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OTTAWA, April 17, 2024 — Ottawa’s own internationally-acclaimed chamber music festival celebrates 30 years of changing lives through music this summer! Ottawa Chamberfest will celebrate its past and look towards the future with electrifying performances from legendary artists and treasured friends, as well as the emerging artists they champion.
From July 25 – August 8, 2024, ChamberfestTM will bring Ottawa’s piano superstar, Angela Hewitt, the Art of Time Ensemble, and their take on The Beatles—as well as violinist Blake Pouliot, Canadian Brass, Cris Derksen, Danish String Quartet, Gryphon Trio, Ironwood Quartet, Marc-André Hamelin, Allison Au, Kleztory, Moneka Arabic Jazz, and many others—to Ottawa’s finest venues. Early bird tickets are on sale as of April 15, 2024 at chamberfest.com.
“Chamberfest is turning 30 and we are ready to celebrate!” says Carissa Klopoushak, Artistic Director of Ottawa Chamberfest. “Over the last three decades, we have grown from a plucky upstart into a trailblazing leader in our field, due in no small part to the many artists and patrons who have championed our cause since day one.”
“This summer, we’ve put together an inspiring lineup of local, Canadian, and international giants to celebrate this milestone, featuring many returning Chamberfriends and the next generation of artists we’re championing – a current you’ll see running throughout the festival.
“We have been building toward this festival for decades, and our audience grows each year.” says Klopoushak. “Don’t miss the party—we only turn 30 once!”
Today, we are thrilled to share Chamberfest 2024’s complete evening programming which includes our Signature Series and Marina Kun Series, both 7 PM at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, and our Chamberfringe lineup, a moveable feast of late-night delights.
Signature Series
Chamberfest’s Signature Series, held at 7 PM at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, features exciting collaborations showcasing world-renowned musicians and up-and-coming performers in the Canadian and international chamber music scenes. These concerts are included in the Pass Prime, available at the Early Bird rate as of April 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Single tickets for these concerts are also available as of April 15. Festival Pass holders receive a 10% discount on Signatures Series tickets.
Art of Time Ensemble: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – Thursday, July 25
Opening night! Catch the Art of Time Ensemble for their final Ottawa appearance in a splendid revival and reimagining of the beloved Beatles album, featuring the voices of Steven Page, Chris Murphy, Andy Maize, and Ottawa’s own Jeremy Fisher.
Canadian Brass: All You Need is Love – Sunday, July 28
Canadian Brass, one of the most popular and beloved brass ensembles in the world today, returns to Chamberfest with new addition Ashley Hall-Tighe (trumpet), who is the second-ever woman to join Canadian Brass. The ensemble will offer up some classical favourites from old friends like Mozart and Bach, but the Beatles and Coldplay are also in the mix!
Two Pianos, Two “Hams”: Marc-André Hamelin & Charles Richard-Hamelin – Tuesday, July 30
Canadian piano legends Marc-André Hamelin and Charles Richard-Hamelin—no relation—team up for what is sure to be an historic performance! For the first time at Chamberfest, the “Two Hams” join forces to deliver a program of Mozart, Chopin, C.P.E. Bach, Medtner, Chaminade, and Gershwin.
Angela Hewitt and the Chamberfest Anniversary Orchestra: Mozart & Brahms – Saturday, August 3
Angela Hewitt returns for a new blockbuster summer performance, this time with the Chamberfest Anniversary Orchestra and young Canadian pianist Carter Johnson, for an evening of Mozart and Brahms. Embarking on another milestone project after her ambitious and highly acclaimed Bach Odyssey cycle, her Mozart’s Complete Piano Concertos project launched in March 2023 and will continue in collaboration with prestigious orchestras around the world until 2026.
Cheng2Duo with James Campbell: Kindred Spirits – Wednesday, August 7
Chamberfest’s treasured siblings Bryan and Silvie Cheng return with a programme celebrating many of their favourite composers, including Ottawa’s Dinuk Wijeratne (Juno-nominated Portrait of an Imaginary Sibling), Sibelius, Grieg, and Sulkhan Tsintsadze. Clarinetist James Campbell will join in the fun with Bruch’s Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano.
Marina Kun Series
The Marina Kun Series features talented Canadian and international artists in performance at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 7 PM. This year, we present riveting programmes that explore migration, gender, transformation, and the tension between past and present. These concerts are accessible with a Pass Prime or Festival Pass, both available at their respective Early Bird rates as of April 15 at 10:00 AM. Single tickets will be available May 13.
Brooklyn Rider & Soprano Ariadne Greif: Chalk and Soot – Friday, July 26
Celebrating two decades together, Brooklyn Rider returns with a programme paying homage to their namesake, “Der Blaue Reiter,” including four newly commissioned works and the song cycle Chalk and Soot. The group will also present Schoenberg’s Second String Quartet, featuring American soprano Ariadne Greif. Known for expertly navigating varied repertoire with “…the energy of young rock stars”, these Chamberfest favourites will have you on the edge of your seat.
