collectif9 - Chamber Music

Known for its innovative programming, unique arrangements of classical repertoire, and collaborative approach, chamber music ensemble collectif9 offers an intensive session in which the group’s musicians share their stage experience and their unique vision of chamber music practice.

This session offers young musicians a multifaceted opportunity to design and develop inspiring concert programs, connect with audiences, and create meaningful musical experiences with their peers.

Combining ensemble practice with sessions for discussion and reflection, this workshop includes several performances. Students will learn and perform works by underrepresented and diverse voices, including newly discovered music and new arrangements, with an emphasis on communication and creativity within a respectful environment.

Students will participate in:

• Group rehearsals, coachings, and concerts
• Chamber music reading sessions
• Workshops exploring key aspects of presenting chamber music today, such as programming, staging, stage presence and communication, and collaboration among musicians and with 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 into this program. Students will work in various groups, from quartet to nonet. Please include your interest and experience in chamber music in your biography.

About collectif9
Recipient of a 2025 JUNO Award and “Performer of the Year” at the 2025 Prix Opus, Canadian string ensemble collectif9 is known for its innovative programming and distinctive approach to chamber music. For 15 years, the group has reimagined classical and contemporary music from a personal perspective, where new voices and interpretations are welcomed and encouraged.

Performing “with an infectious energy and vigour that grabs an audience’s attention” (The WholeNote), collectif9 operates on the premise that a change of context can influence communication and experience. The ensemble’s repertoire spans medieval to contemporary works, reflecting a spirit of curiosity and innovation.

collectif9’s albums are released on the European label Alpha Classics as well as the Canadian label Analekta, and have earned several awards and nominations, along with critical praise for their spellbinding interpretations. Since its founding in 2011, the ensemble has firmly established itself as one of Canada’s most dynamic and forward-thinking musical forces.

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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.

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Thibault Bertin-Maghit

Living in Quebec since the early 2000s, Thibault Bertin-Maghit is a double bassist, arranger, and artistic director originally from southeastern France. Deeply involved in the chamber music scene, he is best known as the Artistic Director of collectif9, a string nonet he founded in 2011, for which he has designed many ambitious and critically acclaimed productions.

Under his direction, collectif9 has performed across North America, Europe, and Asia, producing four albums and an equal number of film-concerts. His creations have led to numerous awards and nominations, most recently a Juno Award (Rituæls, 2024) and the Opus Award for Performer of the Year in 2025.

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TJ Skinner
TJ Skinner (they/them) is a multifaceted, trans nonbinary artist based in Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal, Canada, with over 20 years of classical violin training and performance experience. Since beginning violin studies at the age of nine in their hometown of Lkwungen/Victoria, they have become an engaging and versatile performer, collaborator, and educator, sharing music around the world.

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In addition to the what is mentioned above, the workshops also include:

• Chamber music coachings
• Opportunities to participate in one or more student concerts
• Networking activities with fellow musicians and faculty members
• Accommodation in double occupancy and three meals per day
• Practice studios equipped with pianos (available from 7AM to 12AM)
• Housekeeping, laundry (for a fee), parking, and free WiFi
• Free tickets for concerts at Salle Gilles-Lefebvre (subject to availability)
• Opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of Parc national du Mont-Orford, the majestic Lake Memphremagog, and the tourist activities of the city of Magog