"rifRadio has been proudly promoting Cynosura for about six months now because of their unique style. Reminiscent of the supergroup Asia, their style can be hard rocking and almost ambient. Hard driving, yet soothing in some fascinating way. They are proof that Switzerland has not forgotten what true rock is. You can hear the entire album here on rifRadio or visit their website. You won't be sorry! Sit back, listen and let your mind wander through the universe or the past. Their music has it's own theme and substance. well worth the time." -Bill & rifRadio Review Team
The Band
The name CYNOSURA is derived from Greek mythology. CYNOSURA, a nymph on Mount Ida raised the young Zeus who in gratitude for her services placed her in the heavens on the event of her passing. CYNOSURA thus became the North Star, also known as Polaris…
Formed in December 2006, CYNOSURA draws upon musical roots firmly set in the world of progressive rock. Like their namesake, their compositions are highly dynamic, focused and powerful, mysteriously blending light and dark in an ever changing sonic universe.
CYNOSURA’s music is conspicuously different due to their use of orchestral arrangements which powerfully support the dance of the soaring and very melodic guitars and keyboards.
Lyrically, CYNOSURA transports the listener into thought provoking worlds of emotion, where dreams, beauty and light strongly contrast with realms of darkness and the confrontation of our own fate and mortality.
CYNOSURA is composed of the following five musicians:
Craig McConnell Guitars & VocalsBorn in Scotland and raised in a musical family, Craig's earliest musical recollections were from the age of 4 when he would drive his parents to distraction nightly, singing arrangements for brass instruments which ceaselessly entered his head for hours on end.
From the age of 7 Craig played various musical instruments finally finding his true calling in the guitar which possessed him at 14 years of age and grows in passion and intensity with the passing years.
Craig's earliest musical influences were blues and rock which later set him on a path to wider musical vistas, namely the worlds of progressive rock, jazz fusion, classical and new age.
Having toured extensively in the UK for many years in numerous bands (and vans) and collaborating and recording in Paris with international Opera Diva Susan Belling, Craig left his homeland for the United States where he worked as a professional film music composer and guitarist. During his tenure in America he composed many scores for both feature films and documentaries of which the majority were for a New York film company. His work during this period was also featured in New Zealand, UK and Japan. In September 2005 Craig relocated to Switzerland where he currently works in the above capacity having recently acted as main composer for the film "Dessine-Moi Une Ligne / Draw Me a Line" and the pioneering 3D movie "Une Femme Choucas" featuring the work of world leading Swiss extreme snowboarder and base jumper Géraldine Fasnacht.
Musical Background1967- 1996 performed in many UK based bands (progressive rock, jazz fusion and new age) as lead guitarist and lead/backing vocalist
1996 headlined in Glasgow's New Year Celebrations, performing before an audience of 50'000 as lead guitarist with the Celtic rock band "Callanish". Performance was also recorded for Sky TV
1997 Recorded in Paris with international Opera Diva Susan Belling and performed with her in New York. His work with Susan Belling was also presented in Los Angeles
2000-2005 Worked as professional guitarist and film music composer in the United States. Scored music for the modern ballet "Leap of Faith" and released soundtrack CD. Founded official website www.craigmcconnell.com . Scored various movies/documentaries distributed in the US, Europe, Japan & New Zealand, among them the 2 hour WWI feature film "Company K" on the novel of the war time experiences of veteran US Marine William March, which had its industry screening in Robert De Niro's screening venue in Tribeca, Manhattan, New York
09-2005-11-2006 Relocated in the above capacity to Switzerland. Main composer for the Géraldine Fasnacht/Sébastien Gay movie "Dessine-Moi Une Ligne / Draw Me a Line", live performance of main title during press conference in Olympic Museum in Lausanne and during official screening in Geneva, Fribourg and Lausanne. Released official CD of the movie soundrack. Main composer for the documentary film "In the Wake of the Assassins" on the life of Alabama politician John Patterson by Waterfront Pictures Company, New York, Which was screened and broadcast on Alabama State Television
12-2006-present Founder member, composer, lead guitarist and lead vocalist of the band "Cynosura". Main composer for the pilot 3D film "Une Femme Choucas" on the base jumping adventures of Géraldine Fasnacht, realeased in Autumn 2007. Main composer for upcoming film project by production company Swiss Movie and various corporate productions.Christophe Colliard Guitars & Vocals
Born in Switzerland and raised in a musical environment, at a very young age Christophe took up trumpet, piano and guitar. From 10 to 13 he was soloist in the Choir "Les Petits Chanteurs d'Ursy" in which he performed in the largest European towns (Paris, London, Rome...) and recorded several albums. At the age of 13 he discovered the world or Rock music which led to working in various bands featuring classic hard rock acts such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake,...). In 1982 Christophe, his brother and close friend Benett Corboz founded the band Isis which became successful in the 80's during which time they cut a vinyl single and later a CD. This was followed by performances in the 3 rock operas composed by Benett Corboz, namely "Kronos", "Sexus" and "Dracula".