Ottawa Bach Choir: Flights of Angels – Saturday, July 27
The Juno Award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (OBC) graces the stage with a programme featuring Bach, Bruckner (in honour of his 200th birthday), Isabella Leonarda, Clara Schumann, Monteverdi, Purcell, Pärt, and Taverner. Don’t miss this expert performance, delivered with OBC’s signature “…bright, clear, and transparent sound, springy feel for rhythm, beautifully shaded dynamics, and exemplary diction…” (Steve Smith, NY Times)
Gryphon Trio: Breathe – Monday, July 29
Chamberfest welcomes back our dear friends the Gryphon Trio, fresh off their own 30th anniversary celebration season. Creative innovators with an appetite for discovery, the Gryphons are committed to redefining chamber music for the 21st century. This summer, the trio will champion living American composers Reena Esmail and Paul Wiancko, pairing two daring new works with Mendelssohn’s beloved Piano Trio in D Minor.
Blake Pouliot & Mendelssohn’s Octet – Wednesday, July 31
Toronto-born violinist Blake Pouliot brings his internationally lauded artistry and youthful vigour to the Chamberfest stage for a programme of chamber music gems. Pouliot will take the stage in a gust of superstar sparkle, joined by local piano giant David Jalbert. In the second half, Blake will be joined by the Ironwood Quartet and friends to perform the ultimate party piece of the string ensemble repertoire: Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings.
Emily D’Angelo & Sophia Munoz in Recital – Thursday, August 1
Toronto-born and multi-award-winning mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo has a “wondrous and powerful” voice, described as a “…creamily muscular thing of beauty” with diction as clear as a bell. After making her stage debut at only 21 as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro at the Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi, D’Angelo’s career launched like a meteor. Pianist Sophia Munoz, a sought-after collaborator, will join D’Angelo in what is sure to be a captivating Chamberfest debut – fresh off their Carnegie debut!
Danish String Quartet with Johannes Rostamo: Schubert & Adès – Friday, August 2
Chamberfest favourites, the Danish String Quartet, return for the fourth and final instalment of their innovative Doppelgänger project, in which they pair a Schubert work with a brand-new commission. This summer, the timeless classic on offer is Schubert’s epic String Quintet. Joined by Finnish cellist Johannes Rostamo, the quartet will perform this famous quintet, which is regarded as one of the all-time great works of the chamber repertoire. Its Doppelgänger is a stunning new work, Wreath for Franz Schubert, by British composer Thomas Adès.
Allison Au & Migrations Ensemble – Sunday, August 4
Lauded as Canada’s new jazz ambassador, Allison Au is a Toronto-based award-winning saxophonist, composer, arranger, and singer. Her Juno-nominated album Migrations, inspired by Au’s family history of immigration to Canada, will be performed in its entirety. Au and her 10-piece Migrations Ensemble make complex ideas, issues, and arrangements seem effortless, “…weaving lush, mosaic-like dreamscapes with poignant, heartrending lyrics.”
Operatic Fluidity: Handel Arias with Arion Baroque – Monday, August 5
Chamberfest welcomes Arion Baroque Orchestra, with a program exploring the ‘Operatic Fluidity’ of gender through some of Handel’s most beautiful arias. In Handel’s time, these arias would have been performed by castrati—it was their golden era—but these roles have long-since been assigned to mezzos, contraltos, and tenors. Arion gives these beloved works a current-day gender shift, illuminating different sides, facets, and faces in Handel’s characters as Amelia Keenan, contralto, and countertenor Ian Sabourin perform roles of the opposite gender.
Echo Chamber: A World Transformed – Tuesday, August 6
“A World Transformed” shares the story of Matthew Shepard, a young man from Laramie, Wyoming who was killed because of his sexuality. His death was pivotal to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, sparking global action and change. This immersive Echo Chamber performance presents a daring and ultimately touching combination of music and dance as one integrated expression. Sharing both deep grief and a hopeful belief in the power of individuals to bring about positive change in the world, “A World Transformed” spans centuries and genres, from Dido’s Lament to Reflection from Disney’s Mulan.
Chamberfest’s 30th Anniversary Celebration: Ironwood Quartet, Philip Chiu, Radia – Thursday, August 8
Chamberfest turns 30 and we are set to celebrate! Join us on closing night to take in some fan favourites, meet some of the faces of chamber music’s next generation, and hear the world premiere of Kevin Lau’s Song of the Quaking Aspens, commissioned by Chamberfest. The evening wraps with a barn burner loved the world over, Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in A major. Don’t miss the party—we only turn 30 once!
