About the Festival
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The International Cello Festival of Canada returns to Winnipeg for its third edition, celebrating 25 years of Agassiz Music's commitment to bringing musicians and audiences together to share exceptional musical experiences that inspire, unite, and uplift.
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From the opening citywide celebration, to concerts with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, and the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, each day offers memorable musical experiences. The festival concludes with a spectacular closing gala featuring an eighty-member Cello Orchestra, while the Zara Nelsova National Cello Competition showcases the next generation of cello talent.​
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Festival Artists
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From Canada to Columbia, Germany to the UK - the festival brings you an extraordinary tapestry of musical voices: world-class cellists, seasoned virtuosos, emerging talents, jazz innovators, Indigenous artists, pianists, composers, conductors, and orchestral brilliance all coming together for one extraordinary celebration.
Festival Schedule and Tickets
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Early access festival passes are now available for just $200 (until August 15, 2025)—your guaranteed admission to every festival event.
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After August 15, Festival Passes will be $250. While individual tickets will be available for daytime events, evening concert tickets are limited and subject to availability.
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Concerts, artists, venues, and times are subject to change.
October
Interventions: A City-Wide Cello Intervention
At the stroke of noon, festival cellists will surprise audiences across the city with simultaneous performances in cafés, community centres, and other unexpected locations. This coordinated musical intervention transforms ordinary spaces into impromptu concert venues, bringing moments of beauty to people's everyday routines.
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Tuesday, October 28 at 12:00-12:45 PM
Various venues
28
October
Zara Nelsova National
Cello Competition: Finals
The Finals of the Zara Nelsova National Cello Competition brings together three of Canada's promising young cellists for an exciting showcase of talent. These finalists, Lexie Krakovski, Sabina Sandvoss, and David Liam Roberts, selected from across the country, will each perform a 30-minute program as they compete for the top prize in this prestigious national competition.
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Tuesday, October 28 at 1:30-3:30 PM
Desautels Concert Hall
28
October
Two Cellos, Two Worlds:
Beyond the Classics
Meet two of the most innovative cellists redefining their instrument today, Canadian virtuoso Raphael Weinroth-Browne and Austrian cellist-composer Matthias Bartolomey. Witness as these masters who seamlessly blend rock, jazz, and world music influences with classical tradition join forces to premier new works that showcase what happens when classical virtuosity meets fearless experimentation.
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Tuesday, October 28 at 4:00-5:00 PM
Desautels Concert Hall
28
October
Mega Student Cello Orchestra
The Mega Student Cello Orchestra brings together student cellists of various levels under the direction of Andrea Bell. This ensemble performance provides young musicians with the opportunity to experience playing in an orchestra setting while sharing their musical progress with the community.
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Tuesday, October 28 at 6:45-7:15 PM
Crescent Arts Centre
28
October
Opening Gala Concert: Between
Earth and Sky
The International Cello Festival of Canada opens with an extraordinary evening featuring the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra under Music Director Anne Manson. This stunning collaboration brings together six internationally acclaimed cellists—Denise Djokic, Inbal Segev, Matthias Bartolomey, Santiago Cañón-Valencia, Colin Carr, and Cameron Crozman—in a program that spans centuries of masterful cello repertoire. The cello’s rich, expressive voice takes centre stage in this powerful opening to the festival, reflecting the instrument's dual nature — rooted in the depths of the earth yet simultaneously reaching skyward.
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Tuesday, October 28 at 7:30 PM
Crescent Arts Centre
28
October
The Bach Café: Suite No. 1 & 2
Experience Bach's Solo Cello Suites in their purest form as some of the world's finest cellists bring their unique artistry to these immortal works.
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In this first instalment, Colombian virtuoso Santiago Cañón-Valencia performs Suite No. 1, followed by acclaimed Canadian cellist Denise Djokic with Suite No. 2. Each suite revealing Bach's brilliance and emotional depth, from the familiar Prelude of the First Suite to the haunting Sarabande of the second.
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Wednesday, October 29 at 9:15-10:15 AM
Desautels Concert Hall
Light café fare will be served in the foyer at 8:45 AM
29
October
Masterclass with
Santiago Cañón Valencia
Three talented emerging young cellists play for master cellist Santiago Cañón Valencia. This unique opportunity allows the audience to witness firsthand the artistry and insight of a master as he offers guidance and feedback to the next generation of cellists.
