This year, our holiday concert Gala Noël also marks a milestone in Canadian musical heritage: 40 years of the Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank (MIB). Since its founding, the Bank has connected Canada’s most promising musicians with some of the world’s finest instruments – violins, cellos, and bows crafted by Stradivari, Guarneri, and Gagliano.
The Bank began with a bequest from the Barwick family and the efforts of William Turner and cellist Denis Brott. Since then, generous donations and bequests have allowed the Bank to support artists including James Ehnes, Lara St. John, Alexandre Da Costa, Martin Beaver, Judy Kang, Denise Djokic, Cameron Crozman, Roman Borys, Timmy and Nikki Chooi, as well as Ottawa’s Bryan Cheng, Ironwood Quartet (Jessica Linnebach, Emily Kruspe, Carissa Klopoushak, and Rachel Mercer).
At Gala Noël, audiences will hear these instruments brought to life by a selection of the Bank’s current laureates, where they will perform alongside celebrated alumni and esteemed guest performers from across the country. The featured Instrument Bank laureates include:
- Gregory Lewis | violin – 1768 Miller Januarius Gagliano
- Julia Mirzoev | violin – 1747 Palmason Januarius Gagliano
- Astrid Nakamura | violin – ca. 1830–1850 Eckhardt-Gramatte Joachim Georges Chanot I
- Kumiko Sakamoto | violin – 1820 Joannes Franciscus Pressenda
- Yu Kai Sun | violin – 1757 Carlo Tononi Bolognese
- Christopher Whitley | violin – 1900 Stefano Scarampella
- Leana Rutt | cello – Spanish cello attributed to Joannes Guillami of Barcelona, Spain, ca. 1769, with ca. 1830 Shaw Adam bow
- Andrea Stewart | cello – 1824 McConnell Nicolaus Gagliano II
The result is a rare and powerful collaboration, where instrument and musician meet in a moment of pure musical resonance. Every note tells a story, reflecting decades of generosity, mentorship, and artistry.
This milestone celebration is an invitation to witness a living legacy of Canadian music. Experience 40 years of the Instrument Bank at Gala Noël, and be part of a tradition that continues to inspire and connect.
Gala Noël: Holiday Kickoff!
Saturday, November 22 | 7:00 PM
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre
Recent Comments