The Contrarian Ensemble performs community dance music from the

1300s to the present, including traditional tunes from the British Isles, America,

and Europe, as well as compositions by Mark Wingate and Chris Moore. The

ensemble’s eclectic instrumental repertoire conveys a kind of rustic elegance,

skillfully interpreted with all the formality of a Sunday picnic in the country.

The group grew gradually, beginning with Mark Wingate (on fiddle) and Sally

Wingate (on guitar). They were then joined by mandolin player, John Hedgecoth,

accordion player, Bruce Baxter, octave mandolin player Chris Moore,

and later, Noa Benamotz on recorders, percussion, and hurdy gurdy.

Various combinations of these players will appear without warning.