Ottawa (July 18, 2007) — In keeping with its mandate to offer chamber music that is both affordable and accessible, Chamberfest ’07 is hosting several free events throughout the Festival period, July 21 – August 4.

Following Chamberfest’s opening gala on Saturday night, Sunday afternoon (July 22) is devoted to friends and families who want to enjoy a picnic or just chill out on the lawns of Rideau Hall. First on the lineup at 1:00 pm is Norteño with its electrifying mix of tango music and intense stage presence. Leaving traditional tango behind, this locally based ensemble has discovered the turbulent universe of Tango Nuevo.

While Tango originated in Europe, on its migration to Argentina the music picked up influences from Africa, Cuba and even American Blues. Tango Nuevo, which also features the bandoneon, is increasingly recognized as a serious form of chamber music. So with the versatility of Norteño and the rhythms that have influenced Tango, audiences can retrace the music’s exhilarating musical journey of nostalgia, passion and bravado.

Later in the afternoon (4:00 pm), Chamberfest showcases a broad selection of music from some of the most versatile musicians in Canada today.

The twin sisters who are Duo Similia transcend musical borders with their eclectic blend of flute and guitar. Award-winning young pianist Serhiy Salov plays his own arrangement of Johann Strauss junior’s Opera Overture to Die Fliedermaus. Recent winner of the 2006 Montreal International Violin competition Jinjoo Cho will demonstrate the early virtuosity that is capturing awards on both sides of the border. Julie Nesrallah takes the stage with her rich, warm and powerful voice. To round out this musical feast Caroline Léonardelli (harp), Anne-Julie Caron (marimba) and renowned pianist Richard Raymond bring the show to its finale.

Additional Free Concerts through Chamberfest ‘07

• Studio Sparks with Eric Friesen will host five live shows from the Ottawa Broadcast Centre, at noon from July 23 to 27 inclusive. Guests, in order of appearance: Angela Hewitt; Louis Lortie and Imola Academy student Jean-Philippe Sylvestre; Festival favourites, the Gryphon Trio; the Shanghai Quartet; and principal trumpet of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Paul Merkelo.
• Duo Similia returns with music from Argentina and Italy. July 24, Under the Plaza Bridge at noon.
• The flagstones at the Bank of Canada Plaza will sizzle with the rhythms of El Viento Flamenco, July 31 at noon.
• Also on July 31 East Village Opera Company (EVOC) returns with a second Benefit Concert in support of a Community Concert Hall for Ottawa and their own rock-inspired take on popular opera arias. The 90-minute open-air concert will be staged on the proposed concert hall site, behind Friday’s Roast Beef House on Elgin Street at 7:00 pm. For those who missed last year’s show, led by two Ottawa musicians, know from the buzz that followed their concert that this is not to be missed!

For information and tickets on other Chamberfest ’07 concerts visit: www.chamberfest.com

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

Dian Prodanov, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 243; or email communications@chamberfest.com

Karen St. Aubin, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 244; or email events@chamberfest.com