Welcome from the Artistic Director
It's hard for me to believe that it was 11 years ago that MUSIC NIAGARA, or the Niagara International Chamber Music Festival as it was then known, had its first season. How we have grown since then! Audiences from all over love coming to this beautiful and historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to attend our festival. They are thrilled by our varied and exciting concerts, all performed in stunning and intimate venues.
This summer's season is among the most diverse we have presented. It commemorates three important musical anniversaries: Franz Joseph Haydn, who died in 1809; Felix Mendelssohn, who was born that same year; and Benny Goodman, who was born in 1909. There will be opera and Celtic music, choral and cabaret, along with our more traditional classical repertoire.
Favourite series such as Shaw and Music, Great Pianists, Showcase of Young Virtuosos and Music and Wine will continue, and there will lots more jazz, to celebrate Niagara-on-the-Lake's recent designation as the home of the Canadian Jazz Hall of Fame. We are proud to have one of the great jazz pianists and composers, the legendary Dick Hyman, performing for the first time with the festival.
Music, music, music – in vineyards, in churches, in the park. It’s all about the music – don’t miss a note! I look forward to seeing you soon.
Atis Bankas
Artistic Director