There’s nothing like summer in the city, and there’s nothing like Ottawa’s Chamberfest either. 

The capital’s renowned classical music festival Chamberfest returns for its 30th year of offering an eclectic mix of music from the classical to the avant-garde from July 25 to Aug. 8.

This year the festival is marking its 30th anniversary as Ottawa locals and international artists alike take the stage this year. 

Although it’s labelled a chamber music festival and is associated with classical music, this year’s lineup is diverse and groundbreaking with performances to be held at many major performance venues in the city. 

There’s something for everyone, from Canadian Brass and Moskitto Bar to the Ottawa Bach Choir and the Art of Time Ensemble’s pop-jazz interpretation of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Ottawa’s great musical exports will be in town: Angela Hewitt will perform Mozart and Brahms works with the festival orchestra on Aug. 3 and the Cheng2Duo (Bryan on the cello and Silvie on piano) will play with clarinetist James Campbell on Aug. 7.

A third talented Ottawan, violin virtuoso Kerson Leong will appear Aug. 3 at noon with a mixed bag of demanding works by Bach and Ysaye, among others.

Chamberfest musical friends the Gryphon Trio are back performing on July 29 and violinist Blake Pouliot performs July 31 with well-known local pianist David Jalbert and then with a gathering of some of Ottawa’s finest chamber musicians for a performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet.

“As we reflect on what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years, we also cast our eyes towards the future — and we’re so excited for what’s to come. Celebrating the chamber music tradition, ushering in new voices, and co-creating the future of Canadian classical music – this is what Chamberfest is all about,” said Carissa Klopoushak, artistic director for Chamberfest in a media statement. 

The festival offers music fans several series to choose from including the Signature series, New Music Now, the Marins Kun series, the Beechwood series and more. 

One new location is the cozy Record Centre on Wellington Street — long a venue for local musicians to meet and perform for the public.

Double bassist Joseph Phillips will take the stage on July 26, followed by electronic piano artist Sergio Emilio Parra on July 27, jazz guitarist Justin Duhaime on Aug. 2 and violist Radia on Aug. 6. 

The Record Centre is only one of the venues that are spread outside of the traditional spots downtown with the ChamberFringe series offering a casual late-night vibe at the Gladstone Theatre, Club SAW in ArtsCourt and LA Nouvelle Scène on King Edward Avenue.

Outdoor concerts will also take place at Rideau Hall. 

But the festival is about more than just the music. Concert-goers will have the opportunity to converse with musicians at Woodside Hall. 

Community Engagement and Education (CEE) offers a variety of interactive experiences like yoga and family-friendly Bring the Kids! series. 

Chamber Pints offers something for the adults – an opportunity to casually meet with musicians over a drink at Ottawa bars. 

A range of ticket options are available from a full festival pass down to individual shows.

More Stories