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Wednesday, October 29 at 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Eva Clare Hall
29
October
Cellists of the Future
Emerging cello stars Juliana Moroz and Jacob MacDonald perform virtuoso cello works, plus Elroy Friesen directs the UManitoba Cello Studio's presentation of Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5, with soprano Monica Huisman. A showcase of rising talent and beloved repertoire.
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Wednesday, October 29 at 12:30-1:20 PM
Eva Clare Hall
29
October
Force of Nature: The Beethoven
Cello Sonatas
Beethoven’s five monumental Cello and Piano Sonatas are performed by master cellists Bryan Cheng, Alban Gerhardt, Inbal Segev, Paul Marleyn, and Colin Carr.
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Wednesday, October 29 at 2:00-5:00 PM
Desautels Concert Hall
29
October
The Ocean in a Drop
The Cello Festival unites with ground-breaking chamber choir, Dead of Winter, for a one-of-a-kind evening. Curated by cellist Leanne Zacharias and composer Andrew Balfour, the program features medieval and contemporary works performed by the ensemble, along with cellists Inbal Segev, Denise Djokic, and Cameron Crozman. The result is an atmospheric concert that explores the rich dialogue between cello and voice across centuries of musical tradition.
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Wednesday, October 29 at 7:30 PM
Desautels Concert Hall
29
October
The Bach Café: Suite No. 3 & 4
Experience Bach's Solo Cello Suites in their purest form as some of the world's finest cellists bring their unique artistry to these immortal works.
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In this instalment, Canadian cellist Cameron Crozman performs the jubilant Suite No. 3, followed by internationally acclaimed Colin Carr with Suite No. 4. From the bright, celebratory spirit of the Third Suite to the regal and graceful elegance of the Fourth, these works showcase Bach's remarkable range from exuberant joy to refined nobility.
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Thursday, October 30 at 9:15-10:15 AM
Desautels Concert Hall
Light café fare will be served in the foyer at 8:45 AM
30
October
Masterclass with Alban Gerhardt
Three talented emerging young cellists play for master cellist Alban Gerhardt. This unique opportunity allows the audience to witness firsthand the artistry and insight of a master as he offers guidance and feedback to the next generation of cellists.
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Thursday, October 30 at 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Eva Clare Hall
30
October
A Métis Celebration
Experience a powerful fusion of musical voices, featuring Métis cellist David Liam Roberts alongside pianist Paul Williamson, fiddler Jane Cory, and Elder Norman Meade as narrator. This concert weaves together compositions by Ian Cusson, Pat Carrabré, and Karen Sunabacka with classical works by Fauré and Andy de Jarlis fiddle tunes.
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Thursday, October 30 at 1:00-2:00 PM
Venue TBD
30
October
Cello Chat: A Conversation with
A Festival Artist
Join festival host Andrea Ratuski for a glimpse behind-the-scenes with an extraordinary cello master. Hear captivating stories and experience the passion that drives world-class musicians. This rare opportunity offers music lovers unprecedented access to the minds and hearts of cello virtuosos—expect revelations, laughter, and perhaps a musical surprise or two.
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Thursday, October 30 at 6:30-7:15 PM
Desautels Concert Hall Foyer
30
October
I've Got the World on a String
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The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra and the festival join forces for an electrifying evening where classical strings meet big band swing. Hosted and directed by Richard Gillis, this dynamic collaboration features new works alongside classics like Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, showcasing the extraordinary artistry of cellists Matthias Bartolomey, Zander Howard-Scott, Sam Nadurak, and Raphael Weinroth-Browne in this rich musical fusion.
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Thursday, October 30 at 7:30 PM
Desautels Concert Hall
30
October
The Bach Café: Suite No. 5
Experience Bach's Solo Cello Suites in their purest form as some of the world's finest cellists bring their unique artistry to these immortal works.
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In the third instalment, distinguished cellist Matthias Bartolomey performs Suite No. 5 in C minor. This darkly expressive suite showcases Bach at his most emotionally intense, with its haunting melodies and dramatic contrasts creating one of the composer's most moving works.
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Friday, October 31 at 9:15-9:50 AM
Desautels Concert Hall
Light café fare will be served in the foyer at 8:45 AM
31
October
Cello Chat: A Conversation with
A Festival Artist
Join festival host Andrea Ratuski for a glimpse behind-the-scenes with an extraordinary cello master. Hear captivating stories and experience the passion that drives world-class musicians. This rare opportunity offers music lovers unprecedented access to the minds and hearts of cello virtuosos—expect revelations, laughter, and perhaps a musical surprise or two.
