All-Canadian Jazz Festival
Sep 19 - 21 / Memorial Park, Port Hope, ON
The All-Canadian Jazz Festival Port Hope highlights 13 ensembles in a weekend celebration of the country’s best jazz. Friday night’s free-admission opener features the Danny Marks All-Star Blues Revue. Emilie-Claire Barlow plays the Saturday Night headline concert. Daytime concerts include Michael Occhipinti’s Sicilian Jazz Project, Laila Biali Trio with Guido Basso, CaneFire, AlexCuba, and Nimmons ‘n’ Nine … Now. In Memorial Park, downtown Port Hope, one hour east of Toronto; park is licensed and there are food vendors on site.
905-885-1938
www.allcanadianjazz.ca
 
Ashkenaz Festival
Aug 26 - Sep 1 / Harbourfront Centre and other venues, Toronto, ON
One of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind anywhere in the world, Ashkenaz 2008 will once again feature the best of the global Yiddish/Jewish culture scene, from traditional and boundary-breaking Klezmer and Yiddish music, to diverse offerings in theatre, film, visual arts, literature, family programming, participatory dance workshops, and the Ashkenaz Parade. Headliners include: Jewish funk supergroup Abraham Inc. (featuring Fred Wesley, David Krakauer, and Socalled); Argentinian Yiddish Tango diva Zully Goldfarb; legendary mandolinist/clarinetist Andy Statman; Ukrainian brass band Konsonans Retro; Kosher Gospel with Joshua Nelson, Dave Wall, and Ken Whiteley; Sephardic music with Pharaoh’s Daughter, Mashala, and Flory Jagoda; and much more!
416-979-9901
www.ashkenazfestival.com
 
Bayfield Festival of Song
Jun 7 - 8 / Town Hall, Bayfield, ON 
The Bayfield Festival of Song, Town Hall, Bayfield, Ontario. On Saturday, June 7 at 11 am Stephen Ralls and Bruce Ubukata present a recital of music for piano duet, Schubert in the morning. On June 7 at 8 pm soprano Nathalie Paulin and mezzo Anita Kraus sing a programme of songs, duets and operatic highlights. The Bayfield Cocktail Book is Sunday, June 8 at 2:30 pm, with singers Lucia Cesaroni, Kathleen Promane, Colin Ainsworth, Benjamin Covey and pianists Stephen Ralls and Bruce Ubukata in an eclectic and effervescent programme, including Liebesleid-Lieder by Canadian composer John Greer.
416-735-7982
www.aldeburghconnection.org
 
Blue Bridge Festival
Jun 6 - 8 / Sutton - Jackson’s Point and Lake Simcoe, ON 
Chamber Music, Poetry, Songwriters, Choirs – and paddling Opera Singers! Brenda Muller, artistic director. Three concerts, 18 creative adventures featuring chamber music, poetry and song. A canoe/kayak paddle with opera singers, Children’s Corner, historic horse-drawn wagon tour, ferry ride and Strawberry Social combine with innovative concert programming to produce this remarkable event. Festival hosts: Ardeleana (Elkinson, flute; Muller, cello; Maguire, piano), vocalists Wallis Giunta and Andrea Cerswell; poets Barry Dempster, Pat Keeney, and Travis Lane. Guests include: Yellow River Ensemble, Tapestry Chamber Choir, Marie-Lynn Hammond, Magoo, Robert Owen, Chippewa Drummers. Premiers: Alice Ho (Chinese/Western Instruments), Jean Anderson (cello/piano).
289-470-1099
www.bluebridgefestival.com
 
Brott Music Festival
Jun 14 - Aug 21 / Hamilton, ON
Brott Music Festival celebrates its 21st season as Canada’s largest orchestral music festival. And features classical, jazz, recital, pops and education concerts in greater Hamilton. 2008 guest artists include James Ehnes, Sophie Milman, Lara St. John, John Fanning, and Valerie Tryon. The Orchestra-in-residence is the National Academy Orchestra, Canada’s only professional training orchestra—young music graduates are paired with professionals, both on and off-stage. 2008 performances include Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony and Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Firebird (1919). Season finale is Gustav Mahler’s magnificent Resurrection Symphony. Artistic Director is the charismatic and innovative Maestro Boris Brott. Subscription packages available.
www.brottmusic.com
905-525-SONG or 888-475-9377
 
