past seasons

Discover how VC2 are pushing the boundaries of classical cello performance in their program, Beethoven's Cellists.

Meet pianist Meagan Milatz and violinist Amy Hillis, the first winners of the Pan-Canadian Tour.

Afro-Cuban group OKAN offers global music in a quartet of spice and soul.

Clarinet, viola and piano combine in a display of acoustic poetry.

Share in Avan's adventures as an award-winning pianist, including milestone pieces from his major performances.

Piano, accordion, cello and percussion combine in a distinct yet accessible sound with influences drawn from Italy, Greece, Balkan, Russia, Arabian Peninsula, and Asia.

2016 BISQC Laureate winners The Rolston String Quartet have been named among CBC's 30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30.

Revel in the fanciful worlds created by music as cellist Chloe Dominguez and pianist Janelle Fung take you on a sublime and mystical journey inspired by fable.

Brothers Nikki and Timothy Chooi are united by a profound understanding and genuine passion for the violin, which renders their musical union extraordinarily rich. Together, they have an intrinsic musical partnership that makes their duo artistry unique and interesting.

Canada’s own Henderson-Kolk Duo has built their audience's loyalty with their choice of repertoire, stage charisma and what Wholenote Magazine describes as “a warm and intimate sound.” Since their formation in 2004, they have quickly become one of North America’s premier guitar duos.

The Proteus Saxophone Quartet is redefining the traditional saxophone chamber music experience with their high energy, intense, and diverse performances. Named after the god of the sea, modular and versatile, the Proteus Quartet explores the numerous instrumental combinations of the saxophone family through the creation and performance of chamber music.

Duo Fortin-Poirier, featuring pianists Amélie Fortin and Marie-Christine Poirier, has been heralded as one of the most promising of its generation.

Dynamic and versatile, Flûte Alors! is composed of four new-generation recorder players. Since 1999, this award-winning quartet has received distinction for the audacity of their programs and the excellence of their performances.

Since 2006, harpist Valérie Milot and violinist Antoine Bareil have offered performances marked by an exceptional artistry both through their live performances and their recordings.

