Andrew Balfour is the founder, conceptual creator and Artistic Director of Camerata Nova. In addition to extensive choral experience (singing, directing, coaching and clinician work with a range of choirs in Manitoba), Andrew has become a serious composer and arranger. He also specializes in creating “concept concerts” (Wa Wa Tey Wak, Medieval Inuit, Falls the Shadow) for Camerata Nova, where a theme is explored through an eclectic choice of music, including new works written for the performance, and innovative inter-genre and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Of Cree descent, Andrew started writing his own compositions in 1998. Since then, he has written a body of choral, instrumental and orchestral work, including Gregorio’s Nightmare, Raven Can Tango, Wa Wa Tey Wak (Northern Lights), Fantasia on a Poem by Rumi, Missa Brevis, Medieval Inuit, Kihewetaniy (Eagle Feather), and Voice of the Lake. Many of Andrew’s works have been performed and/or broadcast locally, nationally and internationally. As well, several are featured on Camerata Nova recordings. In 2010, two new orchestral works by Andrew are being premiered: Manitou Sky was performed by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) in June and Oscana will be performed by the Regina Symphony Orchestra in September with Andrew conducting.

Andrew has been involved extensively in editing and arranging music for 20 years. Since Camerata Nova's inception in 1996, he has specialized in arrangements of medieval, Renaissance, early Baroque and Byzantine choral music. Andrew has also produced many experimental arrangements using unusual instruments in conjunction with voice. Camerata Nova is proud to possess a unique choral library, of which many pieces are Balfour arrangements.

Andrew was Curator of the first Indigenous Festival sponsored by the WSO in 2009 and Composer-in-Residence of the same Indigenous Festival in 2010. He also does extensive music education work in Winnipeg schools, primarily as part of the WSO outreach program.

In 2007, Andrew received the Mayor of Winnipeg’s Making a Mark Award, sponsored by the Winnipeg Arts Council to recognize the most promising midcareer artist in the city.