Musical background1980 Guitarist and backing vocalist of "Screaming Lord Sutch Band" (performing covers of Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Led Zeppelin...)
1982-1990 Guitarist and backing vocalist of the Band "Isis"Recorded the single "With a Dream" in 1983. Participated in various TV programmes, including "La Grande Chance". Performed in the finale of Marlboro Rock'in in Zürich during
1987 Recorded a CD in Masters Studio of Saint-Gall, produced by Carlos Peron of "Yello" in 1977. Performed in Leysin Rock Festival Concert in Geneva Palexpo
1992 Guitarist and backing vocalist of singer Jean-Philippe Llord. Recorded a CD with Yves Sanna, Bernard Paganotti, Richard Pizzorno, Francis Coletta (musicians of Johnny Hallyday, France Gall, Michel Berger, Whitney Houston...)
1993 Guitarist and backing vocalist of the band "Scale". Recorded tracks for the album "Senslerrock"
1995 Guitarist and backing vocalist in the rock opera "Kronos" in Bulle
1999 Guitarist and lead vocalist in the rock opera "Sexus" in Forum Fribourg
2004 Lead vocalist in the musical comedy "Dracula"
2006 Founder member, composer, guitarist and lead/backing vocalist of the band "Cynosura"
Christian Sallin Bass & Backing VocalsBorn in Bulle on October 13, 1966 At age 14 Christian enrolled in lessons in classical guitar in the conservatory of Bulle. Some time later he acquired his first bass guitar and performed in his first band "Rescue", performing a hundred concerts including a tour of Belgium and the UK. They recorded a vinyl single followed by a CD featuring a self penned composition titled "Missing in Action".
Musical background1988 Recorded vinyl single "Christina" with Rescue
1989 Produced promotional video clip of the song "Christina"
1991 Recorded a CD with Rescue
1993 Bass guitarist of the band "Scale" and recorded a CD
1994 Joined the band "Key West"
1995 Bass guitarist in the rock opera "Kronos" in Bulle. Recorded CD of the show
1999 Bass guitarist in the rock opera "Sexus" in Forum Fribourg. Recorded CD of the show
2000 Bass guitarist of the band "Vent d'Ouest" (performing over 100 concerts)
2006 Founder member, bass guitarist and backing vocalist of the band "Cynosura"
Jean-Paul Gazerro Keyboards & Backing VocalsBorn in 1975 into a musical family, Jean-Paul took up the piano at the age of 8 years and acquired his first instrument at 15.
Surrounded by musicians and influenced by rock and pop rock in the 80’s-90’s, he performed and toured with many bands nationally and also worked as a studio session musician with a variety of artists.
Feeling increasingly musically frustrated within the confines of a band, he later felt the need to broaden his musical horizons and to that end embraced the world of the composer.
Jean-Paul became the keyboard player of CYNOSURA in October 2007.
Edouardo Andrade Drums, Percussion & Backing VocalsBorn in Portugal on December 1, 1972 Possessing a passion for music and in paricular for percussion instruments (his first drum kit consisted of various household items namely his mother's cooking utensils and various publications), he began his musical carrier in earnest at age 16 receiving his first lessons in drumming. From 1991 till the present his passion for the drum has driven the rhythm section of various bands.
Musical background1991 First band "Astalavista"
1993-1995 Drummer of the band "Le bal du pendu". Recorded the album "Qui l'aime?". Toured France. Participated in "Francofolies de la Rochelle". Appeared in the programme "Taratata" on French TV (France2)
2002 Drummer of the band "Soffa". Recorded 4 tracks
2003-2006 Drummer of the band "Vent d'ouest" (performing over 100 concerts)
2006 Founder member, drummer and backing vocalist of the band "Cynosura"