Communities

More than most, the Orontes Guitarists understand the power that music holds to build bridges and to heal. Like the river from which they draw their name, the trio crosses boundaries and borders, influencing and being influenced in return. The group had a promising start in Beirut, appearing at venues including the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra and the French Embassy before civil war intruded. Thanks to the Artist Protection Fund (APF) which helps musicians in areas of conflict, the group has found refuge in Canada. Hailing from different cultural and religious traditions themselves, the trio is keenly aware of how music transcends the barriers between us. They bring audiences an uplifting blend of baroque, flamenco and blues-inspired classical guitar, as they explore their new land and community in this Prairie Debut tour.

The Prairie Sons, cellist David Liam Roberts, and pianist Godwin Friesen, draw inspiration from the vast Canadian West. They met at the Glenn Gould School of Music and share a deep connection to their Prairie roots. Both awarded and featured in CBC's Hot 30 Classical Musicians Under 30, their concert program reflects their expansive perspective. The Prairie Sons' energy and innovation offer a fresh perspective on their homeland, inviting you to see the everyday as a miracle in the picturesque Canadian landscape.

The Penderecki String Quartet, entering its 20th year as Quartet-in-Residence at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, is known for performances demonstrating "remarkable range of technical excellence and emotional sweep" (Globe and Mail). They have performed in New York (Carnegie Hall), Amsterdam (Concertgebouw), Los Angeles (REDCAT at Disney Hall), St. Petersburg, Paris, Prague, Berlin, Rome, Belgrade, Zagreb, Atlanta, as well as at international festivals in Poland, Italy, Venezuela, Brazil, and China. Described by Fanfare Magazine as "an ensemble of formidable power and keen musical sensitivity", the PSQ’s expansive discography includes the chamber music of Brahms and Shostakovich (Electra and Marquis labels) and their recently released Bartok cycle.