Canadian Guitar Festival
Jul 17 - 20 / Loughborough Lake, Kingston, ON  
Set on our very own campground on Loughborough Lake, only 8 km north of Kingston, the Canadian Guitar Festival presents world class guitarists of both Canadian and international fame under our big-top tent. We celebrate our 5th season this summer on the 40th anniversary of ‘Classical Gas’ with our very special guest Mason Williams. Our evening concert schedule runs during the first three days and we conclude the festival with the 5th Annual Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition. Day, weekend or camping passes are available through www.ticketweb.ca. Swimming, children’s playground and great food available.
613-544-2267
info@canadianguitarfestival.com
www.canadianguitarfestival.com
 
City of Toronto Historic Museums
-Music in the Orchard
Jun 1, 8 & 15 / Spadina Museum, Toronto, ON 
Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens (285 Spadina Road, beside Casa Loma) hosts its annual free concert series in its verdant spring gardens. Featured artists this year are the Elspeth Poole Quintet (June 1, 1:30-2:30 pm) performing a program of Mozart and Brahms; the Taffanel Wind Trio (June 8, 1:30-2:30 pm) performing an enchanting program of classical music; and VentElation (June 15, 1:30-2:30 pm), a Toronto-based wind-octet performing works from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
 
-Strawberry Festival
Jun 24 / Spadina Museum, Toronto, ON 
Strawberry shortcake never tasted so good. Fun family activities including painting, outdoor sculpture, origami, stilt walking, cookie decorating, jam and ice-cream making, and live music from flutists Dani Campbell, Susan Williams and Faith Alspector. $3, plus refreshments, includes tour of the century-old mansion.
416-392-6910
www.toronto.ca/museums
 
Collingwood Music Festival
The New Life Brethren in Christ Church, Collingwood, ON 
Collingwood Music Festival’s ninth year includes Anton Kuerti (June 21); Toronto Mendelssohn Choir (July 5); Etsuko Kimura, violin and piano (July 10); Evergreen Club Indonesian Gamelan Ensemble (July 11); Triple Forte, violin, cello and piano (July 18); Yegor Dyachkov, cello and piano (July 19); Barra MacNeils (July 23); Nagata Shachu Japanese Drumming Ensemble (July 31); Richard Raymond, pianist (August 1); NEXUS (August 9); Arlo Guthrie (October 28); Mark DuBois (January 10, 2009). Our air-conditioned, comfortable and acoustically superior venue will make your concert experience one to remember. Tickets are available on line.
1-888-283-1712
www.collingwoodmusicfestival.com
 
Colours of Music
Sep 26 - Oct 5 / Barrie, ON 
Colours of Music—28 performances held noon, 2:30 pm and 8:00 pm most days, held in churches throughout Barrie — choirs, orchestras, quartets, pianists from across Canada and around the world. Belgium’s Arriaga String Quartet serves as this year’s Quartet-In-Residence, performing concerts with clarinetist James Campbell, Italian pianist Gabriele Baldocci and the Penderecki String Quartet. The Elmer Iseler Singers with True North Brass celebrate the music of Howard Cable. CBCs Rick Phillips narrates Prokofiev’s Peter & the Wolf with pianist Jason Cutmore and organist Daniel Sullivan. Prize-winning Primus Mens Choir and Amabile Boys Choir.
705-725-1070
www.coloursofmusic.ca
 
Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival
Aug 7 - 10 / Downtown Oakville, ON
Small Town Charm, Big Time Jazz! Celebrating its 16th year, the 2008 Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival will begin with a ticketed performance at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on Thursday, August 7. Moving into the weekend, the event will play host to a variety of talented jazz musicians, a number of whom are world renowned. Experience a touch of Bourbon Street right here in downtown Oakville with three large outdoor stages and a patio on every corner. Come and enjoy these four days of great jazz paired with incredible shopping, and fantastic summer dining!
905-844-4520
www.oakvillejazz.com
 
