Kanata pianist comes to Ottawa on Young Artist Tour: Willy Weng performs in solo recital
Jennifer Burden, YourKanata.com
Kanata pianist Willy Weng will be performing a recital in Ottawa as part of the Ontario Young Artist Tour at the Dominion-Chalmers United Church in downtown Ottawa on Oct. 25.
Weng won the provincial Young Artist competition in July 2009, which is put on by the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association, and was rewarded with the chance to perform in a tour across Ontario.
The 18-year-old has already visited Toronto and Sarnia, and after the Ottawa leg of the tour, he will perform in London and Windsor as well.
More on YourKanata.com: Willy Weng performs in solo recital
Subscription Sales to begin for OCMS Concert Series!
The 16th Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival started on a high note and held it for fourteen days! Following the success of Chamberfest 09, the Ottawa Chamber Music Society (OCMS), under the Artistic Direction of Roman Borys, the Gryphon Trio, proudly announces the annual fall/winter Concert Series, promising exceptional artistry and great variety.”We are thrilled to present the world-class talent of the Arion Baroque Orchestra, the Cantata Singers and Capital BrassWorks, the Württemburg Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn, Rob Kapilow, Cecilia String Quartet, the Tallis Scholars, and of course the Gryphon Trio. What a phenomenal series we have to look forward to!” said Glenn Hodgins, Executive Director of the OCMS.
In the spirit of community interaction and collaboration, the OCMS has welcomed opportunities to partner with the new Shenkman Arts Centre, the Cantata Singers/Capital BrassWorks and the Ottawa New Music Creators.
“Helping other organizations in the community achieve their goals while adding quality and programming diversity to our own concert offerings is a winning formula. The Shenkman Arts Centre is an outstanding new venue that allows the OCMS to get closer to a community that for many years championed chamber music with its own chamber music series. Collaborating with the Cantata Singers and Capital BrassWorks gives us the opportunity commemorate Remembrance Day on a grand scale, and our partnering with the Ottawa New Music Creators helps give this new organization the momentum and presence it requires in order to continue its very important work for years to come,” says Roman Borys.
Arion Baroque Orchestra: October 17, 8 pm
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard
Arion is a Montreal-based baroque orchestra which performs on period instruments. Arion’s concerts have been unanimously acclaimed for their clarity and gusto, as well as their refined and expressive performances which have been chosen from a wide array of early music works. The program includes works by Vivaldi, Telemann, Locatelli and Johann Sebastian Bach. This concert is a co-production with the Shenkman Arts Centre.
“Beautiful and impressive playing like this sets the standards to which others must aspire!”
- Early Music Review (United Kingdom)
Canata Singers & Capital BrassWorks: November 14, 8 pm
Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street
For the Fallen – Remembering our heritage with music for choir and brass. The Cantata Singers of Ottawa and Capital BrassWorks join forces in a unique and powerful performance in honour of Canada’s military heroes, past and present, and in commemoration of Remembrance Day. This program expresses the deep-felt emotions evoked by moving moments in history. This concert is a co-production with the Cantata Singers of Ottawa.
Württemburg Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn: November 26, 8 pm
Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard
Germany’s celebrated Württemburg Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn has been considered one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras for almost a half century. Lead by Ruben Gazarian, the group is embarking on its first Canadian tour and is sure to thrill audiences with its virtuosity and deep sense of musicality and emotion. To date the group has recorded over 500 works ranging from the baroque to the avant-garde and has had as guest performers such legendary artists as Martha Argerich, Alfred Brendel, James Galway, Heinz Holliger and Gidon Kremer. Having garnered accolades for their live performanaces at many of the world’s major centers, they have also recorded over 500 works. Remembering one of the 20th centuries’ most important moments, this program will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. In addition to works by Janacek and Benjamin Britten this program will feature a new work by German Karsten Gundermann’s entitled The Fall of the Berlin Wall. This concert is a co-production with the Shenkman Arts Centre.
Württemburg Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn & Gryphon Trio: November 27, 8 pm
Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street
Berliner Konzert: 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Two great ensembles join forces to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in a program featuring Berliner Konzert, a major new work for piano trio and orchestra by Canadian composer Paul Frehner. Commissioned by Soundstreams Canada and the Gryphon Trio, Berliner Konzert will be performed throughout the orchestra’s Canadian tour, as well as in Europe. This program will also include a new work by German composer Karsten Gundermann, along with Rudolf Barshai’s arrangement of Shostakovich’s eighth string quartet, a haunting piece that explores the composer’s personal wartime experience.
“The [Württemburg] Chamber Orchestra played with unerring precision and great transparency, observed concisely crafted dynamics and delighted with their articulation. … Variations in sound and the most precise articulation gladdened the heart until the last chords died away.”
