“Four rational people conversing,” was how the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe described chamber music. The intimate musical conversations that began 200 years ago are still spoken throughout the world, albeit with a varied number of musicians doing the talking and a few more people listening in.
Chamber music still draws crowds and delights music enthusiasts around the world and Canadian devotees are no exception, showing keen appreciation for the genre.
The Ottawa Chamber Music Festival has grown to become the world’s largest of its kind and each year draws people from around the world. From its humble inception in 1994 with 22 concerts in two churches, the festival now boasts a schedule of 90 concerts held in diverse indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city.
Of course, one of the key attractions of the festival remains the acoustically perfect heritage churches that have long been among the standout venues.
The grandiose churches add their own magical dimension to the high-calibre music and have done their share to cement the reputation of the festival as a cultural destination point for chamber music fans.
Highlights of this year’s festival, which runs from July 24 to August 7, include anniversary celebrations of the great composers, hot Canadian talent, and virtuoso musicians from across the globe.
Operatic legend Frederica von Stade, a mezzo-soprano, gets the opening night honours, performing works that span the diva’s three-decade career.
Important anniversaries of past masters will feature prominently in the festival with performances of works by Schumann, Dohnányi, and Chopin, whose 200th birthday was celebrated throughout the classical music community this past year.
Chamber music still draws crowds and delights music enthusiasts around the world and Canadian devotees are no exception, showing keen appreciation for the genre.
The Ottawa Chamber Music Festival has grown to become the world’s largest of its kind and each year draws people from around the world. From its humble inception in 1994 with 22 concerts in two churches, the festival now boasts a schedule of 90 concerts held in diverse indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city.
Of course, one of the key attractions of the festival remains the acoustically perfect heritage churches that have long been among the standout venues.
The grandiose churches add their own magical dimension to the high-calibre music and have done their share to cement the reputation of the festival as a cultural destination point for chamber music fans.
Highlights of this year’s festival, which runs from July 24 to August 7, include anniversary celebrations of the great composers, hot Canadian talent, and virtuoso musicians from across the globe.
Operatic legend Frederica von Stade, a mezzo-soprano, gets the opening night honours, performing works that span the diva’s three-decade career.
Important anniversaries of past masters will feature prominently in the festival with performances of works by Schumann, Dohnányi, and Chopin, whose 200th birthday was celebrated throughout the classical music community this past year.
Piano virtuoso Alexander Tselyakov will perform the complete Études of Chopin. Described by CBC Canada as “the best kept secret in the piano world,” Tselyakov is a festival favourite.
Canadian music will be in the foreground this year. Penderecki String Quartet will perform new music by Marjan Mozetich and Canadian composer Christos Hatzis will present his multi-media spectacle, “Constantinople.” This production incorporates a projected visual backdrop that will accompany performances by The Gryphon Trio, Maryem Hassan Tollar, and Patricia O’Callaghan. The stunning production has played to sold-out audiences in Canada, the U.S., and London, U.K., since it premiered at the Banff Summer Arts Festival in 2004.
Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear will ambitiously take on the mammoth task of playing all 32 of the Beethoven piano sonatas, considered some of the composer’s greatest work. Tokyo String Quartet will close the festival with the works of Schubert, Bartók, and Debussy.
The festival also gives audiences and enthusiasts a chance to meet the performers, maintaining the intimate traditions of chamber music.
Free concerts at Rideau Hall, Canal Music 2010, and the Musical Bicycle Parade ensure that the event remains a family affair, and the Young Peoples Concerts make certain children of all ages will have their chance to explore what classical music is all about.
Passes and single tickets for the 2010 Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival are on sale now and patrons are reminded that pass and ticket purchases made before April 30 save the HST. For tickets and information please visit www.chamberfest.com or call 613 234 6306.
Canadian music will be in the foreground this year. Penderecki String Quartet will perform new music by Marjan Mozetich and Canadian composer Christos Hatzis will present his multi-media spectacle, “Constantinople.” This production incorporates a projected visual backdrop that will accompany performances by The Gryphon Trio, Maryem Hassan Tollar, and Patricia O’Callaghan. The stunning production has played to sold-out audiences in Canada, the U.S., and London, U.K., since it premiered at the Banff Summer Arts Festival in 2004.
Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear will ambitiously take on the mammoth task of playing all 32 of the Beethoven piano sonatas, considered some of the composer’s greatest work. Tokyo String Quartet will close the festival with the works of Schubert, Bartók, and Debussy.
The festival also gives audiences and enthusiasts a chance to meet the performers, maintaining the intimate traditions of chamber music.
Free concerts at Rideau Hall, Canal Music 2010, and the Musical Bicycle Parade ensure that the event remains a family affair, and the Young Peoples Concerts make certain children of all ages will have their chance to explore what classical music is all about.
Passes and single tickets for the 2010 Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival are on sale now and patrons are reminded that pass and ticket purchases made before April 30 save the HST. For tickets and information please visit www.chamberfest.com or call 613 234 6306.
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