The sounds of chamber music are filling venues across the city during the opening weekend of Ottawa Chamberfest. The annual festival has over 60 events over 11 days, ranging from kids shows to an all-Ukrainian music concert. “What’s so special about chamber music is that it’s so intimate and there’s so much connection,” said Carissa Klopoushak, artistic director of Ottawa Chamberfest. “It’s like a conversation between all of the players and we really try to break the fourth wall so that everyone in the room is really as involved as we are. You’re going to hear things like violin superstars and singer songwriters.” The family-friendly festival has been celebrating Canadian musicians from all genres dating back to 1994. Neil Crawford and Sylvie Mougeot have been coming to Chamberfest since 2004 and are Prime Pass members, giving them exclusive access to all events. “We just enjoy all of the music. It’s just an incredible diversity of music and to be able to spend ten days, immersed in it, it’s really fun and it’s really efficient,” said Crawford. Crawford has grown up around music for many years, singing since he was nine years old. He says it’s inspiring to watch people who are at the top of their craft. “Chamberfest has a lot of really different things, things that are played that often a lot, of new music, different combinations,” said Crawford. “The Chamberfringe series at night really pushes the envelope on what chamber music is. It’s always something new and interesting.” Sunday morning’s concert took place Beechwood Cemetery, featuring violinist Yolanda Bruno and accordionist Michael Bridge. Cellist Beth Silver has been performing in the festival since 2013. She says the festival provides an opportunity for young artists develop their craft. “It’s really wonderful as a musician to be part of a festival like this,” said Silver. “It was a really important part of my development as a musician because it was probably some of my first professional gigs with a lot of mentors of mine who trusted me to give smaller concerts at first and then starting to collaborate with different people.” Silver says she’s had the opportunity to be part of bands, classical ensembles, opera singers and an avant-garde group. “I look forward to it every year that I’m invited. I look forward to going to concerts. I look forward to playing in concerts. The audience is lovely. It’s such an inclusive space. Musicians, audience members alike, I’ve always felt like there’s a community here,” said Silver. Judy Pillai, a frequent Chamberfest attendee and a former choir member says music continues to enrich her life. She has attended some events since the festival started on Thursday and will be attending more. “Some of the things you go and see, you realize that you really like that. It forces you to enjoy something that you might not have done,” said Pillai. The Ottawa Chamberfest runs until August 2.