- Südkurier 2007
Rob Kapilow & Gryphon Trio: February 7, 3 pm
Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street
What Makes It Great?© Commentator, composer and conductor Rob Kapilow, making his Ottawa debut, takes listeners inside the music: he unravels, slows down, and recomposes key passages to hear why a piece is so extraordinary. Hailed as the twenty-first century’s successor to Leonard Bernstein, Rob Kapilow will take his audience on a riveting insider’s tour of Beethoven’s magnificent Ghost Trio, followed by an uninterrupted performance of the complete work by the Gryphon Trio. Classical music first-timers and seasoned listeners alike will be given ‘new ears’ as they learn how to listen to music with deeper understanding.
“Kapilow gets audiences in tune with classical music at a deeper and more immediate level than many of them thought possible.”
- Los Angeles Times
Cecilia String Quartet with pianist Louise Bessette: March 7, 3 pm
Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street
Praised for their ‘extraordinary commitment and maturity’ (Montreal Gazette) and talent, passion and mastery, the Cecilia String Quartet is one of Canada’s most exciting young ensembles today. The Cecilia String Quartet has won awards across the globe including the Galaxie Rising Stars award presented in 2007 at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival and 2nd Prize at the 2008 Osaka International Chamber Music Competition and is currently Resident String Quartet at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. Join them as they share the stage with distinguished Canadian pianist Louise Bessette.
“How these four women played was nothing short of amazing… one of those rare performances that announce the presence of great talent.”
- St Petersburg Times
Tallis Scholars: March 28, 3 pm
Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street
“The Tallis Scholars are a treasure.”
- Classical voice of North Carolina
In their Ottawa premiere performance, the Tallis Scholars, “the rock stars of Renaissance vocal music” (The New York Times) embark on a minor crusade to promote the music of Jean Mouton, a contemporary of Josquin des Prés. The program consists of works by Franco-Flemish composers Loyset Compere, Nicolas Gombert, and a presentation of Josquin’s motet Praeter rerum seriem, one of the great masterworks of the period.
New Music in New Places: April 10, 8 pm
Carleton University Art Gallery
Presented in collaboration with ONMC (Ottawa New Music Creators). Experience this unique opportunity to hear some of the great music being written in Ottawa today played in a casual setting by some of Ottawa’s most outstanding musicians. The presence of the composers adds an interesting dimension as they speak about their creations.
The Ottawa Chamber Music Society thanks the Canadian Music Centre, the originator of the New Music in New Places concept.
Ticket Information
Full 2009-2010 Concert Series details will be available on the OCMS’ website at www.chamberfest.com.
Subscription sales begin September 8. Benefits include: access to the best seats in the house, a 40% savings off single tickets, and the ability to exchange tickets for other concerts during the season. Single ticket sales begin October 1. For more information, please contact the OCMS office at 613-234-6306.
Mark your calendars! Chamberfest 2010 will take place from July 24 to August 7.
Crowd welcomes trio who take over chamber music festival
Steven Mazey | The Ottawa Citizen
There were loud cheers from the crowd at the closing concert of the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival Saturday at the news many had suspected was coming: the musicians of the Toronto-based Gryphon Trio have been named the permanent new artistic programmers of the festival.
The three musicians succeed Ottawa cellist Julian Armour, the popular and much admired founder of the festival, who ran the event for 13 years but resigned in early 2007 over differences with the organization’s board of directors.
As interim directors following Armour’s departure, the Gryphon Trio musicians programmed this year’s festival and last year’s as well, and their programming has generally been praised for staying true to Armour’s vision, with a wide range of music from the traditional classical repertoire to new music, world music and jazz, as well as concerts for young people.
Founded in 1993, the Gryphon Trio was presented regularly at the festival by Armour and has developed a loyal Ottawa following. The three musicians live in Toronto and tour internationally. Borys has commuted extensively for his work in programming the festival.
At Saturday’s concert, Hodgins praised the group’s work in programming the festival for the past two summers.
“None of this happens without a sense of extraordinary vision and creative programming. At the heart of it, that’s what we’re all about. You’ve had 16 years to get to know the Gryphon Trio as the wonderful Canadian ensemble that it is. The capacity audience we had at their concert this past Wednesday night and a number of standing ovations demonstrates how much they are loved here in Ottawa,” he said, adding “they have brought us two fantastic festivals as interim programmers.”
For the full article visit The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa’s annual Chamberfest has shrunk in size, but expanded in scope
COLIN EATOCK, Globe and Mail
Time was when the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival – or “Chamberfest” – boasted it was the largest such event in the world. It grew every year after its founding in 1994, peaking last year with 127 concerts, densely packed into a two-week period.
But this summer, the festival, which opened on Saturday night, is smaller by 34 performances. In part this is a response to tough economic times, but it’s also because of a shift in philosophy.
“The numbers don’t matter,” insists Glenn Hodgins, who is in his second year as the festival’s executive director. “We’re trying to get away from the ‘biggest’ as a benchmark. Let’s be the best.”
