Sat Jul 22 12:00
Introducing Ensemble Obiora
Chamberfest is proud to present Ensemble Obiora, Canada’s first ensemble with a mission to increase the representation of culturally diverse musicians in the classical music scene, and to perform works by composers of colour whose contributions have gone unnoticed. Based in Montreal with members from across the country (including Ottawa area violinist Renee London and pianist John Kofi Dapaah), the group was founded in 2021 on the principles of “Diversity, Discovery, and Dissemination” by double bassist Brandyn Lewis and his partner Allison Migeon. The project was named in honour of a concept from Lewis and Migeon’s shared heritage: in Igbo, a language spoken in Nigeria, Obiora means “heart of the people.” As the ensemble’s roster has grown to include more than 50 musicians, the two say it feels like one big family, filled with people they stay close to outside of performances.
For their Chamberfest debut, Ensemble Obiora’s programme features Startin’ Sumthin’, a funky reimagining of ragtime music scored for woodwind quintet by African-American composer Jeff Scott. Rounding out the program are compositions by Anglo-African composer and conductor Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, who was born on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe to an enslaved woman of Senegalese origin and a French plantation owner – the earliest European musician/composer of African descent to receive widespread critical acclaim. The ensemble invites you to join them in Woodside Hall after the concert for a discussion on the repertoire, the ensemble, and its mission.
Programme
Jeff Scott (b. 1965)
Startin’ Sumthin’
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875 – 1912)
Nonet in F minor
I. Allegro energico
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo. Allegro
IV. Finale. Allegro vivace
Joseph Bologne (1745 – 1799)
Symphony in G Major Op.11, No.1
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro assai
- Ensemble Obiorachamber ensemble
| Ensemble Obiora Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin Renee London, violin Adriana Arcila Tascon, viola Susana Arcila Tascon, cello Brandyn Lewis double bass, Artistic Director Myrtle Thomas, flute Léanne Téran-Paul, oboe Michael Maxwell, clarinet Sheba Thibideau, bassoon Angelica Tombs, horn John Kofi Dapaah, piano |
More Concerts
Festival 2023
Experience five spectacular programs on our Signature Series, featuring large-scale collaborations between world-renowned musicians at Ottawa’s Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. The 2024 Signature Series is generously sponsored by Bytek Volkswagen & Carling Volvo.
Concerts immersed in Beechwood’s history and beauty, from its beloved sanctuary to the expansive grounds, complemented by the serene hours of the early morning.
These performances are outdoors. You will need to bring your own seating and weather protection if desired.
Sunrise Concerts are made possible with the generous support of Beechwood Cemetery.
New Music Now is a celebration of the breadth and vitality of today’s new classical culture. Explore the sonic range of today’s most creative musical minds at Chamberfest’s annual miniseries.
This series celebrates Canada’s world-class standard in chamber performance, featuring core string ensembles, solo piano, brass and vocal ensembles, and more! Taking place at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, these concerts are generously supported by Marina Kun (of Ottawa-based and internationally loved Kun Shoulder Rests).
Our Chamber Chats: Festival Edition features interactive interviews with festival musicians both online and in person.
Our late-night Chamberfringe concerts cross genres and art forms, pushing the boundaries of chamber music with daring and electric performances. Offering everything from lively Arabic jazz to Middle Eastern-Metal fusion, Indigenous beats, and ambient chamber-electronica to Yiddish folk song, or a full-on Ukrainian-Celtic-Arab mashup, there’s always something fresh to check out!
Our Chamberfringe shows take place at La Nouvelle Scène, Club SAW, and The Gladstone Theatre, providing a more casual setting where audiences can enjoy beverages and immerse themselves in the buzzing late-night atmosphere.
Fourteen-day Chamberfest 2021 passholders can exclusively enjoy musical experiences – from full-length concerts to bite-sized adventures – featuring Chamberfriends in Berlin, Paris, New York City, and North Macedonia. Including Hinrich Alpers, Quatuor Danel, Rob Kapilow, Lara St. John, and Simon Trpčeski.
The Live From… series is digital-only content, part of your Festival Livestream Pass and available in the Livestream Library until August 6. Single ticket access to Hinrich Alpers Live from Hanover and Quatuor Danel Live from Antwerp will be available in July, with the generous support of the Embassy of Germany and the Embassy of France. All digital content from Simon Trpčeski, Rob Kapilow, and Lara St. John is exclusive for Festival Livestream Passholders.
Held within Ottawa’s historic and beautiful Beechwood Cemetery, the Beechwood Series features performances that lend themselves to reflection and contemplation, both in its beloved Sacred Space and on the expansive grounds. The Beechwood Series is made possible with the generous support of Beechwood Cemetery
Celebrate the piano at the home of our longtime partners, Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa.
The Steinway Series is made possible with the generous support of the Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa.
Get out into the open air with various festival performers for al fresco concerts in downtown Ottawa.
These performances are outdoors. Seating will be limited, and you may need to bring your own weather protection if desired.
Eclectic programming resonates against a backdrop of vinyl, vintage speakers, and reel-to-reel at legendary music destination and beloved Wellington staple, The Record Centre. Here, artists are at play: exploring and expanding their creativity in this casual space.
Seating will not be available.
This summer, our festival offers a rich selection of online content broadcast live from Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre in Ottawa.
Chamberfest’s Community Engagement and Education pillar (CEE) engages community members of all ages through a diverse range of meaningful music experiences. Whether on stage, online, or on the streets, CEE changes lives through music.
