The third installment of this year’s New Music Now series is a vibrant celebration of Canadian talent, both on stage and at the composer’s desk. A dynamic ensemble of musicians presents a tasting menu of contemporary Canadian works, with a special spotlight on Ottawa-based voices.

Local favourites SHHH!! Ensemble perform the rhythmic and characterful Quoi??? by Jocelyn Morlock, while pianist Katherine Dowling and violinist Jeff Dyrda offer a thoughtful interpretation of Robert Rival’s Fantasy on a Theme of Schubert.

The afternoon also features a rare showcase of contemporary repertoire for wind ensemble. Clarinetists Jonathan Krehm, Mike Dassios, and Sean Rice perform Kevin Lau’s Intuitions No. 1, joined by Dowling for Jean Françaix’s Quatuor.

At the heart of the program are the winning compositions from the 2025 uOttawa Student Composer Workshop: works by Zachary Greer and Helena Cheu performed by the Ayorama Wind Quintet.

From emerging voices to established names, this concert is a snapshot capturing the diversity and talent within Canada’s contemporary music scene.

New Music Now (NMN) tickets are valid for NMN parts I-IV.

Artists:

• Jeff Dyrdaviolin
• Jonathan Krehmbasset horn
• Sean Riceclarinet
• Michael Dassiosclarinet
• Katherine Dowlingpiano
• SHHH!! Ensemblepiano and percussion duo
• Edana Highampiano
• Zac Pulakpercussion
• Ayorama Quintetwind quintet
• Lara Deutschflute
• Shauna Barkerclarinet
• Susan Butleroboe
• Louis-Pierre Bergeronhorn
• Ben Glossopbassoon

Lara performs on a 14k gold Haynes flute, generously loaned by Canimex Inc. of Drummondville, Québec.

Programme:

Zachary Greer
Inner Dialogue           

Helena Cheu
Atlantis           

Jocelyn Morlock (1969–2023)
Quoi???           

Robert Rival (b. 1975)
Fantasy on a Theme of Schubert           

Kevin Lau (b. 1982)
Intuitions No. 1           

Jean Françaix (1912–1997)
Quatuor pour clarinette, cor de basset, clarinette basse et piano

This concert is presented with generous support from Jonathan Krehm.

New Music Now is presented with the generous support of Ralph and Eileen Overend.

New Music Now is presented in partnership with the University of Ottawa Music Department. Chamberfest gratefully acknowledges their partnership and the generous use of their space.