Fri Jul 28 21:30
Dark Butterflies: Braid, O’Callaghan, and Gryphon Trio
Love, rage, heartbreak, and joy come alive in this song cycle that pulls inspiration from ancient folk melodies of Sweden, Turkey, Ireland, Asia and more. Composed by pianist David Braid for soprano Patricia O’Callaghan (who penned the text for this incredible work), Dark Butterflies will be performed in a new arrangement for soprano and piano trio with the Gryphon Trio.
Hailed in the Canadian press as “one of his country’s true renaissance men” (The Ottawa Citizen), composer and jazz pianist David Braid is a prize-winner, amassing Juno nominations and awards, two Screen Awards, and the Ontario Foundation for the Arts’ prestigious prize: ’Paul de Hueck and Norman Walford Career Achievement Award for Keyboard Artistry’. Performed around the world, his original music is described as “brilliant” (Montreal Gazette), “enchanting” (The Age, Australia), “une force poétique” (Le Soleil) and “hauntingly beautiful.” (The Globe & Mail)
Toronto Soprano Patricia O’Callaghan is something of a wandering minstrel, travelling across genres, continents, and a range of disciplines and passions. O’Callaghan’s ability to blend languages and musical genres together seamlessly while embodying whatever style she is performing in allows her to “…sing her diverse material as if it was always meant to go side-by-side..” (Chart Attack) Don’t miss the magic as Dark Butterflies brings together some of Canada’s favourite musicians for the reduction of an original orchestral song cycle that promises to be epic in scope and personal in delivery.
- Patricia O’Callaghansoprano
- David Braidpiano
- Gryphon Triopiano trio
More Concerts
Festival 2023
Experience five spectacular programs on our Signature Series, featuring large-scale collaborations between world-renowned musicians at Ottawa’s Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. The 2024 Signature Series is generously sponsored by Bytek Volkswagen & Carling Volvo.
Concerts immersed in Beechwood’s history and beauty, from its beloved sanctuary to the expansive grounds, complemented by the serene hours of the early morning.
These performances are outdoors. You will need to bring your own seating and weather protection if desired.
Sunrise Concerts are made possible with the generous support of Beechwood Cemetery.
Piano Portfolio is a new series from Ottawa Chamberfest that allows us to explore the depth and scope of piano music within the context of Ottawa Chamberfest’s Festival and Concert Series programming.
Chamberfest’s Piano Portfolio series is presented with the generous support of Marg Campbell.
Early Music Now is a new series from Ottawa Chamberfest that allows us to explore the depth and scope of early music within the context of Ottawa Chamberfest’s Festival and Concert Series programming.
Chamberfest’s Early Music Now series is presented with the generous support of Nicole Presentey.
The New Music Now series is a celebration of the breadth and vitality of today’s new classical culture. Explore the sonic range of today’s most creative musical minds at Chamberfest’s annual miniseries. Join us on Monday, August 5 for multiple events in a variety of spaces within Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, all accessible with the New Music Now: All-NMN Event Pass.
Buy all-NMN Event Pass
This series celebrates Canada’s world-class standard in chamber performance, featuring string and piano ensembles, choirs, baroque music, singers, dancers, and a bit of jazz. This series also hosts Chamberfest’s 30ᵗʰ Anniversary Celebration on closing night! Taking place at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, these concerts are generously supported by Marina Kun (of Ottawa-based and internationally loved Kun Shoulder Rests).
Our late-night Chamberfringe concerts cross genres and art forms, pushing the boundaries of chamber music with daring and electric performances. Offering everything from lively Arabic jazz to Middle Eastern-Metal fusion, Indigenous beats, and ambient chamber-electronica to Yiddish folk song, or a full-on Ukrainian-Celtic-Arab mashup, there’s always something fresh to check out!
Our Chamberfringe shows take place at La Nouvelle Scène, Club SAW, and The Gladstone Theatre, providing a more casual setting where audiences can enjoy beverages and immerse themselves in the buzzing late-night atmosphere.
Our Chamber Chats: Festival Edition features interactive interviews with festival musicians in person at Woodside hall.
Fourteen-day Chamberfest 2021 passholders can exclusively enjoy musical experiences – from full-length concerts to bite-sized adventures – featuring Chamberfriends in Berlin, Paris, New York City, and North Macedonia. Including Hinrich Alpers, Quatuor Danel, Rob Kapilow, Lara St. John, and Simon Trpčeski.
The Live From… series is digital-only content, part of your Festival Livestream Pass and available in the Livestream Library until August 6. Single ticket access to Hinrich Alpers Live from Hanover and Quatuor Danel Live from Antwerp will be available in July, with the generous support of the Embassy of Germany and the Embassy of France. All digital content from Simon Trpčeski, Rob Kapilow, and Lara St. John is exclusive for Festival Livestream Passholders.
Held within Ottawa’s historic and beautiful Beechwood Cemetery, the Beechwood Series features performances that lend themselves to reflection and contemplation, both in its beloved Sacred Space and on the expansive grounds. The Beechwood Series is made possible with the generous support of Beechwood Cemetery
Celebrate the piano at the home of our longtime partners, Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa.
The Steinway Series is made possible with the generous support of the Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa.
Chamberfest’s visiting artists give fun, family-friendly, and interactive performances that teach young people about music-making in small ensembles. Kids can experience and explore the storied world of chamber music at our summer music festival. Free admission. These performances usually take place at Ottawa City Hall or the National Arts Centre (Glass Thorstenson Staircase) and are intended for kids (and guardians!) of all ages.
Get out into the open air with various festival performers for al fresco concerts in downtown Ottawa.
These performances are outdoors. Seating will be limited, and you may need to bring your own weather protection if desired.
Please note that due to heat warnings this weekend, these concerts will take place inside Rideau Hall in the Tent Room.
Eclectic programming resonates against a backdrop of vinyl, vintage speakers, and reel-to-reel at legendary music destination and beloved Wellington staple, The Record Centre. Here, artists are at play: exploring and expanding their creativity in this casual space.
Seating will not be available.
This summer, our festival offers a rich selection of online content broadcast live from Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre in Ottawa.
Chamberfest’s Community Engagement and Education pillar (CEE) engages community members of all ages through a diverse range of meaningful music experiences. Whether on stage, online, or on the streets, CEE changes lives through music.
