collectif9 - Chamber Music Workshop

Known for their innovative programming, unique arrangements of classical repertoire, and collaborative approach, chamber music ensemble collectif9 offers a session in which the musicians of the group share their stage experience as well as their unique vision of the practice of chamber music.

This session provides young musicians with multi-facetted experience to create and work on inspiring concert programmes, to engage audiences, and to create powerful experiences with fellow musicians.

Combining performing activities and sessions of exchange and reflection, this session includes several performances. Students will perform a reimagined version of collectif9’s show “The Night of the Flying Horses” with works by Osvaldo Golijov, Sapo Perapaskero/Taraf de Haïdouks, François Couperin, Charlotte Sohy, and Claude Debussy. The session will conclude with student participation in a concert with collectif9 as part of the 2024 Orford Music Festival.

Students will participate in:

• Group rehearsals, informal performances, and concerts;
• Chamber music reading sessions;
• Workshops that explore topics integral to the presentation of chamber music concerts today, such as programming, staging, stage presence and communication, and collaboration among musicians and other artists.

The course is aimed at individual string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass). A maximum of 8 violinists, 4 violists, 4 cellists, and 2 bass players will be accepted to this program. Students will work in various groups, from quartet to nonet. Please mention your interest and experience with chamber music in your submitted biography.

Concert schedule
Friday, July 26: Student Concert
Saturday, July 27: concert with collectif9 as part of the Orford Music Festival

About collectif9
Two-time Juno-nominated Montreal string ensemble collectif9 is known for their innovative programming and unique arrangements of classical repertoire. Since their 2011 debut, collectif9 has performed numerous concerts across North America, Europe, and Asia. As performers of classical and contemporary music, the ensemble combines the power of an orchestra with the agility of a chamber ensemble. collectif9 operates on the premise that a change of context can influence communication and experience.

collectif9 presents several new programmes every season in Montréal, Canada, and their national and international touring schedule includes performances in chamber music series, festivals, universities, and more. Highlights include concerts in the Festival de Música de Morelia (Mexico), La Folle journée de Nantes (France), Festival de Lanaudière (Québec), Shenzhen Concert Hall (China), and Sound Unbound (Barbican Centre, London). ​The ensemble continues to explore new repertoire and new artistic partnerships with composers, video artists, poets, lighting designers, and other inspired collaborators, to create multidisciplinary projects that come to life in acoustic or amplified settings.

Andrea Stewart
Canadian cellist and gambist Andrea Stewart is a versatile musician and artistic instigator whose explorations span from historical performance to the sounds and techniques of contemporary music. As a performer of historical and modern instruments, she is equally at home playing with electronics as she is playing basso continuo. Various solo recitals and ensemble collaborations have brought Andrea to venues across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Read more

Thibault Bertin-Maghit
Inventive and dynamic musician, double bassist and arranger Thibault Bertin-Maghit draws his inspiration from multiple sources, from experimental music to early music and other mediums. Living in Montreal since 2004, Thibault completed a master’s degree in music at the Université de Montréal and has participated in numerous baroque, contemporary, chamber and orchestral music festivals in Europe and North America.

Read more

TJ Skinner
Intrigued by the violin, TJ Skinner (they/them) began studying music at the age of nine in their hometown of Victoria, Canada. Today they are an engaging and versatile performer and a dynamic educator, sharing music across America, Europe and Asia. An active chamber musician, TJ is a member of Montreal’s Juno-nominated classical string band, collectif9, as well as the contemporary nonet, CASSIOPÉE. Since 2018 they have played regularly with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.

Read more

In addition to the above, the workshop also includes:

• Opportunities to participate in one or more student concerts
• Networking activities with fellow musicians and faculty members
• Access to conferences presented by musicians and guests from various backgrounds on topics related to a musician’s career such as mental health, technique, finances, psychology, physical fitness, and more
• Accommodations in one of our two artist residences
• Three meals a day, as well as full access to the kitchen and common areas
• Practice studios equipped with pianos (available 6 AM-11 PM)
• Housekeeping, laundry (for a fee), parking, and free WiFi
• Free tickets to live performances in the Gilles-Lefebvre Concert Hall (subject to availability)
• The opportunity to explore the beautiful Mont-Orford National Park, Lake Memphremagog, as well as access to activities in Magog.

Please note that all Covid-19 regulations set forth by the Gouvernement du Québec will be rigorously followed.