Full review on the Globe and Mail website: Ottawa’s annual Chamberfest
Ottawa Chamber Music Festival concert review: New Zealand String Quartet showcases ensemble precision
Richard Todd, The Ottawa Citizen
Another big crowd last night at Dominion-Chalmers, 900 or more, came to hear the New Zealand String Quartet and pianist Anton Kuerti Monday evening. It’s hard to imagine anyone who went away unsatisfied.
The program opened with a short work by Mendelssohn called Capriccio for String Quartet, op. 81. It was performed with that combination, quintessential to the composer, of lightness of touch and melodic richness.
On a technical level, there was little to nothing to complain of. Precision of ensemble, blend, intonation and all the rest of it was spot on.
Full review on the Ottawa Citizen website: New Zealand String Quartet showcases ensemble precision
Chamberfest choices: 10 concerts you won’t want to miss
Richard Todd, The Ottawa Citizen
The changes are certainly no reason for music lovers to wring their hands. The festival’s loyal patrons will doubtless reap some benefits. For one thing, there will be fewer impossible choices to make.
In the past, some very good concerts were staged before tiny audiences because there were three or four other programs offered at the same time. On most evenings at this year’s festival, there will be two major concerts: one at Dominion-Chalmers Church at 7 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. at St. Brigid’s Centre for the Arts and Humanities (the former St. Patrick’s Church on St. Patrick Street), followed by a 10:30 p.m. concert at St. Brigid’s.
That makes for easier choices, and with one concert at 7 p.m. and one at 8 p.m., some patrons will undoubtedly try to sample a bit of both, as many have done in previous years with simultaneous concerts.
Full story on the Ottawa Citizen website: Chamberfest choices
Duo together at last in stunning show
Pianist Jon Kimura Parker and violinist James Ehnes perform in one of finest concerts of the yearJohn Terauds, The Star
Serious music usually takes a summertime break in Toronto. But that didn’t stop an upstart downtown festival from giving us one of the finest concerts of the year Tuesday night.
It took 15 years for two Canadian stars – pianist Jon Kimura Parker and violinist James Ehnes – to co-ordinate their performing schedules. Given the spectacular results at the Carlu (the once-legendary Eaton Auditorium), one can only hope that this was the beginning of a long and frequent collaboration.
The duo opened the fourth annual Toronto Summer Music Academy & Festival, which runs to Aug. 13.
Parker and Ehnes repeat their stunning program at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival on Saturday (details at chamberfest.com).
Full article on thestar.com website:
Ottawa Chamber Music Festival Schedule
When and where: Saturday to Aug. 8, at several downtown churches and some outdoor venues.
Festival passes: $175 general; $130 Students.
Three-day passes: (For any three days of the festival) $89 general; $70 students
Family passes: (Two adults with two children aged 12 and under) $310 for full festival; $165 for three days.
Passes grant entry to all concerts except the opening and closing “Premium” concerts, which are fund-raising performances for the Ottawa Chamber Music Society. The opening concert Saturday features pianist Jon Kimura Parker with violinist James Ehnes. The closing concert includes soprano Donna Brown, the St. Lawrence Quartet, the Ying Quartet and eight cellists. For those concerts, passholders need an additional ticket ($30 general; $15 for students).
Young People’s Concerts: Children 12 and under accompanied by an adult are admitted free to the three young people’s concerts.
Single tickets: If you do not have a festival pass, single tickets to most concerts are $25 general; $15 for students. Single tickets to the opening and closing concerts are $40 and $20. Tickets to 10:30 p.m. concerts are $20 and $10.
Where to get passes, tickets and information: Passes and tickets will be sold at the venues and can be purchased through http://www.chamberfest.com or 613-234-6306, where more detailed festival information is also available.
Full Story on the Ottawa Citizen website: Ottawa Chamber Music Festival Schedule
Government of Canada Supports Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival
OTTAWA, ONTARIO — 07/22/09 — On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orleans, today announced the Government of Canada’s investment of more than $210 000 to support the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival (Chamberfest ‘09).”Today’s announcement is exciting news to all involved in Chamberfest ‘09,” said Mr. Galipeau. “The funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program highlights our government’s recognition of the real impact the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival has on the local economy.”
“The federal government is showing great support for the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival by providing this funding through its Marquee Tourism Events Program,” said Ottawa Chamber Music Society Executive Director Glenn Hodgins. “Now in its 16th year, Chamberfest has consistently presented impressive lineups of world-class musicians that have attracted tourists from around the globe. This funding will help to make this year’s festival even more memorable for both residents and visitors to Ottawa.”
Chamberfest ‘09 presents audiences with chamber music concerts, exhibitions and educational forums on chamber music. The Marquee Tourism Events Program funding will make it possible to increase marketing and promotional efforts aimed at attracting audiences from out-of-province and out-of-country, specifically targeting major cities in the U.S., England and other European centres. Chamberfest ‘09 will also be introducing new programming at the recently renovated Saint Brigid’s performance space near the ByWard Market.
Full Story on the Earth Times website: Government of Canada Supports Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival
