Ottawa (July 24, 2007) — In an Internet world there are no borders or boundaries when it comes to music. So in keeping with the new routes world performers are exploring, this year's Chamberfest takes audiences on a veritable 'Musical Tour of the World'.

By expanding the definition of chamber music to include other world cultures, the Festival is presenting some of the finest interpreters of music from China, India, Indonesia and the Middle East. Frequently, these musicians have teamed up with ensembles that are as comfortable playing in the European classical tradition as experimenting with new sounds and instruments.

Take the Gryphon Trio. It has won plaudits both for its Western European classical concerts and its crossover interpretations. With Music Toronto the Trio produces the Chamber at the Lula concerts that combine a classical and jazz repertoire featuring Cuban and Brazilian inspired collaborations with noted artists. At Chamberfest, Gryphon teams up with celebrated masters of percussion, the oud and Arabic violin, as well as vocalist Maryem Tollar in Crossings: a musical journey from West to East. (8 pm. July 27)

Shanghai Quartet is another example of a chamber music Trio whose versatility will find it recording Dvorák one day and presenting an East meets West fusion of Chinese and Western music on another. At Chamberfest, the Quartet plays an international programme featuring selections from contemporary Chinese composers in the same concert as the famous Ravel String Quartet. (Shanghai Quartet: ChinaSong, noon, July 27)

Not all chamber music ensembles look abroad for their inspiration. Some stay close to Western European classics. East Village Opera Company (EVOC), for instance, neatly fuses its own rock-inspired music with popular opera arias. The result is more reminiscent of a rock arena, than a concert hall. A regular at Joe's Pub in New York's Public Theater, it is signed to Decca Records and the two Canadian founders now have a loyal following far from their Ottawa hometown. (Free concert. 7 pm. July 31)

Even the work of Nuevo Tango master Astor Piazzolla, with its intricate rhythms incorporating jazz and classical influences, is now considered to be a form of chamber music. As Gatineau-based Norteño says, it is music for the mind rather than for the feet.

Chamber concerts like Norteño's can take many forms: most involving a handful of people playing music in an intimate space - like a church, a living room or a downtown club. More often than not, the concerts will be exploring musical boundaries - reinterpreting works using new instrumentation or adding multimedia, narration and dance sequences. The goal being to put chamber music into a more modern context so as to open it up to new audiences.

• The Red Chamber Ensemble and Randy Raine-Reusch play traditional Chinese compositions, as well as new music. (8 pm. July 25 and again at 8 pm. July 26)
• Mrdrangam maestro Trichy Sankaran and Autorickshaw bring their classical Karnetic music from India as well as a contemporary fusion of western and South Asian musical styles in their East Meets West concert. (8 pm. August 2)
• The Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan play compositions with an exotic repertoire from West Java. (8 pm. August 3)

- 30 -

For Chamberfest programme, venue and ticketing information see: www.chamberfest.com

Frances Phillips, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 241; Mob. (613) 852-7848; or email media@chamberfest.com