Elora Festival
Jul 11 - Aug 3 / Gambrel Barn and various churches, Elora, ON 
The 2008 Elora Festival is Bringing the World of Music to Elora. The 29th season begins with Handel’s Solomon, and we are thrilled to welcome Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. The Classical Series includes André Laplante, Destino, and the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge. The Jazz and Popular series hosts Ron Sexsmith, Black Umfolosi, Hot Fusion, and Taiko! The Chamber Series includes a Ralph Vaughan Williams Trilogy, and six other performances with works from Bach to Scarlatti. The Starlight Series presents the Divas of Jazz, and the Elora Festival Singers round out the season with their Choral Series.
519-846-0331 or 1-888-747-7550
www.elorafestival.com
 
Festival de Lanaudière
Jul 5 - Aug 3 / Joliette, QC 
A short drive from Montreal, the Festival de Lanaudière is one of the most highly regarded classical music festivals in North America. The Festival is mainly dedicated to classical music (large-scale symphonic and choral works, intimate chamber music, recitals) and brings together some of the greatest artists the world has to offer. The Amphitheatre is an exceptional facility which can seat 2,000 spectators in sheltered comfort, while the lawn can accommodate an additional 6,000 out under the stars. To receive the season brochure contact the Festival:
1-800-561-4343
www.lanaudiere.org
 
Festival of the Sound
Jul 18 - Aug 10 / Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, Parry Sound, ON 
The 29th annual Festival of the Sound—Canada’s premier summer chamber music event—takes place at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts in Parry Sound, on beautiful Georgian Bay. Featuring noon, afternoon and evening concerts, musical cruises and a Jazz Canada weekend. 2008 performances include the NEW Festival Chamber Orchestra, Trinity College Choir (Cambridge University), Carmina Burana, a Night of Grand Opera, the Gryphon Trio, The Virtuoso Violin, Moshe Hammer, Rian de Waal, the Elmer Iseler Singers, New Zealand String Quartet, Peter Appleyard, Phil Nimmons, and a Canada Day cruise with Shores of Newfoundland. James Campbell, artistic director.
1-866-364-0061 or 705-746-2410
www.festivalofthesound.ca
 
The Forest Festival
Aug 22 - 31 / Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, ON 
The Forest Festival - Eco-Arts in Canada’s Haliburton Highlands. The festival’s 2008 season is presented by R. Murray Schafer’s Patria Music/Theatre. Our exciting line-up of concerts, performances and artists includes: Mary Lou Fallis, Canada’s foremost musical comedienne, with Peter Tiefenbach performing Primadonna Goes Into The Woods; OnnanoKo , a high-octane all woman Taiko Drumming Ensemble, presenting Drumming to the Stars; Porkbelly Futures, a folk/roots legend-in-waiting, with award-winning author Paul Quarrington and, back by popular demand, The Forest Festival Brass featuring Stuart Laughton. All this plus woodland dance performances, forest ecology seminars with R. Murray Schafer, and a wilderness art show under the direction of Reinhard Reitzenstein. What a festival!
705-754-4167
www.theforestfestival.com
 
Grand River Baroque Festival       
Jun 13 - 15 / Ayr and Cambridge, ON 
The Grand River flows 300 kilometres through southwestern Ontario, and lends its name to a region near the city of Kitchener, where an annual Baroque music festival has taken place since 2002. Each summer, a series of concerts brings the rich heritage and diversity of the Baroque repertoire to audiences from Ontario and beyond. The performances began in the spectacular Buehlow Barn in Ayr, and have since expanded to include venues in downtown Cambridge. In 2006, Kevin Mallon was appointed artistic director of the Festival, and the Aradia Ensemble became Orchestra in Residence.
519-404-5757
www.grbf.ca
 
