Saturday, October 25, 2025
More

    Top 6 This Week

    popular+

    Sixth Annual Collingwood Music Festival Celebrates 10 Days of World-Class Performances, July 9–18

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    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.”

    Flagraising 8 july 2025

    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 concertsstreet 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 BiographiesComplete 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

    Photo credits: Tjalling Photography

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    Popular Articles

    GEORGIANBAYNEWS.COM

    Popular Articles

    GPT-5 Will Make GPT-4o Look Like a Toddler’s Toy!

    The potential of GPT-5, while speculative, promises to herald significant advancements in natural language processing and artificial intelligence. Building upon the capabilities of its...

    A look Inside: A 221 Ft Superyacht During The 2024 Monaco F1 Event – Motoryacht Loon

    Join us on an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey as we prepare the luxurious Motoryacht Loon for the prestigious Monaco F1 Grand Prix! The 2024 Monaco...

    #LIVE: Experience Blue Mountain Like Never Before With Brand-New Webcams!

    Best Action Cams Ever!!! Find the perfect place to stay at Blue Mountain. Whether you are looking for a hotel-style property, a boutique hotel, or...

    OJHL ANNOUNCES COACHES, SUPPORT STAFF FOR SERIES WITH OUA TEAMS

    20-year-olds from the OJ to get student-athlete experience during visits to TMU, Ontario Tech this weekend December 30, 2024, Mississauga, ON – ….  Staff appointments –...

    Exposing criminals in an overseas fraud factory | Marketplace | Full episode

    Canadians are losing life savings to investment schemes that begin in overseas fraud factories. Victims are urged to sign up by fake ads on...

    Great Bear Sea initiative shows vision of Indigenous leadership

    By David Suzuki Despite decades of destructive logging and fishing practices, the Great Bear Sea supports a globally significant abundance and diversity of life in...

    Global Crossroads: Politics and Technology Shape Our Future

    Yesterday's Pivotal Moments in World Affairs and Innovation In a rapidly evolving global landscape, yesterday marked significant developments across both political and technological spheres. From...

    Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦 in 8K ULTRA HD HDR 60 FPS Dolby Vision™ Drone Video

    Vancouver is known for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located on a peninsula, Vancouver is surrounded by majestic mountains...

    County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Food and Toy Drive – Week Two Update

    Midhurst/November 21, 2024 – On November 13th, the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services kicked off their 22nd annual Food and Toy Drive. Thanks to the...

    Canada Post union denounces government intervention in negotiations | Power & Politics

    Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has laid the groundwork to end the Canada Post labour dispute and possibly force striking mail carriers back to work....

    Celebrate Summer at the Collingwood Museum with exhibits, events, and programs for all ages!

    Collingwood, ON - The Collingwood Museum is your go-to destination this summer with a full lineup of engaging exhibits, events, free walking tours, and summer...

    Calling All Emerging Performers – Busking Applications Now Open!

    Collingwood, ON - Street entertainment brings a special kind of energy to public spaces. The Town of Collingwood encourages responsible busking to enliven...

    Wonders of Canada | The Most Amazing Places in Canada | Video 4K

    Wonders of Canada | The Most Amazing Places in Canada | Travel Video 4K Subscribe to the channel here, it's free but means a...

    Three Area Residents Arrested after OPP Execute Simultaneous Search Warrants on Midland and Elmvale Addresses

    Cocaine, MDMA, Magic Mushrooms, Pills, Cash Seized  (MIDLAND, ON) - As a result of an ongoing police investigation, members of the OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU)...

    Kimberlee Diamond: Welcome to this prestigious Georgian Meadows enclave

    Nestled on a coveted corner lot, this exquisite Franklin model spans over 2200 sq. ft. of living space. Featuring 3+1 bedrooms and 3.5 baths,...

    Collingwood, Ontario: A 4K Aerial Tour | Captivating Highlights from Above 🚁🍁

    Soar to new heights with this mesmerizing 4K drone video showcasing the scenic highlights of Collingwood, Ontario. From the iconic Blue Mountain to the...

    Emergency Declared by County Warden

    Midhurst/April 2, 2025 – Today, April 2, 2025, County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke declared an emergency as a result of the impacts of the...

    Love Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | For the Week of May 25th, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with our earthly concerns, this astronomical busybody is up there tuning into the universe’s gossip channel,...

    Introducing Collingwood’s Newest Poet Laureate: Kate Russell

    Collingwood, ON - The Town of Collingwood welcomes Kate Russell as its newest Poet Laureate, joining a legacy of remarkable literary voices that have...

    This Was Oldsmobile’s Biggest Disaster: The Jetway 707

    A viewer by the name Brad reached out to me and told me that the video of the Jetway turning was him in Cincinnati!...

    Ally Vitally asks: Feeling a bit sluggish? Want to give your immune system a boost? #GINGER

    Look no further than the power of ginger and turmeric. These potent roots, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, can be easily transformed into...

    Connie Riet: Why I’m Starting Over at 50 – Life Reset in a New Country

    Starting over again at 50 was not in my plans, but sometimes it’s necessary to reinvent yourself. There are many things I wish I...

    🎥 Top 10 Selkirk Pickleball Plays of 2024 🏓 ✨

    Get ready for the ultimate highlight reel! 🎥 🏓 We’re counting down the Top 10 PPA Pickleball Plays from 2024, showcasing the most jaw-dropping...

    A Story of Intersecting Lives | The Tariffs are Officially in Effect

    How global and local events on a single day affect interconnected lives across different parts of the world. The morning sun crept through Maya Patel's...