Marie-Josée Lord soprano with piano and violin In 2005, soprano Marie-Josée Lord gained national recognition when she was awarded recipient of the prestigious Prix d’Excellence de la Culture from the Fondation de l’Opéra de Québec, and in that same year, was selected to represent Canada at the Cardiff Singer of World competition. She has earned many accolades in her career, including the Public Prize at the Canadian Lyric Fund Competition and the Raoul-Jobin Prize in 1998. Her first solo CD, recorded with the Orchestre Métropolitain under the baton of Giuseppe Pietraroia, won her the 2011 Félix – the Québec music award in the Album of the Year: Classical Vocal category, as well as receiving a JUNO nomination. Released on the ATMA Classique label, this album continues its appeal, with over 30,000 copies sold to date. Marie-Josée Lord made her professional debut in the Fall of 2003, singing Liù in Puccini’s Turandot at Opéra de Québec. Immediately following, she flew to Rennes, France to sing the role of Julia in Passionnément (André Messager). In 2004, she enraptured the Montreal audiences with her rendition of Mimi in Puccini’s La Bohème at Opéra de Montréal. The season following, she also sang Laoula in Chabrier’s l’Étoile in 2005. Marie-Josée Lord has performed numerous roles, such as Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte (on a Canadian tour with the Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal), the title role of Turandot (Busoni) and Dido in Dido and Aeneas (Purcell), with the Atelier Lyrique du Conservatoire de Musique de Québec. She has also been heard as Susanna in Il segreto di Susanna (Wolf-Ferrari). In 2006, Marie-Josée Lord sang the title role in Suor Angelica (Puccini) in the Opéra de Montréal’s season opening production. Recently she has been heard as Marie-Jeanne in the world premiere of the operatic version of the celebrated musical Starmania (Plamondon/ Berger) at Opéra de Québec in May 2008 and l’Opéra de Montréal in March 2009. In 2009, she brilliantly held the role of Nedda in I Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) at Opéra de Montréal. In spring 2012, Ms. Lord sang the role of Meg Page in Falstaff (Verdi) at the Opéra de Québec. Last season, she sang Violetta in La traviata (Verdi) in Würtzburg, Germany as well as Serena in Porgy and Bess (Gershwin) for five sold out performances at l’Opéra de Montréal. With her irresistible charisma, generosity, and passion for lyric art, Marie-Josée Lord is a favorite guest on several television and radio shows (Tout le monde en parle, Studio 12, En direct de l’Universe). She has sung with l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal on many occasions, most notably at the Christmas concert in Notre-Dame Basilica in December 2009; at the Starmania concert at Notre-Dame de Paris in February, 2010; and at the free outdoor concert for Haiti in 2010. Her latest album, titled Yo Soy Maria (released in the Fall of 2012) featuring works from Latin America, was released under the ATMA classique label. The 2015-2016 season promises to be a busy one for Marie-Josée Lord, with numerous concerts throughout Canada, Europe, and the United States. Uliana Drugova, violin Violinist Uliana Drugova combines a career as a musician and teacher. A graduated from the Faculty of Music of the Université de Montréal, she finished her Doctorate in Music Performance under the direction of Claude Richard, violinist, and Michel Duchesneau, musicologist in 2012. A violin prodigy, she began winning competitions at the age of eleven, a laureate of the concerto competition at Conservatoire de musique McGill and then, the Canadian Music Competition. Throughout her studies, she has received numerous grants and awards from the Fondation de soutien aux Arts de Laval, the Faculté de musique de l’Université de Montréal, and from the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la Société et la Culture, she was elected to their highest order with distinction, the Coup de cœur du jury, in 2008. Ms. Drugova is very active on the Quebec scene. In 2009, she debuted with Orchestre symphonique de Laval and performed several times as a soloist with the Ensemble Arkea. Uliana is currently in the first violin sections of the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières and Saguenay Symphony Lac Saint-Jean. She has worked in several ensembles including the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the Nouvel Ensemble Moderne and the Orchestre symphonique de Laval. She is currently professor of violin and chamber music at the college level with Vincent d’Indy School of Music and teaches violin as a lecturer at the Faculty of Music of the University of Montreal. Dominic Boulianne, piano Pianist Dominic Boulianne graduated from the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. His principle teacher was Suzanne Goyette and had additional coachings from André Laplante, Angela Hewitt, Pascal Roger. With Louise-Andrée Baril, he furthers his piano collaborative and vocal coaching skills. Dominic Boulianne was pianist with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal – Choir Orchestra under Kent Nagano and Michael Zaugg. He was often invited as a collaborative pianist at the Festival di Musica da camera of Tocco da Casauria Italy. A diverse musical career, in addition to being a sought-after arranger, Dominic was the pianist and musical director at Jeunesses Musicales of Canada for many of their opera productions between 2007 and 2009. He is currently rehearsal pianist and vocal coach for the Société d’Art lyrique du Royaume, a position held since 2010. For the past 7 years, he has been involved with Société pour les arts en milieux de santé, an initiative that brings music and performances to health facilities across Quebec. In 2007, Mr. Boulianne founded Ensemble Triosphere. In 2013, the Trio’s show Night Flight Café won the coveted people’s choice Loto-Québec award from Festival Vue la Relève. Marie-Josée Lord, soprano with Dominic Boulianne, piano and Uliana Drugova, violin Press Release [~44k DOC] / Poster [~2MB PDF] / Programme [~0.8 MB PDF] Performance Schedule Airdrie AB Friday, September 25/15 Presented by Bert Church Theatre, City of Airdrie Bert Church, Theatre Spruce Grove AB Saturday, September 26/15 Horizon Stage Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre Lacombe AB Sunday, September 27/15 Burman University Burman Administration Auditorium Steinbach MB Tuesday, September 29/15 Steinbach Arts Council Grace Mennonite Church Camrose AB Friday, October 2/15 Camrose Performing Arts Centre Management Council Cargill Theatre, Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre High River AB Saturday, October 3/15 High River Gift of Music Society High River United Church North Battleford SK Saturday, April 9/16 Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts Dekker Centre Theatre Yorkton SK Monday, April 11/16 Yorkton Arts Council Yorkton High School Anne Portnuff Theatre Estevan SK Tuesday, April 12/16 Estevan Arts Council Trinity Lutheran Church Fort McMurray AB Friday, April 15/16 Keyano Theatre Keyano Theatre Saskatoon SK Sunday, April 17/16 Lyell Gustin Recital Series St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church As of October 2015. Performance dates and venues are subject to change. Full length concerts, schools shows, workshops & master classes may be scheduled in addition to the concerts listed.   https://googledrive.com/host/0B8imP_r2tnkFOG9tY0RxNk55ajQ/12-yo-soy-maria.mp3 Marie-Josée Lord – Yo soy Maria (Piazzolla) + Aranjuez, Mon Amour (Joaquin Rodrigo) https://googledrive.com/host/0B8imP_r2tnkFOG9tY0RxNk55ajQ/11-yukali.mp3 Marie-Josée Lord – Youkali (Kurt Weill) https://googledrive.com/host/0B8imP_r2tnkFOG9tY0RxNk55ajQ/10-habanera.mp3 Marie-Josée Lord – Jambalaya Medley (various) https://googledrive.com/host/0B8imP_r2tnkFOG9tY0RxNk55ajQ/09-i-feel-pretty.mp3 Marie-Josée Lord – I Feel Pretty (Leonard Bernstein)