Harbourfront Centre Festivals
-Summer Music in the Garden
Jun 29 - Sep 14 / Toronto Music Garden, Toronto, ON
Free concerts and dance performances with three world premieres at the Toronto Music Garden, Thursday evenings at 7 pm and most Sundays at 4 pm. The popular Summer Music in the Garden series at the Toronto Music Garden returns with a new season of free classical music and dance all summer long! Highlights include a new dance work by Hari Krishnan (Five Gods, Two Kings and the Frog Princess, performed by inDANCE on Aug. 17) and a new work by dancer-choreographer Keiko Kitano and musician-composer Aki Takahashi (Yanagi: Spirit of the Willow Tree on Sept. 11). Performers making their debut at the Toronto Music Garden include: SamulNori Canada (Korean drumming), July 6; soprano Meredith Hall and guitarist Bernard Farley (July 13); The Queen’s (Quay) Trumpeters (July 3); baroque cornettist Kiri Tollaksen and dulcian player Dominic Teresi with Folia (July 27); the Rosetta String Trio (violinist Abigail Karr, violist Sarah Darling and cellist Kate Bennett Haynes, September 14); and pipa player Wen Zhao (August 24). Returning Toronto Music Garden favourites include the Cecilia, Windermere and Kirby String Quartets, cellist Winona Zelenka, taiko drummers Nagata Shachu (formerly known as the Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble) and sarangi virtuosa Aruna Narayan. Admission is free.
 
-World Routes 2008
Jun - Sep / Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON 
WORLD ROUTES 2008: Free access to world-classical concerts. Classical music aficionados rejoice! This year Harbourfront Centre features top Canadian and International artists in a series of free classical music concerts at WORLD ROUTES 2008 (June to September).
   Highlights include performances by The Gryphon Trio and excerpts from the Canadian operas Filumena and Frobisher, during A Rocky Mountain High: The Banff Centre (June 27 to 29); a Canada Day performance by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (July 1); Classical Persian artists from Iran at Tirgan: Iranian Festival, July 17-20; and virtuoso performances throughout South Asia Calling, August 8-10. What Is Classical? (July 25 to July 27) is a new festival offering three days of innovative concerts that will have audiences questioning the boundaries of classical music.
 
-What Is Classical?
Jul 25 – 27 / Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON 
Question definitions of classical music this summer at Harbourfront Centre. Have you ever wondered What Is Classical? Harbourfront Centre answers with various music and dance forms featured at our new World Routes festival, July 25 until July 27. Explore Classical and Operatic music from South Asia, China, Africa and beyond in an atmosphere designed to make the genre more accessible to audiences of all ages.
    Musical highlights include New York City’s East Village Opera Company, who blend pop-rock and opera, and transport classical music into the 21st century. U.S-based Either/Orchestra combine the agility and freedom of a jazz combo and the deep grooves of Ethiopian traditions. Toronto’s own Queen of Puddings Music Theatre provide a forward-thinking approach to classical opera with an original work. Other Opera themed performances include Beijing opera Master Sun Yuan Chen and an opera for families by Cotton Robes Theatre.
416-973-4000
www.harbourfrontcentre.com
 
Highlands Opera Studio
Aug / Haliburton, ON 
Highlands Opera Studio embarks on its second season with Artistic Directors Richard Margison and Valerie Kuinka. Opera singers spend three intensive weeks honing various aspects of their craft under the tutelage of some of Canada’s top opera professionals and then perform in an Opera Excerpts Concert (August 15) and three evenings featuring two one-act comedic operas. (August 25, 27 and 29). Master classes are also scheduled for August 7, 8 and 9 in Minden. All other performances take place at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion in Haliburton.
705-457-9933
www.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca
 
Highlands Summer Festival
Jul 7 - Aug 5 / Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion, Haliburton, ON 
The Highlands Summer Festival features two concerts: Double Trouble (July 7, 22 and August 4): pianist Melissa Stephens attempts to mediate a musical debate between two genres, Opera and Broadway. Everyone wins, especially the audience, as the musicians discover they have much more in common than they thought. Under the Influence (July 11, 21 and August 5) brings together flautist Tom Regina, pianist and singer Lauren McInnes and harpist Dawna Coleman for a delightful evening of music that will leave you spellbound. At the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion in Haliburton.
705-457-9933
www.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca
 
