Legendary Performers Usher in Chamberfest’s 20th Anniversary

This summer the Ottawa Chamber Music Society (OCMS) is celebrating their 20^th anniversary by hosting their most ambitious summer lineup yet. Chamberfest 2014 will host over 80 performances this summer running from July 24 to August 7.

With the goal of making classical music accessible to everyone, OCMS hosts top Canadian and international performers at all stages of their career. As the largest international chamber music festival, Chamberfest continues to stand out as a culturally significant event.

Listening to chamber music live is an intimate experience. As you may have well guessed chamber music is performed by a small band that can fit into a room. Historically amateur musicians would play chamber music as they developed their skills to play in larger symphonies. Today, accomplished musicians still perform chamber music, which requires a specific skill set to play to the acoustics of a smaller room as well as the ability to banter with the crowd.

Highlights of Chamberfest 2014 include James Parker, Annalee Patipatanakoon and Far Cry who will all be performing together on July 25. Far Cry, the Boston based string orchestra is known for their innovative sound and will play along side Parker on piano and Patipatanakoon on violin. These talents will collaborate to perform Dvorák’s Three Slavonic Dances; Mendelssohn’s Concerto for piano, violin, and string orchestra in D minor; and Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge.

On July 28, Verdian soprano, and opera legend Sondra Radvanovsky. will perform her favourite romantic art songs and other classical pieces from Beethoven, Verdi, Massenet, Rachmaninov, Copland, Cilea, and Duparc.

Legendary Canadian pianist Janina Fialkowska will perform on August 1. Known for her stunning lyrical sound and sterling musicianship Fialkowska has been enchanting crowds for more than 30 years. For this recital Fialkowska will perform Schubert’s Piano Sonata as well as pieces from Edvard Grieg.

All three performances will take place at the Dominion-Chalmers United Church. For a complete list of dates and ticket information visit: http://www.chamberfest.com