Chamberfringe
Chamberfringe concerts, our late-night series, are held at 9:30 PM in a variety of venues, from Club SAW to La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins, and new this year, at The Gladstone Theatre. These concerts are accessible with a Pass Prime or Festival Pass, available at their respective Early Bird rates as of April 15 at 10:00 AM. Single tickets will be available May 13.
Moskitto Bar – Friday, July 26, La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins
Moskitto Bar is back to deliver their fresh mix of Ukrainian, Balkan, Iraqi Middle-Eastern, and French Celtic music in a toe-tapping multicultural buffet of sound that will leave you itching for more!
Tamar Ilana & Ventanas – Saturday, July 27, The Gladstone
When Tamar Ilana & Ventanas take the stage, be prepared for a mesmerizing flamenco-style seduction of the senses. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist, dancer, and choreographer Tamar Ilana, Ventanas perform Sephardic and Balkan music and dance plus originals in over 20 languages. Don’t miss the Chamberfest debut of this award-winning internationally renowned “pan-global diva” and her band.
The Fretless with Madeleine Roger – Sunday, July 28, The Gladstone
Chamberfest welcomes back fan favourites The Fretless with special guest singer Winnipeg-based singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger. A JUNO Award-winning supergroup of celebrated solo artists, this string quartet is renowned for their transformation of folk melodies into intricate, subtle, beautiful, and percussive high-energy arrangements.
Ambient Ensemble: Nick Schofield, Philippe Charbonneau, Yolande Laroche, & Mika Posen – Thursday, August 1, Club SAW
Ambient soundscapes with the dynamic textures of an acoustic ensemble.
Local synth composer Nick Schofield’s latest release Ambient Ensemble was created using tape-slowed piano parts layered with synthesizers and a small chamber ensemble. Chamberfest is delighted to host the recreation of this minimalist album live with Ottawa’s own Philippe Charbonneau, Mika Posen (Merganzer), and Yolande Laroche (Orchidae).
Cris Derksen & Friends – Friday, August 2, Club SAW
Juno-nominated Cree cellist Cris Derksen returns to Chamberfest fresh from her Carnegie Hall debut. Known for creating “undeniably modern music” (MusicWorks), her riveting solo and quartet performances feature drum machines and loop pedals with Powow singers, hoop dancers, and always, cello. Catch her at SAW with singer Rebecca Benson and strings.
Moneka Arabic Jazz – Saturday, August 3, The Gladstone
Toronto’s Moneka Arabic Jazz delivers a danceable mix of Maqam-influenced melodies and African grooves flavoured by the musicians’ diverse backgrounds. Ahmed Moneka’s songs range from Arabic sounds to reggae to ballads to multicultural blues/jazz/pop with storytelling that touches on his experiences as an Afro-Iraqi refugee and his passion for human rights. A Chamberfest debut.
Kleztory – Sunday, August 4, The Gladstone
Montreal’s Kleztory is an internationally renowned klezmer ensemble. After 20 years together and over a thousand electrifying concerts around the world, their music remains contagious, featuring innovative and respectful arrangements of traditional music from Eastern European shtetlech—small Eastern European villages or “ghettos” in Yiddish—that shows this music at its finest.
Raphael Weinroth-Browne & Friends: Parallel Worlds – Monday August 5, The Gladstone
Ottawa’s own Raphael Weinroth-Browne is an internationally renowned cellist and composer with many musical facets, celebrated for his emotive, virtuosic playing and fearless improvisation both on stage and in the studio. Combining classical training with a passion for progressive metal and Middle Eastern music, he has appeared in over 150 studio albums and opened for rock heavyweights Apocalyptica.
30th Anniversary Campaign
A robust line-up of performances is not the only way Ottawa Chamberfest is marking its major milestone this year. Earlier this spring, Chamberfest launched its 30th Anniversary Campaign, which aims to raise $100,000 in advance of the festival to help offset challenges due to increased costs and shifts in government funding. Funds raised will support costs related to the festival as well as the organization’s community programming. As of April 15, the organization has received more than $30,000 in donations from a group of dedicated donors. More information can be found at https://www.chamberfest.com/30th-anniversary-campaign/.
About Ottawa Chamberfest
Ottawa Chamberfest brings together the boldest names in ensemble and solo performance for musical celebration in the nation’s capital, through its concert series, community engagement and education (CEE), and its summer festival. The world’s largest festival of its kind, Ottawa Chamberfest is celebrating 30 years of changing lives through music in 2024.
Ottawa Chamberfest is grateful for continued support from our donors, and funding from the Government of Canada (Department of Canadian Heritage), the Government of Ontario (Ontario Jobs), the Arts Council of Ontario, the Canada Council, and the City of Ottawa.
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