Penderecki String Quartet with Arthur Rowe, piano
Fri, September 19, 2025 at 7:30PM
Wolf Performance Hall, Central Library, 251 Dundas Street, London, ON

No stranger to London audiences, the ever-popular Penderecki String Quartet will be opening the 2025-26 season. This celebrated ensemble, known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, will join forces with acclaimed pianist, Arthur Rowe, in Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G minor. Don't miss this occasion to witness musical excellence at its finest.

W. Mozart: String Quartet No. 20 in D major, K.499
L. Janáček: String Quartet No. 1 “Kreutzer Sonata”
D. Shostakovich: Piano Quintet in G Minor, op. 57

Learn more about the Penderecki String Quartet.

Accademia de' Dissonanti and Elinor Frey, cello with Joseph Lanza, violin and Mélisande McNabney, harpsichord
Sun, October 19, 2025 at 3:00PM
Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON

Sensibilité
The royal courts of mid-eighteenth century Berlin were lively crossroads for some of the greatest musicians of the time. The three cello concertos of C. P. E. Bach were composed in the early 1750s, likely to be performed at one of the private academies or music societies popular in Berlin at the time. These tempestuous and dramatic concertos, replete with fragmented and blustery exchanges, bear witness to Bach’s vigorous imagination. A generation earlier, Antonio Vivaldi wrote highly-imaginative concertos for strings at the Le Pietà conservatory in Venice. These surprising works are full of in-jokes and amusements to entertain his talented young students. In Vivaldi and Bach’s music, emotions are fleeting and instantaneous and, above all, the beauty of melody is emphasized.

The Accademia de' Dissonanti, led by renowned cellist Elinor Frey, is an ensemble dedicated to exploring Baroque and early Classical repertoire. Under Frey’s leadership they will bring an expressive and historically informed approach to their performance of the music of Vivaldi and C.P.E. Bach.

A. Vivaldi: Concerto for Strings in G Minor, RV 152
J.S. Bach: Harpsichord Toccata in D Major, BWV 912 C.P.E. Bach: Cello Concerto in B-flat Major
A. Vivaldi: Concerto for Strings in D Minor, RV 127
C.P.E. Bach: Cello Concerto in A Minor

Learn more about Accademia de' Dissonanti and Elinor Frey.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra Chamber Soloists
Sun, November 23, 2025 at 3:00PM
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 280 St. James Street, London, ON

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) Chamber Soloists is a distinguished ensemble featuring the principal players of the orchestra. Curated by concertmaster Jonathan Crow, the group will present the music of J.S. Bach, including the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, in a program that will showcase the artistry and versatility that the TSO musicians bring to the stage.
With soloists Jonathan Crow, violin, Sarah Jeffrey, oboe, Kelly Zimba Lukić, flute, and Christopher Bagan, harpsichord.

J.S. Bach: Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 (Kelly Zimba Lukić, flute)
J.S. Bach: Oboe Concerto in D minor, BWV 1059R (Sarah Jeffrey, oboe)
J.S. Bach: Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042 (Jonathan Crow, violin)
J.S. Bach: Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C Minor, BWV 1060 (Jonathan Crow, violin, Sarah Jeffrey, oboe)
J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.5, BWV 1050.2 (Jonathan Crow, violin, Kelly Zimba Lukić, flute, Christopher Bagan, harpsichord)

Learn more about the TSO Chamber Soloists.

Jacques Forestier, violin and Arthur Rowe, piano
Sun, February 8, 2026 at 3:00PM
Wolf Performance Hall, Central Library, 251 Dundas Street, London, ON

Discover the remarkable talent of Jacques Forestier, a violinist whose captivating performances leave a lasting impression. Recognized by CBC Music as one of the 'Top 30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30' and the recent recipient of the prestigious Joseph Joachim International Competition, Forestier will be joined by pianist Arthur Rowe for a concert that promises to be an unforgettable afternoon.

A. Dvořák: Violin Sonatina in G major, Op. 100
J. Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100
R. Strauss: Violin Sonata in E-flat major, Op. 18

Jacques Forestier appears by special arrangement with Curtis Artist Management at Curtis Institute of Music. Visit the artist's website.

Poiesis Quartet (Winner of 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition)
Fri, March 13, 2026 at 7:30PM
Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON

Fresh from their First Prize and Commission Prize wins at the 2025 Banff International String Quartet Competition, the Poiesis Quartet has quickly established themselves as one of the most compelling young ensembles on the international stage. In 2023, they were named the Grand Prize, Gold Medal, and Lift Every Voice prize winners of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, as well as Gold Medal and BIPOC Prize at the 2023 St. Paul String Quartet Competition. In May 2024, Poiesis joined the Concert Artists Guild roster for North American management as winners of the Louis and Susan Meisel Competition.

Derived from ancient Greek (ποιεῖν), the word Poiesis means “to make”; specifically, to create something that has never existed before. With a focus on expanding the string quartet repertoire with vibrant new works by emerging composers, the Poiesis Quartet infuses each performance with unique moments of synchronicity and verve.

Join us for an evening of chamber music as the Poiesis Quartet brings their award-winning artistry to the Metropolitan United Church, sharing music that blends tradition, innovation, and extraordinary musical insight.

Learn about the Poiesis Quartet and the Banff International String Quartet Competition.

James Campbell, clarinet, Cameron Crozman, cello, and Meagan Milatz, piano
Wed, April 8, 2026 at 7:30PM
Wolf Performance Hall, Central Library, 251 Dundas Street, London, ON

James Campbell, Cameron Crozman, and Meagan Milatz unite as a dynamic trio, offering fresh and innovative interpretations of works by Bruch, Beethoven, and Brahms. Their collaboration promises an unforgettable concert, with diverse and captivating soundscapes. The program will also include a composition by Graham Campbell (James’ son), composed specifically for Cameron and Meagan.

Beethoven: Clarinet Trio in B-flat Major, op. 11
Graham Campbell: Suite for Cello and Piano (written for Cameron and Meagan)
Selections from Bruch's Pieces for Clarinet Trio, op. 8
Leó Weiner: Peregi verbunk, op. 40 (Hungarian Dance)
Brahms: Clarinet Trio in A Minor, op. 114

Learn more about James Campbell, Cameron Crozman, and Meagan Milatz.

James Ehnes, violin and Andrew Armstrong, piano
Mon, May 4, 2026 at 7:30PM
Wolf Performance Hall, Central Library, 251 Dundas Street, London, ON

Violinist James Ehnes, one of the most sought-after musicians on the international stage, joins forces with esteemed pianist Andrew Armstrong for a remarkable concert celebrating Ehnes' 50th birthday. This special performance will highlight the duo's exceptional musical chemistry and virtuosic mastery. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience these two artists in a performance that promises to be truly memorable.

Program includes:
Christopher Sinding: Suite im alten Stil, Op. 10
Brahms: Violin Sonata in D Minor, Op. 108

The remainder of the program will be announced from the stage. Selections may include:
Lili Boulanger: Nocturne
H. Wieniawski: Scherzo-Tarentelle, Op. 16
E. Korngold: Tanzlied des Pierrot
Clara Schumann: Romance No. 1
P. Sarasate: Zapateado
A. Bazzini: The Dance of the Goblins

Learn more about James Ehnes and Andrew Armstrong.