Events

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe described chamber music (specifically, string quartet music) as "four rational people conversing". This conversational pattern–which refers to the way one instrument introduces a melody or motif and then other instruments subsequently "respond" with a similar motif–has been a thread woven through the history of chamber music composition from the end of the 18th century to the present. 

Come join us and hear accomplished UW student musicians play beautiful chamber music.  Free admission, followed by a reception.

Registration and audition slots are now open for 7 different ensembles:

In 1817, the 20 year old Franz Schubert wrote a song for voice and piano about a fish. Two years later, he created a set of variations from this delightful theme which became the 4th movement of his immortal quintet nicknamed “The Trout”.

Our performers are
Bruce Skelton, violin
David Wadley, viola
Ben Bolt-Martin, cello
George Greer, double bass
Joanne Bender, piano

Every two years, orchestra@uwaterloo holds a Concerto and Aria Competition that is open to University of Waterloo students and recent graduates, and is judged by a panel of professional musicians. Winners perform as soloists with the orchestra in a public concert.  On Saturday, January 27th the actual competition takes place.  The evening competition is open to the public.  Three to four finalists will perform in front of a jury to win the honour of playing a solo with the orchestra@uwaterloo.  Contestants include pianists, strings, and woodwind performers, as well as voice students.

Ben Bolt-Martin, a renowned local cello player and our Instrumental Chamber Ensemble director, will perform mostly original music for solo cello with looper.

The Cardinal Consort of Viols will be performing 'Heart's Ease', a programme full of some of their favourite pieces. The programme will feature some of the most beautiful music ever written including works by Jenkins, Byrd and Farina.

Sheila Smyth, treble viol
Linda Deshman, tenor viol
Sara Blake, bass viol
Valerie Sylvester, bass viol

Five different Chamber Ensembles,
sixteen talented students,
five diverse instruments.

Result: A lovely way to spend a winter evening at the end of term!

Free admission, reception to follow.

A seminar and singers' workshop for choirs, conductors, and fans of choral music led by celebrated Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. Hear Ēriks speak about his life and process as a composer, then actively participate with the host choirs as Ēriks leads attendees through singing 1-2 of his works. Fee includes scores*.

This workshop is presented in partnership with conductor Mark Vuorinen, Conrad Grebel University Choirs, and the Grand Philharmonic Choir. 

The featured composition for this noon hour concert is a 25-minute piece titled Mama’s Painting: Louis Riel’s Dream by Dr Karen Sunabacka. The piece is inspired by an unfinished collection of paintings by her Métis grandmother Lenore Clouston titled “Louis Riel’s Dream.” The five paintings were to highlight the history of Western Canada through the stories of the indigenous peoples, illustrating the clashes of cultures and politics in Canada and pointing to a future where people of all races could live in harmony.

EVA is a trio featuring cellist Vesa Norilo, kantele player, Anna-Karin Korhonen and soprano Essi Wuorela (Rajaton), all hailing from Helsinki, Finland. Their repertoire consists of traditional Finnish folk music as well as original music composed by members of EVA. Each member of the group brings a wealth of musical experience, having studied a wide range of styles from classical to jazz and folk.