Schmaltz & Pepper is a uniquely virtuosic and entertaining chamber ensemble performing original music inspired by Klezmer, Yiddish Swing, Jazz and Classical music. This groundbreaking ensemble features the extraordinary talents of Eric Abramovitz, the principal clarinetist of the Toronto Symphony and the Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and arranger, Drew Jurecka, virtuosic violinist/vocalist/composer, Rebekah Wolkstein, founder/leader of the acclaimed Payadora Ensemble, Juno-nominated bassist, Michael Herring and Juno-award winning pianist, Jeremy Ledbetter. This is the opening concert of Guelph Musicfest’s 20th Anniversary Season!

Cellist Katie Schlaikjer joins violinist Sadie Fields and Guelph Musicfest director/pianist Ken Gee as the new member of the Festival Trio, which has been performing since 2014. PROGRAM: Beethoven Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1, No. 3; Michael Conway Baker Piano Trio; Brahms Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8 (final version) This is the second concert in Guelph Musicfest’s 20th Anniversary Season!

Internationally-renowned pianist Stewart Goldberg performs the complete Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach Proclaimed “a phenomenon” by the Los Angeles Times and “one of the best pianists of his generation” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Stewart Goodyear is an accomplished concert pianist, improviser and composer. Mr. Goodyear has performed with and been commissioned by many of the world’s major orchestras and chamber music organizations. Friday June 5 at 7:30 pm at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St., Guelph. This is the third concert in Guelph Musicfest’s 20th Anniversary Season! It will be an inspiring experience.

The stage is set for an unforgettable summer in Downtown Barrie — and this year the festival has an exciting new partner leading the way.

The Downtown Barrie BIA is proud to announce that Paul Sadlon Motors has joined as the Presenting Sponsor of the Troubadour Festival, with the series now officially titled “Troubadour Festival presented by Paul Sadlon Motors.”

Owned by the longtime Barrie entrepreneurial Sadlon family, Paul Sadlon Motors has been a pillar of the local business community for decades. The company has a strong history of supporting major community initiatives, including contributions to the Sadlon Centre for Health & Wellness at Georgian College and the naming partnership of the Sadlon Arena, home of the OHL Barrie Colts.

The partnership represents a powerful example of local business supporting a growing local cultural event.

Following its recognition as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals, the Troubadour Festival Summer Concert Series has officially unveiled its 2026 headliners — and the lineup delivers.

2026 Troubadour Festival Headliners:

Season Kickoff – Saturday, June 6
The Roadhammers

Saturday, July 25
The Watchmen

Saturday, August 15
Bahamas

Season Finale – Saturday, September 12
Special Headliner Announcement Coming Soon!

Set against the backdrop of Kempenfelt Bay in Meridian Place, Troubadour Festival continues to transform Downtown Barrie into a premier waterfront music destination.

This lineup reflects exactly what Troubadour Festival stands for — big energy, iconic Canadian talent, and an unforgettable community experience.

 

The endlessly inventive Gryphon Trio has captivated international audiences for over 30 years with dynamic, deeply expressive performances. Recognized among the world’s leading piano trios, the Gryphon bridges tradition and innovation with repertoire spanning European classicism to 21st-century multimedia, redefining chamber music for today. Mozart Divertimento B-flat major, K254, 1st mvt. Allegro assai; Beethoven Piano Trio in E‑flat major, Op. 1, No. 1, 1st mvt. Allegro; Schubert Piano Trio in B‑flat major, D 898 (Op. 99), 2nd mvt. Andante un poco mosso; Rebecca Clark Piano Trio, 1st mvt. Moderato ma appassionato; Dinuk Wijeratne Love Triangle (2013, written for the Gryphon Trio); Dvořák Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65 (B.130). Friday June 12 at 7:30 pm at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St., Guelph. This is the fourth concert in Guelph Musicfest’s 20th Anniversary Season

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Penderecki String Quartet returns to Guelph Musicfest. PROGRAM: Beethoven Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Op. 59, No. 2 (“Razumovsky”); Penderecki String Quartet No. 3, “Leaves of an Unwritten Diary” (2008); Dvořák Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op. 81. Friday June 19 at 7:30 pm at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St., Guelph. This is the final concert of the Spring series in Guelph Musicfest’s 20th Anniversary Season!

Festival of the Sound is Canada’s oldest and longest running chamber music festival. Located in the idyllic community of Parry Sound, we are a significant contributor to the rural economy of West Parry Sound Region. While our music programming has given us our international reputation it is our community mindedness and ability to generate significant economic benefits for our home community that has sustained us for 47 years.  On any given night during our three-week festival our audience will be wearing everything from ball gowns with heels to polar fleece with Birkenstocks (and socks!).

Festival of the Sound marries some of the greatest music ever composed with world renowned artists, from Canada and beyond, and iconic Georgian Bay landscapes.