Ottawa Chamberfest announces 2025 festival lineup

Ottawa, ON – Chamberfest is back this summer with a bold celebration of chamber music magic – Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 27!

From timeless classics to fearless new sounds, watch as world-renowned artists, rising stars, and trailblazing Canadian legends come together for a vibrant festival that blends tradition with innovation. It’s a creative playground for collaboration, international debuts, and unforgettable musical moments that will inspire and surprise.

This year’s lineup features cutting-edge new works, masterpieces, and genre-defying collaborations that amplify the meaning of chamber music. Highlights include the return of fan favourites Julie Nesrallah, trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann (whose home was sadly lost in the recent L.A. wildfires), Gryphon Trio, Cree cellist Cris Derksen, Ottawa-born cellist Bryan Cheng, Honens laureate Illia Ovcharenko, the Montréal Guitare Trio, and a unique presentation of The Planets featuring Carson Becke, Suren Barry, and Wallis Giunta.

Highly-anticipated debuts include Montréal-based jazz pianist Taurey Butler, legendary violinist Shunske Sato, British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six, and pianist-comedian Sarah Hagen.

We’re also celebrating major musical milestones: Vincent Ho at 50, Kelly-Marie Murphy at 60, Steven Gellman at 75, and Canadiana: Oscar Peterson at 100 (featuring Jens Lindemann, Taurey Butler, and friends). Canada’s classical music future, The National Youth Orchestra, joins the party as they mark 65 years!

“Chamberfest is a celebration of what makes Canada’s music scene extraordinary,” says

Artistic Director Carissa Klopoushak. “This year, we honour our musical roots while championing bold ideas and fresh voices. It’s about legacy, collaboration, and a future that shines even brighter.”

This year, we will be presenting a dynamic range of series designed to captivate every kind of music lover. The Signature Series delivers show-stopping performances from world-renowned artists in unforgettable, large-scale concerts. The Marina Kun Series celebrates the soul of chamber music with intimate programs from leading Canadian and international ensembles. Chamberfringe pushes the boundaries with bold, genre-blending late-night shows that explore sea shanties, Indigenous beats, and cinematic soundtracks. The Midday Matinée Series offers refreshing daytime concerts featuring rising stars and seasoned pros in stunning local venues. On Sundays, the Beechwood Series invites reflection with morning performances in a luminous, sacred setting. New Music Now showcases the cutting edge of contemporary classical, spotlighting today’s most compelling composers and premieres. And the new Prime Time Series offers exclusive, up-close performances

for Pass Prime holders seeking a deeper connection with the music and its makers.

Many of these performances will be taking place at iconic Ottawa venues including the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, National Arts Centre’s Rossy Pavilion, Great Canadian Theatre Company and Beechwood Sacred Space. Chamberfest also extends beyond city limits with events in Gatineau and Almonte.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be adding our FREE community programming, including Bring the Kids! series, pop-up performances at The Record Centre, Movement & Cello, masterclasses, and much more.

Visit chamberfest.com for full festival details, summer programs, artist bios, and ticket options.