This acoustic quartet features the romantic rumba, to the lively samba, the pulsating bolero to the swaying waltz and cha cha. Traditional songs like “Canto Siboney”, “La Flor De La Canela”, and “El Carbonero”, bring Cuba home.

Duo Rendezvous unites two leading Canadian performers, violinist Jasper Wood and guitarist Daniel Bolshoy. This duo was formed as a response to great demand for a refreshing and passionate chamber ensemble with a strong dedication to outreach and education.

Established pianists in their own right, Janelle Fung and Philip Chiu have come together to present concerts that challenge the traditional boundaries of one piano four-hands.

Under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute and Sophie Larivière, Ensemble Caprice is renowned for its innovative interpretations of baroque music, receiving national and international acclaim for more than twenty years.

United by a shared love of the great classical and romantic chamber music repertoire, Judy, Rachel and Angela, three of Canada’s exciting artists, combine their broad-ranging individual knowledge and worldwide concert experience to offer dynamic and compelling performances as the Kang-Mercer-Park Trio.

Internationally renowned for their warm and engaging stage presence, impeccable musicianship, and unique perspective on ensemble singing, musica intima has earned a reputation as Canada’s most exciting vocal ensemble.

Hailing from Beijing, Yadong Guan is a true musical ambassador who brilliantly masters the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument that is over 2,000 years old.

Known internationally as soloists, chamber musicians, recitalists and fashionistas, Guy & Nadina are “completely engaging from the moment they walk on stage” (THE CHRONICLE, Oliver BC).

Two of the West Coast’s exceptional musicians, harpist Heidi Krutzen and cellist Ariel Barnes, have formed Couloir, a new and unexpected duo dedicated to collaboration with Canada’s leading composers, performing modern art music at the highest level of excellence, and presenting engaging new music concerts in non-traditional settings.

Armed with a clarinet, a piano and their personable stage presence, Kornel Wolak and Chris Donnelly present a remarkable blend of classical and jazz music rarely heard in live performance.

Praised for their “extraordinary commitment and maturity” and “talent, passion and mastery”, the Cecilia String Quartet is one of Canada's most exciting young ensembles today.

Georgy Tchaidze, First Laureate of Calgary’s Honens International Piano Competition (2009), is a native of St Petersburg, Russia. His Honens win allowed him to bring his artistry beyond Russia for performances throughout Europe and North America.

Awarded a MARTY for "Best Emerging Performing Arts Group - 2009" by the Mississauga (ON) Arts Council, TorQ was formed in 2004 by four young, enthusiastic Toronto-area percussionists looking to add new energy to percussion repertoire and performance

Canadian musicians Sharon Wei and Angela Park have captivated audiences around the world through their unique interpretations of the viola and piano repertoire from Bach to new creations. 

With three first prize wins at the International Accordion Competition to his credit, Alexander Sevastian truly commanded the world’s attention as one of the best.

"Passion" is a word that applies to the latest work by Jorge Miguel, to the music and to his commitment to explore the roots of the tradition and to find within that depth the seeds of new possibilities for the ancient art of Flamenco.

Not very often do two young and celebrated concert pianists get together on stage on a regular basis and build an extensive repertoire. They have performed together on many of the world’s most prestigious platforms.