Huntsville Festival of the Arts
Jul 3 - Aug 28 / Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville, ON 
The Huntsville Festival is a year-round celebration of the performing arts with a major emphasis in the summer months of July and August. The 2008 Festival features national and international artists including Jim Cuddy, Jesse Cook, John McDermott, Michelle Wright, pop icon Hawksley Workman and humanitarian Stephen Lewis, among others. A Jazz Festival is held from July 30 to August 3. During July there are additional free events throughout the community. Tickets range from $20 to $45 with youth pricing. Tickets available online or through the theatre box office. Performances take place at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville.
www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca
705-789-4975
 
Indian River Festival
Jul 4 - Aug 24 / St. Mary’s Church, Indian River, PE
In the summer of 2007, the Globe and Mail recognized the Indian River Festival for having the “best collection of musicians of any small festival in the country.” Under the guidance of artistic director Robert Kortgaard, this 2008 season is no different with an array of superb artists from contrasting musical genres. Such artists include soprano Mary Lou Fallis; a cappella ensemble Cantabile - The London Quartet; singer and song writer Dawn Langstroth; and renowned classical violinist Susanne Hou. Held in the historic St. Mary’s Church, come experience this musical treasure in the heart of rural Prince Edward Island.
1-866-856-3733 or 902-836-3733
www.indianriverfestival.com
 
Kincardine Summer Music Festival
Aug 3 - 16 / Kincardine, ON 
The renowned Kincardine Summer Music Festival Concert Series runs August 2 to 16.
   Jazz concerts feature the great Carol Welsman, Heather Bambrick, Alex Dean, and more!
   Blues concerts spotlight Rick Fines, guitar; Suzie Vinnick, vocals; and Carlos Del Junco, harmonica. Classical concerts star NEXUS; Peter Allen, piano; Foothills Brass Quintet and the Montreal String Quartet, plus the KSMF Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, conducted by Matthew Jones and Nigel Evans. August 2: special concert by Caledon, Scotland’s Three Tenors. In addition, the Kincardine Summer Music Festival offers 22 music education programs over the two-week festival, for all ages and abilities.
519-396-9716
www.ksmf.ca
 
Live From the Rock Folk Festival ’08: Folk Rendezvous
Aug 8 - 10 / Red Rock, ON (NE of Thunder Bay)
The north shore of Lake Superior is the place to be the second weekend in August, for the 6th annual “Live From the Rock” Folk Festival. Red Rock, Ontario is 100K east of Thunder Bay, nestled along the lakeshore about 10 minutes off the TransCanada highway. The 50th anniversary reunion for the Nipigon Red Rock District High School is planned for the three days preceding the festival. The on-site festival campground opens at noon on Thursday August 7; music begins on three stages at 11 am on Friday morning and doesn’t stop till the sun goes down on Sunday August 10. You can travel to the festival by boat and dock at the Red Rock marina, or come by land.
   With food booths; artisans; the Music and More tent; a family stage; and four music stages—the only thing lacking will be the time to take everything in. At the Live From the Rock Folk Festival you’ll find singer-songwriters, world music, folk, alt country, blues, celtic, bluegrass and more.
   The entire lineup with links to the artists’ sites can be found at www.livefromtherock.com, or visit the Live From the Rock page on myspace. Participate in a songwriter’s workshop, sign up to play on the open stage, jam around the campfire or just soak up the sun and the music at the 6th annual Live From the Rock Folk Festival in Red Rock, Ontario.
www.livefromtherock.com
 
Markham Village Music Festival
Jun 20 - 21 / Markham Village, ON  
From rock & roll to classical, country to world, jazz to Bollywood; you’ll find a sound to please your ears at the 30th annual Markham Village Music Festival. Friday, we have three powerhouse bands gracing our top three stages: Project Phoenix, Brian Rose and the Little Big Band and Too Drunk Too Fish! Over 50 acts, 200+ entertainers. You’ll also find great crafts and art produced by local and international artists and artisans, from paintings and sculptures to flower pots and jewellery, there are many new artistic delights for your enjoyment. And then there’s the food. Seventeen restaurants and a dozen street vendors, more than enough variety for most palates.
905-472-2022 
www.markham-festival.org
 
