
Sun Jul 30 21:30
Skye Consort & Emma Björling
This…collaboration between an Early Music folk fusion trio from Canada and a Swedish singer…immediately has the appeal of the unusual. (Issue 131, The Living Tradition)
At their Chamberfest debut, Skye Consort & Emma Björling will perform their “trans-Atlantic chamber folk” with arrangements of songs and tunes from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, England, Québec, Acadia, and the USA, bringing old stories, melodies, and themes back to life in a contemporary musical setting.
About their album Skye Consort & Emma Björling, The Whole Note’s Barry Livingston says that “the songs are beautifully arranged, and Björling’s vocals are fully integrated into the ensemble, giving the music the feel of a true collaboration. One of the best folk recordings of 2019.”
Emma Björling, award-winning Swedish singer, composer, and arranger, met Alex Kehler (fiddle, nyckelharpa), Amanda Keesmaat (cello), and Seán Dagher (cittern/bouzouki, banjo) during a La Nef project in Montréal in October 2017 and “thanks to” Emma’s cancelled flight and their mutual love for each other’s celebrated musicianship, the Skye Consort & Emma Björling partnership was born.
With voice, fiddle, nyckelharpa, cello, bouzouki, banjo, and percussion, each musician brings their unique slant to these musical traditions to create a program of whirling polskas, groovy reels, passionate love songs, breathtaking hymns, and original compositions.
- Skye Consort & Emma Björlingensemble

More Concerts
Festival 2023
Experience four spectacular programs on our Signature Series, featuring large-scale collaborations between world-renowned musicians at Ottawa’s Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. The 2026 Signature Series is generously sponsored by Bytek Volkswagen & Carling Volvo. Included in Pass Prime. Tickets sold separately for all other pass holders and single ticket buyers.
Chamberfest’s City Series takes place exclusively at Ottawa City Hall, presenting three special free lunchtime concerts from April to May. These midday performances offer an accessible and welcoming way to experience live chamber music in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
Audiences can expect a relaxed, informal lunchtime atmosphere – perfect for a midday break – featuring performances by emerging local artists, with a strong emphasis on youth musicians from the Ottawa region. Each concert showcases the next generation of talent, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant and evolving music community.
Programs reflect Chamberfest’s signature blend of core classical repertoire and engaging, creative works, presented in a way that is approachable for both dedicated concertgoers and those discovering chamber music for the first time. Bring your lunch, drop in, and enjoy an inspiring musical pause in your day – no tickets required!
Chamberfest Special Events offer unique experiences beyond the traditional concert setting. From festive fundraisers and exclusive pop-ups to special artistic collaborations and unexpected moments, these events create opportunities to experience music in new ways and connect more closely with artists in a welcoming, dynamic atmosphere.
This series celebrates Canada’s world-class standard in chamber music performance, featuring some of Canada’s top pianists, brand new song cycles by two Ottawa-based composers, a genre-bending klezmer concert, and the debut of Chamberfest’s new ensemble-in-residence, the Chamberfest Camerata. Taking place at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers and the Ottawa Art Gallery, these concerts are generously supported by Marina Kun (of Ottawa-based and internationally loved Kun Shoulder Rests).
Our late-night Chamberfringe concerts cross styles and art forms, pushing the boundaries of chamber music with eclectic and daring performances. Offering everything from cutting edge new music for string ensemble with percussion to Iranian folk music to groovy blues – with many stops in between – there’s always something fresh to check out. Our Chamberfringe shows take place at the Great Canadian Theatre Company, providing a casual setting where audiences can enjoy beverages and immerse themselves in the buzzing late-night atmosphere.
Showcasing seasoned professionals and new faces to the scene, Chamberfest’s Midday Matinée series offers a refreshing midday escape at stunning local venues. This year’s artists range from our annual Rising Stars Showcase, a collaboration between Poiesis Quartet and Jon Kimura Parker, and a touching tribute to Tafelmusik’s Jeanne Lamon.
Piano Portfolio is a new series from Ottawa Chamberfest that allows us to explore the depth and scope of piano music within the context of Ottawa Chamberfest’s Festival and Concert Series programming. Chamberfest’s Piano Portfolio series is presented with the generous support of Marg Campbell.
Experience Chamberfest like never before with the Prime Time Series, an exclusive offering reserved for Pass Prime holders. Set in the stunning Rossy Pavilion at the National Arts Centre, these private performances provide an intimate and elegant setting to connect with Chamberfest artists and fellow Chamberfriends. Enjoy up-close encounters with the musicians you love, all while indulging in the refined ambiance of this gorgeous venue. Elevate your festival experience with these carefully curated events—each one truly a moment to savour.
Early Music Now is a new series from Ottawa Chamberfest that allows us to explore the depth and scope of early music within the context of Ottawa Chamberfest’s Festival and Concert Series programming. Chamberfest’s Early Music Now series is presented with the generous support of Nicole Presentey.
The New Music Now Series shines a spotlight on Canada’s most compelling contemporary voices, from celebrated composers to the next generation. These avant-garde experiences bring bold premieres, milestone tributes, and dynamic performances to the forefront of the festival.
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.
Set against a backdrop of vinyl, vintage speakers, and reel-to-reel charm, this beloved Wellington St. staple is the perfect setting for eclectic musical discoveries. Join us at The Record Centre on certain weekdays during the summer festival for FREE laid-back musical happy hours as Chamberfest artists share music close to their hearts in the cozy, intimate space.
Chamberfest presents free afternoon outdoor performances on the beautiful and majestic grounds of Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada.
Chamberfest’s Bring the Kids! Series is a family-friendly chamber music experience at Ottawa’s City Hall, the National Arts Centre’s public spaces, and other venues around the city. Featuring Chamberfest artists, Bring the Kids! Concerts are tailor-made for little ones, and the people who love them.
Get out into the open air with various festival performers for al fresco concerts in downtown Ottawa. Bring your own seats or blankets and desired weather protection. Please note: in inclement weather, concerts may be moved to indoor locations.
Chamberfest’s Community Engagement and Education pillar (CEE) engages community members of all ages through a diverse range of meaningful musical experiences. Whether on stage, online, or on the streets, CEE changes lives through music.
Our beloved Chamber Chats feature in-depth conversations led by Chamberfest Artistic Director, Carissa Klopoushak or other Chamberfriends. Drawing on rich musical backgrounds of hosts and guests, these chats create special connections between guest musicians and our audiences by diving deep into topics surrounding music, the arts, and creativity.
Chamberfest connects visiting concert series and festival artists with music organizations, schools, and universities to present high-level solo and chamber music masterclasses. These world class touring artists motivate the next generation with their insights, and all classes are open to the public! Join us to see our community’s music students perform and enjoy the opportunity to interact with and be inspired by the world-class musicians of today.



