Meredith Bates is a distinguished Vancouver-based violinist and composer, known for her unique contributions to the Canadian music scene as both a solo artist and collaborator. With a strong focus on artistic exploration, she has gained recognition through her versatile performances and innovative projects, including her work with acclaimed ensembles such as Pugs and Crows and Gentle Party.
Bates’ dedication to musical growth is evidenced by her studies with notable musicians, and her participation in various creative workshops and residencies. She founded Like the Mind, a collaborative group of female improvisers, and Sound Migrations, blending soundscapes with visual art. Her leadership roles in organizations like the Improvised Arts Society, Seagrass Music Society, and the Canadian New Music Network demonstrate her commitment to fostering artistic communities.
Her solo albums, particularly If Not Now (2020) and Tesseract (2023), received critical acclaim, with Tesseract being nominated for a JUNO Award for Best Instrumental Album of the Year and featured on Bandcamp’s Best Experimental Music List. These works highlight her ability to create immersive and mood-altering music.
Vancouver Improvised Arts Society
In another life, Meredith is the artistic director of a non-profit arts org called the Vancouver Improvised Arts Society. Their goal is to support the creation and presentation of improvised art by womxn, BIPOC, and LGTBQ2+ in whatever way they can. They want to hear the voices of artists from marginalized communities, bear witness to those creations, and help to guide their scene toward a more diverse and equitable future where all voices are represented and respected as equal.
Visit their website for more info.
