Guelph Musicfest opens its 5-concert 2025 series at the Guelph Youth Music Centre with a recital by Bénédicte Lauzière (violin) & Ken Gee (piano). Described as “beautiful to watch and breathtaking to hear” by the Guelph Mercury, violinist Bénédicte Lauzière enjoys a prolific career on the Canadian stage. She is concertmaster of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, with which she is often featured as a soloist. She is an avid chamber musician; her recent collaborations include Emanuel Ax and members of the Penderecki String Quartet. Ken Gee is the founder and artistic director of Guelph Musicfest. PROGRAM: Tchaikovsky, Melodie in E-flat major op. 42; Amy Beach, Violin Sonata, op. 34; Debussy, Clair de lune (arr. Roelens); Brahms, Violin Sonata no. 2 in A major, op. 100; Chopin, Nocturne in c-sharp minor (arr. Milstein)

Cellist Paul Pulford, violinist Sadie Fields and Guelph Musicfest director/pianist Ken Gee have been performing together as the Festival Trio since 2014. During that time, they have built on a common sense of musicality and friendship that makes for wonderful performances. Sadie Fields lives in Brussels, Belgium, and has a stellar career in Europe, performing in top-drawer ensembles and recently became the new principal violinist of the famed Edinburgh String Quartet. Paul Pulford lives in Long Reach, New Brunswick, but his previous musical roots include many years as cellist of the renowned Penderecki Quartet based at Laurier University, where he taught, conducted, and was chair of the music department. All of this was in addition to solo performances, fondness for contemporary music, and many CD recordings. Ken is the founder and artistic director of Guelph Musicfest. PROGRAM: Haydn, Piano Trio no. 35 in C major, Hob. XV:21; Pál Hermann, Suite for solo violin (1919); de Falla, Suite Populaire Espagnole, for cello & piano; Shostakovich, Piano Trio no. 2 in e minor, op. 67

Payadora is an award-winning ensemble that performs its own arrangements of a core repertoire drawing from Argentinian/Uruguayan traditions (tangos, milongas, waltzes, and folk music such as the Zamba and chacarera), as well as original songs inspired by that tradition. Comprised of musicians who are each musical powerhouses in their own right, this “superstar group” has combined their profound love of tango with their classical, jazz and world music backgrounds to create something entirely new. Payadora is officially endorsed by the Argentinian Consulate in Toronto for its adherence to the spirit of tango, and audiences flock to performances that convey joy, virtuosity, humour and intense passion. PERFORMERS: Rebekah Wolkstein (violin, vocals), Drew Jurecka Bandoneon (violin), Elbio Fernandez (vocals), Mark Camilleri (piano), Jesse Dietche (double bass)

The Penderecki String Quartet is a renowned chamber ensemble based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1986, the quartet began its career as winners of the Penderecki Prize at the National Chamber Music Competition in Łódz, Poland. Since 1991, they have been the Quartet-in-Residence at Wilfrid Laurier University, where they have established themselves as one of the most respected chamber ensembles in Canada. PERFORMERS: Jerzy Kaplanek (violin), Jeremy Bell (violin), Christine Vlajk (viola) and Katie Schlaikjer (cello); guest cellist Roman Borys. PROGRAM: Brahms, Quartet no. 3 in B flat, op. 67; Dinuk Wijeratne "Two Pop Songs on Antique Poems" (2014); Schubert, String Quintet in C major, D. 956 (”Cello Quintet”)

Silver medalist and winner of the Krystian Zimerman Prize at the 2015 International Chopin Piano Competition, pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin has emerged as one of the most important pianists of his generation. Recipient of the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec and of the prestigious Career Development Award conferred by the Women’s Musical Club of Toronto, he was awarded the Prix Denise-Pelletier in November 2022, becoming the youngest recipient in the history of the Prix du Québec. Guelph Musicfest is thrilled to present Charles again in this closing concert in the 2025 series. PROGRAM: Debussy, Suite Bergamasque; Ravel, Sonatine; Poulenc, Suite Napoli, FP. 40; Chopin, Four Scherzos

Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Vaughan International Music Festival (VIMF) on July 4-5, 2025!!! Showcase diverse Canadian talent and a variety of world music genres, this vibrant event offers live performances, dance, workshops, global cuisine, a beer and wine garden, and a family-friendly activities. Stay tuned for updates!!!

Unveil the magic of the Vaughan international Music Festival (VIMF) 2025, York Region's premier cultural extravaganza!!!

Experience the growth of our diverse audience and sensational local and international talent, reaching over 1 million online users and 9,000 attendees last year, solidifying VIMF as a must-attend event for music and culture enthusiasts across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Indulge in a free, inclusive and accessible celebration, taking place on July 4-5, 2025, in the heart of Vaughan's emerging downtown.  Our dedicated team is passionately curating another extraordinary lineup of local artists for the community to relish and appreciate.  Alongside mesmerizing musical performances, the event will showcase diverse dance acts, workshops, delectable international cuisine, a refreshing beer and wine garden, and engaging family-friendly activities for all to cherish.

Save the date and stay tuned for exciting updates on our lineup and activities.  Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating world of VIMF2025, where culture, diversity, and musical brilliance converge!!!

Join us this summer on Sundays from July 6 to August 24 from 6:00pm-8:00pm for live music at the brand-new stage in Little Lake Park featuring incredible local talent. Some evenings will feature an opening act, visit our website for up-to-date information on the weekly performances.

Attendees can settle in to a spot on the newly installed seating or bring their own lawn chair. This event is free to attend and includes wheelchair accessible areas.

Whether you're a local, new in town, or just visiting - everyone loves the live entertainment brought to you by the Town of Midland.

A huge thanks to the talented musicians who perform, bringing the community together each Sunday.

 

Come rock out with us at Wayback, a weekend of free music, entertainment and fun. With hits that will take you back in time and get you on your feet, it's a can't-miss event for music fans.

Kitchener's Victoria Park will embody the essence of summer with a mix of music, food, activations and entertainment and more!