Ottawa New Music Festival

Welcome to the 2024 edition of ONMC's Ottawa New Music Festival!

October 17th, 7pm - "Almost Homeless"

On October 17th, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, ONMC's Artistic Directors SHHH!! Ensemble are joined by Ottawa-based violinist Erica Miller in the world premiere of Frank Horvat's "Almost Homeless" project.

“Almost Homeless” examines the realities faced by a growing number of people, and more specifically, Ottawa residents, who are grappling with financial hardships and the high cost of living. Frank’s composition takes field recordings of Ottawa residents talking about their life/financial story, reflections on cost of living or struggling to make ends meet and combines this footage with music to create a highly personal Ottawa-centred composition.

The evening will be rounded out with performances by SHHH!! Ensemble and Miller of works by Canadian composers Jocelyn Morlock, Harry Stafylakis, and others. After the show (and at intermission), join us in the OAG's Skylounge where refreshments will be available.

October 18th, 7pm - "Triple Header"

The second event of this year's fest features an epic triple header bringing together Halifax-based cellist, composer, and improviser India Gailey, Montreal-based percussionist David Brongo, and Ottawa-based harpist Michelle Gott. Each artist will perform a 30-40 minute set, followed by a short intermission.

Gailey and Brongo will perform selections from their latest albums (Problematica and Confluence respectively), which includes music by Nicole Lizée, Claude Vivier, Thanya Iyer, Patrick Giguère, and more; while Gott will perform works by Ottawa-based composer John Gordon Armstrong and herself, alongside other pieces by Andrew Staniland, and Takashi Yoshimatsu.

After the show (and at the intermissions), hang out with the ONMC Festival Artists in the OAG's Skylounge where refreshments will be available.

We can't wait for YOU to hear THIS!

ONMC's 2024 Festival is made possible through the generous support of the City of Ottawa, Ontario Arts Council, and the SOCAN Foundation; the Canadian Music Centre, and community partnerships with the Ottawa Art Gallery and Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa.

ONMC is committed to showcasing the very best in new music, with a focus on Canadian and Ottawa-based artists. The Ottawa New Music Festival's 2024 edition features the world premiere of one Ottawa based work (by Michelle Gott), the world premiere of Ottawa-born (and Toronto-based) Frank Horvat's "Almost Homeless", and the entirety of the festival features 98% Canadian music by length!

Host or Publisher Ottawa New Music Creators