Mill Race Festival of
Traditional Folk Music
Aug 1 - 3 / Old Galt downtown, Cambridge, ON 
The 16th annual Mill Race Festival of Traditional Folk Music is a free event taking place on four stages in the old Galt downtown area of Cambridge, Ontario over the Civic Holiday weekend, August 1, 2 & 3. Traditional forms of folk music and dance are presented by many professional local and international performers and groups. A children’s stage and activity area, craft vendors and events for folk musicians and singers from the public to participate are also part of the festival. All audience areas provide seating and some are shaded by tents. The festival will go on rain or shine.
519-621-7135
www.millracefolksociety.com
 
Montreal Baroque Festival
Jun 20 - 23 / Old Montreal, QC 
Sirop Soie Safran/ Syrup Silk Saffron! From the enchanting East to the worldly West, early music from around the world will come alive in the gardens, streets, tours, chapels, warehouses and circuses of Old Montreal! Discover Baroque music and star-studded performers from China, India, Haiti, Italy, Germany, France, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Add a 19th century Klezmer band with their dance-mistress and Dan Taylor singing Bach and it’s a rendez-vous not to be missed!
1-514-845-7171
1-866-845-7171
www.montrealbaroque.com
 
Muhtadi International Drumming Festival       
Jun 7 - 8 / Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON 
The 9th Annual Muhtadi International Drumming Festival is a two-day event that celebrates the drum as a global symbol of cultural unity. This free percussion-based event is the largest of its kind in Canada, offering over 30 live performances that represent more than a dozen different world cultures, as well as drumming workshops for all tastes and experience levels. This year, the sounds of a Caribbean carnival will come to Toronto, with the melodic steel pan at the heart of the festival’s program. Afro-Pan, Pan Fantasy, Hameed Shaqq the Pan Piper, Silhouettes Steel Orchestra, and Toronto All-Stars are some of the featured acts.
416-504-DRUM (3786)
www.muhtadidrumfest.com
 
Music at Port Milford
Jul 19 - Aug 16 / Prince Edward County, ON 
Music at Port Milford summer festival and music school, established in 1986, in historic Prince Edward County, presents weekly performances by students and faculty artists. This year’s faculty will include the Tokai Quartet and Windermere Quartet in addition to Marie Berard, Kathy Rapoport, Paul Widner, and conductors, Michael Newnham and George Garrett Keast. MPM offers four weeks of intensive chamber music study for serious string students, ages 13–18. Students, admitted competitively, work together with artist faculty mentors to produce weekly performances of chamber, orchestral and choral works.
914-439-5039
www.mpmcamp.org
 
Music at Sharon
Jun 1, 8, 15, & 22 / Sharon Temple, Sharon, ON 
Stroll the idyllic grounds of the historic Sharon Temple, then enjoy great music—in a place quite close to Toronto, that feels far away! Music at Sharon returns for the second consecutive summer, presenting four concerts on Sunday afternoons in June. Highlights include soprano Suzie LeBlanc singing Songs of Earth and Heaven; a Messiaen centenary tribute; and the brilliant Vancouver pianist Sara Davis Buechner, in recital. The series concludes with the True North Brass in a program that showcases the unique architectural qualities of the Sharon Temple. Concertgoers that final day will enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and refreshments.
416-597-7840
www.sharontemple.ca
 
Niagara International Chamber Music Festival
Jul 21 - Aug 16 / Niagara region, ON 
Niagara International Chamber Music Festival (Music Niagara), in its tenth anniversary season, is the only festival of its kind and scope in the Niagara Peninsula, with more than forty concerts in venues that reflect the uniqueness of the Niagara region—world class wineries, historic churches and unrivalled landscapes. From string quartets to great pianists, from tango to jazz; wine, music and song—this festival is unmatched in Ontario.
Tickets: $15 to $50, plus dining options.
1-800-511-SHAW (7429)
1-877-MUS-FEST (687-3378)
www.niagaramusicfest.com
 