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Friday, October 31 at 9:50-10:15 AM
Desautels Concert Hall
31
October
Masterclass with Bryan Cheng
Three talented emerging young cellists play for master cellist Bryan Cheng. This unique opportunity allows the audience to witness firsthand the artistry and insight of a master as he offers guidance and feedback to the next generation of cellists.
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Friday, October 31 at 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Eva Clare Hall
31
October
Zara Nelsova National Cello
Competition Winner in Recital
The Zara Nelsova National Cello Competition Winner takes the stage for a solo recital, showcasing the artistry that earned them this prestigious national honor. This performance provides an opportunity to hear one of Canada's emerging talents in an intimate recital setting, with host Andrea Ratuski.
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Friday, October 31 at 12:30-1:30 PM
Eva Clare Hall
31
October
Cello Chat: A Conversation with
A Festival Artist
Join festival host Andrea Ratuski for a glimpse behind-the-scenes with an extraordinary cello master. Hear captivating stories and experience the passion that drives world-class musicians. This rare opportunity offers music lovers unprecedented access to the minds and hearts of cello virtuosos—expect revelations, laughter, and perhaps a musical surprise or two.
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Friday, October 31 at 6:45-7:15 PM
St. John's Anglican Cathedral
31
October
A Halloween Special:
Wood-Shredding Cellists
Twelve cellists and cello friends let loose for a wildly entertaining evening that leaps from Beethoven's drama to The Beatles' iconic melodies. This playful Halloween celebration brings together works by Grieg, Ravel, and Piazzolla, plus a brand-new world premiere by Karen Sunabacka with Joyce Clouston's as narrator. Get ready for classical music with energy and edge.
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Friday, October 31 at 7:30 PM
St. John's Anglican Cathedral
31
November
The Bach Café: Suite No. 6
Experience Bach's Solo Cello Suites in their purest form as some of the world's finest cellists bring their unique artistry to these immortal works.
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In this final instalment, world-renowned German cellist Alban Gerhardt performs Suite No. 6. Originally written for a five-string cello, this grand and virtuosic suite represents Bach's most ambitious and technically demanding work in the cycle, bringing our complete journey through these masterpieces to a triumphant close.
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Saturday, November 1 at 9:15-9:50 AM
Desautels Concert Hall
Light café fare will be served in the foyer at 8:45 AM
01
November
Cello Chat: A Conversation with
A Festival Artist
Join festival host Andrea Ratuski for a glimpse behind-the-scenes with an extraordinary cello master. Hear captivating stories and experience the passion that drives world-class musicians. This rare opportunity offers music lovers unprecedented access to the minds and hearts of cello virtuosos—expect revelations, laughter, and perhaps a musical surprise or two.
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Saturday, November 1 at 9:50-10:15 AM
Desautels Concert Hall
01
November
Masterclass with Colin Carr
Three talented emerging young cellists play for master cellist Colin Carr. This unique opportunity allows the audience to witness firsthand the artistry and insight of a master as he offers guidance and feedback to the next generation of cellists.
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Saturday, November 1 at 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Eva Clare Hall
01
November
No Muse Required
Discover the bold and beautiful world of 20th-century cello and piano music in this captivating afternoon concert. From Debussy's impressionistic dreamscapes to Ravel's intricate brilliance, these powerful works by visionary composers including Timo Andres, Nadia Boulanger, Jocelyn Morlock, and George Walker showcase music that breaks boundaries and speaks directly to the heart. Experience the raw creativity that emerges when inspiration strikes—no muse required.
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Saturday, November 1 at 1:30-3:00 PM
Desautels Concert Hall
01
November
Gala Finale: For Rita
The International Cello Festival of Canada culminates in a magnificent evening with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Daniel Raiskin. This spectacular co-production features three world-renowned soloists—Denise Djokic, Bryan Cheng, and Alban Gerhardt—alongside the Festival's Orchestra of Cellists. From Villa-Lobos's passionate Brazilian rhythms to Strauss's epic Don Quixote, experience an unforgettable night of musical storytelling that celebrates both the festival's artistry and honours the legacy of Agassiz President and iconic Winnipeg arts leader, Rita Menzies. This is classical music at its most powerful and moving.
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Saturday, November 1 at 7:30 PM
Centennial Concert Hall
01
2025 Festival Sponsors
