Called “Canada’s pre-eminent clarinetist and wind soloist” by the Toronto Star, James has been Artistic Director of the Festival of the Sound since 1985 and is a member of the Order of Canada.
Trombonist for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Juno Award nominee, Keith played with the Canadian Brass at age 21 and has since performed around the world.
An award-winning and busy touring pianist, Madeline has studied with Jane Coop, performed with composer Philip Glass and toured across Canada with soprano Sarah Kirsch.
Jim studied theoretical particle physics before switching to music composition in 1971. A button accordionist, he has since led an illustrious career in composing and performing around the globe.
Gwen is WSO’s concertmaster and a champion of new music. She has given the Canadian premieres of many new violin concertos by the likes of Eckhardt-Gramatté, Carrabré, Glass and more.
Principal cellist of the WSO since 2004, Yuri is well-known for his passionate and soulful interpretations, highly acclaimed solo appearances, and as an inspiring and dedicated teacher.
Named by the CBC as one of the 15 best Canadian pianists of all time, David performs regularly around the globe and has received international recognition for his solo recordings.
Paul plays with the WSO, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Musik Barock and Groundswell. He has also played for orchestras in Korea, Malaysia and across North America.
Aiden plays for the WSO and has performed with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, TSO, Canadian Opera Company, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, and in concerts aired on CBC Radio 2.
Born in Saskatoon, Carissa is a member of the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Ironwood Quartet and was named Artistic Director of Ottawa Chamberfest in March of 2021.
Isabelle has performed with the Canadian Opera Company, National Ballet of Canada, TSO, WSO, and Macao Orchestra. She is a member of the all-female brass ensemble, Monarch Brass.
Jammie studied at the prestigious Musical Academy for gifted children at the Seoul Arts Center before coming to Canada. He has since received numerous national and international awards.
Stéphane is well-known to audiences throughout Canada and regularly tours in the US, Europe and Asia. He has a vast repertory of music and has completed more than 25 recordings.
Jethro is the principal viola of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. He has performed solo and as a chamber musician throughout the US, China, Mexico, Europe and Canada.
Paul tours regularly in Canada and has performed in the US, Europe, and Asia. He is an Anglo-Canadian cellist with a broad and eclectic repertoire and is the founder of this festival.
Described as a "pure chamber musician" (Globe and Mail) creating "moments of pure magic" (Toronto Star), cellist Rachel Mercer has performed to audiences across five continents.
Kate is an award-winning violist with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. She is also a violinist, teacher, undergraduate student and conductor of the Manchester Youth String Orchestra.
Sam studies cello at the University of Ottawa. He has played in various orchestras and composes in many genres. One of his pieces premiered at the 2017 Murau International Music Festival in Austria.
WSO’s Assistant Principal Second Violin, Elation has collaborated with chamber musicians for performances internationally. She is Co-Founder and AD of the Rosamunde Summer Music Academy and Festival.
Nova Scotia-born Isaac has studied internationally and played with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, touring Asia and Australia. He now plays second trumpet with the WSO.
Andrea has been Agassiz’s festival host for many years, well-loved for her candid pre-concert chats with featured artists. She’s also well-known and admired for her many years as a CBC producer and host.
Dan is principal violist of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and WSO, and has performed widely as a solo artist and chamber musician, touring Canada and Europe. He performs and teaches at major Canadian festivals.
A highly accomplished Canadian violinist, Karl is a concertmaster, soloist, chamber musician, and an audience favourite in small settings or large venues. He is also passionate about violin repair and construction.
Axel is German-born, award-winning violinist who has toured as a soloist with orchestras in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. He has also guest conducted the Berlin Philharmonic and Montreal Symphony Orchestra and worked with other world-renowned artists.
Included in CBC Music’s 2017 edition of “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians under 30,” Paul Williamson is quickly establishing himself as one of Canada’s promising young pianists.