Organ Festival on the Grand
July 13 - 16 / Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph, ON 
Come and celebrate imagination—a dazzling showcase of musical artistry, excitement, enrichment and diversity inspired by the pipe organ. This adventurous four-day program is packed with a wide range of entertainments, concerts, workshops, and even worship opportunities designed to shed the stuffy, mysterious, and humourless image of the wind-powered giants that live in our churches—they can also dance and play in myriad colours and moods. Featured performers include: David Briggs, Nota Bene Orchestra, DaCapo Chamber Choir, Jan Overduin, Willem Moolenbeek, Jonathan Oldengarm, Ryan Enright, Kirkland Adsett.
519-748-8355
www.festivalotg.ca
 
Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival
Jul 25 - Aug 9 / Ottawa, ON 
From July 25 to August 9, the Ottawa Chamber Music Society presents the 15th anniversary edition of the International Chamber Music Festival. Chamberfest ’08 will feature over 110 concerts and over 250 internationally acclaimed musicians. The 15th anniversary of Chamberfest is cause for extra celebration, and festival-goers will enjoy a fantastic summer of innovative and exciting programming. This year’s headliners include Isabel Bayrakdarian, Keller Quartet, Gryphon Trio, Shanghai Quartet, the St. Lawrence String Quartet, Quartetto Gelato, and Louis Lortie. Passes are $95 CAD (adult) and $45 CAD (student) and permit listeners to attend most of the concerts.
613-234-8008
www.chamberfest.com
 
Prince Edward County Jazz Festival
Aug 14 - 17 / Regent Theatre and other venues, Prince Edward County, ON 
The Prince Edward County Jazz Festival is a fabulous four days of pure, mainstream jazz featuring many of Canada’s premier musicians. This year Jim Galloway’s Wee Big Band, the Sealy/Novotny and Murley/Occhipinti duos, the Robi Botos Trio, paying tribute to the great Oscar Peterson, and the remarkable Jackie Richardson, will be playing the historic Regent Theatre in Picton. In addition to the headline shows numerous satellite venues around the County will be showcasing some wonderful performers, such as the Canadian Jazz Quartet, the John Sherwood Trio, the Russ Little Quintet and many others.
613-476-8416 ext. 28
info@pecjazz.org
www.pecjazz.org
 
Prince Edward County Music Festival
Sep 18 - 20 / Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Picton, ON
EC Music Festival welcomes composer-in-residence Alexina Louie, one of Canada’s most often performed composers, recipient of many awards and honours that includes Composer of the Year and a Juno award for Best Classical Composition. Featured artists are Stéphane Lemelin, artistic director and pianist; André Moisan, clarinettist; Tanya Prochazka, cellist; the Penderecki String Quartet, an internationally celebrated chamber ensemble; Jeremy Bell, violin; Simon Fryer, cello; Jerzy Kaplanek, violin; and Christine Vlajk, viola; and the Canadian Guitar Quartet. Philip Candelaria, Denis Donegani, Patrick Roux and Louis Trépanier form this exciting quartet. Family Daytime Concerts: Canadian Guitar Quartet presents a delightful selection of music at Books & Company.
613-393-3798
info@pecmusicfestival.com
www.pecmusicfestival.com
 
Stratford Summer Music
Jul 21 - Aug 17 / Stratford, ON 
Start with four weeks of great music. Add jazz each Friday and Saturday night and the return of Measha Brueggergosman, as well as Bill Richardson & Friends. Free noon-hour concerts at the CTV MusicBarge and four weeks of after-theatre cabarets at The Church Restaurant. Throughout the festival at City Hall is Forty-Part Motet, the sublime music/art installation blending 16th century choral music with 21st century technology. Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath delivers events for young people (of all ages). Three concerts by the organists and choristers of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh; L’Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne; and an Opera Gala. Yes, music does make it worth a visit to Stratford!
1-800-567-1600
www.stratfordsummermusic.ca
 