Soprano Martha Guth has been acclaimed for her “'thrilling top range, rare breath control and an awesome legato. Singing along with Baritone Tyler Duncan, with "that rare mixture of elegant phrasing and resonant power’, and Erika Switzer, pianist, widely known for her brilliant, expressive, and technically confident playing.

Violinist Jean-Sébastien Roy was laureate of the Prix d'Europe 2006 and winner of the Prix Joseph Rouleau at the Concours International de Musique de Montreal in 2003 and 2006. Canadian pianist Mathieu Gaudet has established himself in the musical world for his passionate interpretations and virtuoso technique.

Comprised of four highly accomplished musicians, bound by their shared passion for the tango and driven by an unceasing desire to make a close connection with their audience, Quartango offers a performance filled with subtle nuances and a blend of colors that reflects both the classics and modernity and the effervescence of the milonga.

The Schumann Letters is a concert format performance presenting some of the most beautiful piano and vocal music of Robert Schumann. It is exquisitely narrated through a spectacular story of his life and love for Clara Wieck and his personal triumphs and tragedies.

Bellows & Brass is a trio comprised of three of Canada's most successful soloists. They make music that is challenging, pleasing and above all-fun. Their concerts have been described as "vividly emotional ... passionate ... a revelation."

In the fall of 2008 alumni musicians of The Banff Centre brought a program of classical music to towns throughout the province.

Founded by Francis Colpron in 1991, Les Boréades de Montréal focuses on early music. The ensemble has chosen an interpretative approach in keeping with the spirit of the Baroque era, by adhering to the rules of performance practice of the past and playing on period instruments.

Canada’s leading young saxophonist, Allen Harrington, teaches saxophone, bassoon, and chamber music at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Music. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Winnipeg-born pianist David Moroz enjoys a career as one of Canada’s most versatile artists.

Laureate of the 2003 Honens International Piano Competition and winner of France’s 2002 Concours International de Piano 20e siècle d’Orléans, Canadian pianist Winston Choi is an inquisitive performer whose fresh approach to standard repertory, and masterful understanding, performance and commitment to works by living composers, make him one of today’s most dynamic young concert artists.

Whether in recital or opera, soprano Sophie Bouffard is recognized for her great expressivity, her rich and vibrant voice, and her ability to captivate audiences. Pianist David L. McIntyre is well known throughout North America as a composer and collaborator with singers and instrumentalists.

Canadian percussionist Anne-Julie Caron is recognized by the greatest masters of her field as one of the most remarkable talents of her generation. Mainly recognized as a marimbist, Miss Caron's rapidly blooming career as an orchestral soloist, chamber musician and recitalist is causing her to be sought after both in Canada and abroad. Akiko Tominaga has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Her solo and chamber performances have been broadcast on Radio-Canada and Akiko’s most recent project, the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach, was recorded by the Université de Montréal. An avid chamber musician, she has taken part in numerous collaborations with instrumentalists and vocalists.

One of the most captivating young artists of her generation, cellist Denise Djokic has thrilled audiences and critics worldwide with the passion, vigour, and sensitivity of her playing. Pianist David Jalbert is one of the most firebrand talents of the new generation. With his personal style, incomparable stage presence and refined ear, he has convinced audiences and critics everywhere.

Prairie Debut is pleased to announce that for this 10th Anniversary Celebration Tour, the Gryphon Trio is joined by PD's alumnus Barry Shiffman, former member of the St. Lawrence String Quartet who will be taking the position of Director of Music Programs for The Banff Centre.

Described by the CBC as “the hottest guitar ensemble in Canada”, the MG3 has quickly established itself as a force of rejuvenation and cross-pollenization between various musical forms. Marrying passionate virtuosity with a stealthy sense of humour, guitarists charm the ears and captured the hearts of their ever-expanding audiences.

Returning from Tokyo where she performed Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor with one of Japan’s most prestigious symphonies, violinist Susanne Hou is becoming a prominent performer on the international concert stage. Daniel Spiegel has won numerous competitions and awards and is completing his Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the Juilliard School.

Guy Few is a virtuoso. As a powerful pianist and astonishing trumpeter, he delights his audiences with his intensity and charm. Canadian pianist, Stephanie Mara, is a collaborative pianist and coach and has performed in recital and gala presentations with many vocalists and instrumentalists in numerous festival and series performances.

Audiences everywhere are energized by Fubuki Daiko’s high-powered style of Japanese drumming.