“What's in a name?” Shakespeare wrote for Juliet to ponder aloud as she considers her fate with Romeo. Well, in this duo’s (admittedly tricky to pronounce) name, there is shared heritage, musical identity and a rather clever pun. 

Viđarneistí (vee-thar-NEST-ee) is an Icelandic compound word fusing together the names of clarinetist Cathy Wood and percussionist Victoria Sparks.

“We were both kind of lamenting the fact that our mothers were Icelandic, so neither of us have an Icelandic last name,” says percussionist Victoria Sparks. 

The solution? Translate their English last names into Icelandic. “Viđarneistí is a ‘wood spark,’ explains Sparks. 

Having found a name, the next — and likely more pressing — task was finding music to perform. 

“It’s sort of a newer genre, clarinet and marimba,” admits Cathy Wood with a chuckle. “And definitely when you have the Icelandic spin on it, it’s very niche.” 

The duo have actively addressed this musical deficit in two ways: adapting existing works and commissioning new ones. 

The early fruits of their labour are set to be performed in an online, free-of-charge Winter Series presented by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. Premiering online, Thursday, February 10, the series promises to feature some of the province’s most cherished and talented musicians captured in vivid filmmaking and rich audio. 

For more details on the works being performed — music by Sid Robinovitch, Fiola Evans, Kenley Kristofferson and Chris Byman; the unique sound world created by the two very different instruments; and what it’s like to watch yourself perform — watch the full conversation with Viđarneistí below!