, just 8 years old, young Andre performed in Auntie Hazel’s 12 and Under and Teen Talent. He owes his prowess to his then violin tutor, the much respected Mr. Anselm Walters. Moving forward, Andre became three times champion of the National Music Festival in the violin category, where he was awarded the prize of the most outstanding instrumentalist in each. He also established himself as a key member of the National Youth Orchestra, being promoted to assistant Concert Master for occasional summer workshops under the guidance of professional Venezuelan string tutors. In 2006 he was assigned as String Director of a governmental program that introduced stringed instruments to underpriviledged children and the youth.
Now taking his talents to the next level, Andre is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Arts at the University of the West Indies, all the while continuing to showcase his fortitude on stages nationwide. less info
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Andre Comeau
While the violin may be the smallest of the stringed instruments in the Alternative Quartet, its size does not compare to the magnitude of second violinist Andre Comeau’s talent and mastery. Like many of the greats, Andre began his musical journey at the tender age of 7, having won the National Music Festival in the Duet Category in 1999. He went on to become a member of the National Youth Orchestra and the St. Augustine Chamber Orchestra. Later, Andre pursued a career in sharing his expertise through the teaching of music, both privately and through workshops in order to enthuse, engage and inspire young musical hopefuls.
Having completed grades 1-8 in the violin, Andre is now pursuing an Art Degree at the University of the West Indies. more info
As well as bringing zeal and dynamism to the Alternative Quartet and managing a successful career as a solo violinist in his own right, Andre also has a passion for art and uses the both his bowed instruments and paint brush to serve those who are less fortunate than himself. less info
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Nariba Herbert
Multi-award winning viola player Nariba Herbert has a deep passion and admiration for her instrument and the music that she loves. Having taught music for the past 6 years, Nariba has been an established member and principal violist of both the National Youth Orchestra and the St. Augustine Chamber Orchestras for the last 5 years, and for the latter ensemble, she has also been elected as Assistant Musical Director. Over the course of her outstandingly celebrated career, she has forged an envious reputation as one of the most distinguished and accomplished violists in Trinidad & Tobago, and has even performed alongside Grammy award-winning rap artiste Kanye West.
The proud recipient of both the Albert Kerr Cup and the Clara de Rosa Cup at the National Music Festival, Nariba’s instrumental skills bring a full-bodied richness to the Alternative Quartet’s performance. more info
Slightly larger and thus deeper, darker and smoother than the traditional violin, the viola’s mellow voice is used for playing inner harmonies that complement the violin and cello to create the enriched, melodious and contemporary sound for which the Alternative Quartet have become known. less info
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Dulce Jose Maza Martinez
DULCE JOSE MAZA MARTINEZ is an international Cellist from Venezuela. She joined the Alternative Quartet in Decemeber 2010. She began learning the cello at the age of 7. She played in the FOJIM orchestra and for 6 years and was also the leader of that orchestra. She is an accomplished musician and prior to relocating to Trinidad, she taught music to other young aspiring musicians.
She was also a member of several orchestras: Orchestra sinfonica Dr, Carlos Mohle (5 years), Orchestra sinfonica of the State Sucre (1 year), Orchestra sinfonica of the State Acolytes (1 year), Orchestra tupica Macau (2 years), Orchestra of salon Romanza, recibio classes in the School "Elegant Linen" of Caracas. As the musician she has particpated in several music festivals in Venezuela. And she also plays other instruments: the guitar, piano, among others. But her passion is for the cello. According to Dulce,"the music…perfect communication between my hands and my soul". The Alternative Quartet is elated that Dulcejoined us as our new cellist and we welcome her to the AQ family.
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Kathy-Ann Donawa
Behind every successful group there is a successful manager, and for the Alternative Quartet, that someone is Kathy-Ann Donawa. A wealth of experience in marketing and management allows Kathy-Ann to effectively and commandingly manage the hectic lives of these four young and ambitious musicians and to increase public awareness of their extraordinary talents, both within the Caribbean region and beyond.
Having a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History, a CIM Diploma in Marketing, a Certificate in Event Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Communications, PR and Media, Kathy has accrued an extensive and impressive career history including high-profile roles in advertising, media, communications, public relations and event management. more info
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Her professionalism and motivation is the impetus behind the Alternative Quartet’s success as she facilitates and manages the group’s performance schedule and brand development. And with her behind the helm, the Alternative Quartet is certainly making waves. less info
