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COLLINGWOOD, ON (July 9, 2025): The Collingwood Music Festival proudly returns for its sixth annual summer series, bringing over 100 outstanding musicians to South Georgian Bay for 10 days of unforgettable performances and community celebration. On Tuesday afternoon, local dignitaries gathered at the Collingwood Public Library for the official flag-raising ceremony, signalling the start of the festival’s 2025 edition. Attending were Mayor Yvonne Hamlin (Town of Collingwood), Mayor Doug Measures (Clearview Township), Steve Cassar (on behalf of MPP Brian Saunderson), Jennifer Armstrong (on behalf of MP Terry Dowdall), and Town Crier Ken Templeman, all offering heartfelt congratulations for the festival’s ongoing contribution to the region’s cultural vitality. Joining them was Artistic Director Daniel Vnukowski, who welcomed audiences to this year’s lineup:

“We’ve pulled out all the stops for our sixth annual summer series! From the Collingwood debut of the iconic Canadian Brass to the return of beloved ensembles like the Elmer Iseler Singers, this year’s lineup celebrates both tradition and innovation. We’re especially excited to launch our new Symphony Under the Stars concert in Creemore — a free outdoor event for the whole family — and to deepen our commitment to the next generation of talent through our expanded Masterclass and Rising Star Series. With dazzling performances, world premieres, and music echoing across South Georgian Bay, July 9 to 18 promises to be our most inspiring season yet.”

Photo credits: Tjalling Photography

Performance Highlights

While both the opening night concert featuring Canadian Brass and the Gershwin Gala finale are now SOLD OUT, music lovers can still experience a range of rich and diverse programming throughout the festival.

Highlights include: The return of the Payadora Tango Ensemble with their fiery new interpretation of the Argentine folk tale Legend of Carau; a breathtaking tribute to film composer Ennio Morricone by the virtuosic Montreal Guitar Trio; and, a lively, interactive family concert titled Bits & Bites, featuring the dynamic duo Guy Few and Stephanie Mara, serving up a feast of music and fun for all ages

Free Public Events & Youth Engagement

This year’s festival offers an expanded series of free public events, designed to make music accessible to all: Symphony Under the Stars (July 12, Creemore): A full symphony orchestra concert under the night sky – free and open to the public. Youth Talent Night (July 16) is an exciting showcase of outstanding young performers from the Rising Star Series, held at Collingwood Presbyterian Church.

There will be two free educational presentations: Composer Ian Cusson discusses his new commissioned work premiering in the Elmer Iseler Singers concert, and, Tom Strnad introduces VAMA: The Cutting Edge of Digital Creativity in Music, with appearances by Artistic Director Daniel Vnukowski. Additional matinee concerts, street performances, and youth-led music activities abound around town

Youth involvement is at an all-time high. Dozens of students are participating in masterclasses, rehearsals, and collaborative performances, culminating in public concerts that highlight the future of classical music.

To support this next generation, the festival continues to offer Free Youth Tickets for those under age 16, when accompanied by a paying adult.Note for the Creemore concert: Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, as seating is not provided. Food trucks will be on-site prior to the performance.

Festival Details, Artist Biographies, Complete Schedule, and Ticket Information are available at:

http://www.collingwoodfestival.com/festival-events Box Office: (705) 416-1317

As Collingwood comes alive with music, the festival also invites the community to reflect on the role of the arts in our collective future. Residents are encouraged to support the vision for a new Arts & Culture Centre by writing to Town Council and attending the Committee of the Whole meeting on July 14 at 2:00 p.m. — in person at Town Hall or via Zoom. The Collingwood Music Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of:

Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, Simcoe County, Town of Collingwood, and Regional Tourism Organization 7.

The festival also respectfully acknowledges that it takes place on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples, subject to Treaty 18 (1818) of the Upper Canada Treaties.

Complete List of Festival Events

July 9 2:00: Presentation by Ian Cusson. This acclaimed Canadian composer introduces his new work (commissioned by CMF and to be premiered at the Elmer Eisler Singers concert on Jul 13) and shares insights into his creative process. First Presbyterian Church. Free admission but must pre-register online.7:00: Opening Night Concert with Canadian Brass. Kicking off the festival in grand style, this legendary ensemble brings their signature blend of virtuosity, charm, and dazzling brass brilliance to the stage. First Presbyterian Church. $56.50. SOLD OUT.

July 10 9:00am: Summer Masterclass for Youth. To 5pm. Open Class Access: Attend all masterclasses as an audience member. Faculty: Daniel Vnukowski, piano; Angela Park, violin; Sharon Lee, cello; Roman Borys, cello; Andrea Ludwig, voice. National Ski Academy, 200 Oak St. Free admission but must pre-register online.

July 11 9:00am: Summer Masterclass for Youth. To 5pm. Open Class Access: Attend all masterclasses as an audience member. Faculty: Daniel Vnukowski, piano; Angela Park, violin; Sharon Lee, cello; Roman Borys, cello; Andrea Ludwig, voice. First Presbyterian Church. Also at All Saints Anglican Church, and National Ski Academy. Free admission but must pre-register online. 7:00: Rising Stars: Young Virtuosi in Concert. An unforgettable celebration of the next generation of musicians after two days of masterclasses. First Presbyterian Church. $21

July 12 2:00: VAMA: The Cutting Edge of Digital Creativity. Tom Strnad presents demos and highlights of augmented reality, virtual reality, and motion capture virtualization, with cameos of our own Artistic Director!. First Presbyterian Church. Free admission but must pre-register online. .8:00: Symphony Under the Stars. Music from movies, Broadway, pops, and light classics favourites. Kindred Spirits Orchestra. Creemore Village Green Park, 181 Mill St., Clearview Township. Free. Bring lawnchairs and blankets. Food trucks onsite.

July 13 7:00: Elmer Iseler Singers. Ian Cusson: New work commissioned by the Collingwood Music Festival (world premiere); John Rutter: Requiem. Lydia Adams, conductor. First Presbyterian Church. $56.50.

July 14 2:00: Rising Stars: Youth Series 1. Aidan Zhou, piano; Murasaki Matsutami, violin. First Presbyterian Church. $21.7:00: Montreal Guitar Trio: A Tribute to Ennio Morricone. Featuring music from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Cinema Paradiso, and other films. First Presbyterian Church . $46.50.

July 15 2:00: Rising Stars: Youth Series 2. Sora Sato Mound, violin; Taras Petryk, piano. First Presbyterian Church. $21.7:00: Bit & Bites Family Show. An interactive concert full of musical surprises and playful storytelling. Fun for all ages!. Guy Few, trumpet; Stephanie Mara, piano. First Presbyterian. $46.50.

Jul 16 7:00: Youth Talent Night. A vibrant celebration of the incredible talent emerging from the local community. Cadence Brassard, CJ Buelow, Ethan Flynn, Priscilla Han, and Theadora Koski. First Presbyterian Church. Free admission but must pre-register online.

July 17 7:00: The Payadora Tango Ensemble Perform The Legend of Carau. This powerful Argentine folk tale is brought to life with a mesmerizing musical backdrop of fiery tango and evocative storytelling. Drew Jurecka, violin; and friends. First Presbyterian Church. $46.50.

July 18 7:00: Finale Concert: Gershwin Gala. Featuring Rhapsody in Blue, Tin Pan Alley, and selections from Porgy & Bess. Adrianne Pieczonka, soprano; Jonelle Sills, soprano; Justin Welsh, bass-baritone; Daniel Vnukowski, piano; Stéphane Mayer, piano. First Presbyterian Church. $56.50. SOLD OUT.

Photo credits: Tjalling Photography