SweetWater Music Weekend
Sep 19 - 21 / Meaford and Owen Sound, ON 
This magical classical chamber music event occurs on September 19, 20 and 21 in Meaford (at the historic Leith Church) and Owen Sound (at the Division Street United Church). The inventive Mark Fewer has invited the legendary James Campbell and new sensation Michi Wiancko—with other celebrity guests not to be ruled out! This year a stellar group of regulars returns: Virginia Barron, Melanie Conly, Jonathan Crow, Denise Djokic, Peter Longworth, Douglas McNabney, Thomas Wiebe and Rosanne Wieringa. The three programs will be eclectic, daring, and notable for their intoxicating blend of traditional and modern works thematically presented. Walter Buczynski’s tribute to Earl Moss will round out the show.
519-371-2833
www.swmw.ca
 
TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival
Jun 20 - Jul 1 / Confederation Park, Ottawa, ON 
Jazz is for everyone and spans across many genres such as blues, swing, gospel, funk and urban groove! The TD Canada Trust Ottawa International Jazz Festival is the National Capital Region’s premier music event. Entering its 28th year of consecutive programming, this year’s star studded festival features Gladys Knight, Herbie Hancock - The River of Possibilities Tour, and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis to name only a few. As the only outdoor music festival with a grand presence in the city’s downtown core, festivities this year will run from June 20 - July 1.
613-241- 2633
www.ottawajazzfestival.com
 
TD Canada Trust Sunfest ‘08
Jul 3 - 6 / Victoria Park, London, ON 
Celebrate the arrival of summer in style with Canada’s premier free-admission festival of the global arts. TD Canada Trust Sunfest ’08 will feature more than 30 top professional world music and dance and jazz ensembles, including international headliners Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (Nigeria), Grupo Fantasma (USA), Rizwan-Muzzam Qawwali (Pakistan), Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Dobet Gnahore (Ivory Coast), Desandann (Cuba), Fallou Dieng (Senegal), Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto (Colombia), Marimba Nacional de Concierto (Guatemala), Etelvina Maldonado (Colombia), and Mayra Andrande (Cape Verde). Debuting this year is the sizzling component Sunfest Fiesta: A Showcase of Latin American Music & Dance.
519-672-1522
www.sunfest.on.ca
 
TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival
Jun 20 - 29 / Toronto, ON 
Voted Canada’s Best Jazz Festival for the last two years, more than 1,500 musicians will entertain as the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival gets underway this summer. From bop to swing, cool to fusion and all musical points in between, Toronto will play host to a musical celebration like no other. Soak up the cool sounds of jazz as more than 350 concerts across 40 locations take over the city! Featured performers include Al Green, Michel Legrand, Dave Brubeck, Oliver Jones, Maceo Parker, Marcus Miller, Nikki Yanofsky, Ahmad Jamal, Blind Boys of Alabama, John Schofield, and many, many more.
416-928-2033
www.torontojazz.com
 
Toronto Summer Music Festival
Jul 22 - Aug 17 / Toronto, ON 
Toronto Summer Music presents its 3rd annual Festival of chamber music and opera from July 22 to August 17. This year the festival features three new concert series highlighting chamber music, international artists, and a series presenting music together with dance and visual art. Order your tickets now!
416-597-7840
www.torontosummermusic.com
 
Westben - Concerts at the Barn
Jun 28 - Aug 3 / Campbellford, ON   
Westben - Concerts at The Barn presents its 9th season. Symphony and Operetta features the UBC Opera Ensemble performing Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. Spectacular Saturday Nights features Schubertiad, commemorating the musical genius of Franz Schubert; and renowned tenor Michael Burgess. Classical 96.3FM’s Alexa Petrenko hosts a Saturday Night at the Opera featuring four acclaimed Canadian opera singers. Tuesday Evenings concert series welcomes Quebec guitarist Patrick Kearney; Les Voix humaines, “trapeze artists” of the viola da gamba; Louis Lortie; and an evening of classical piano with Westben’s Brian Finley. Broadway in the Barn presents Lerner & Loewe on Love and Jazz Out of This World features Music of the Mediterranean.
1-705-653-5508 or 1-877-883-5777
www.westben.on.ca