We warmly welcome you to our virtual festival contribution for 2023! We are proud to be invited back for a second run of this wonderful series – “July in January.” I would like to start off by thanking the FOTS team and its Artistic Director James Campbell for kicking off the project together with Mark Fewer as well as my fellow colleagues and ADs for their stellar contributions that enrich our viewing experiences. 2022 was a very emotional year with the tragic passing of Maestro Boris Brott. 

I had spoken with him on the phone just 3 weeks before the unthinkable incident and he was especially enthusiastic about returning to Collingwood. This year, our inaugural concert was performed in his loving memory with a sold-out performance starring the National Academy Orchestra of Canada with its new interim Director, Alain Trudel, and myself on the piano. 

This year’s video contribution showcases the late Maestro’s former performance at our festival, showing his youthful charisma and unwavering commitment to spreading the joy of classical music. Many emotions were shared that night, along with a panel of stellar voices! We were also proud to welcome Dr. Duke Redbird along with six other superbly talented Indigenous artists, which helped us better understand and appreciate the art of truth and reconciliation. 

For 2023 and beyond, the Collingwood Music Festival is planning to dramatically increase its number of youth workshops and family-friendly events. The Festival’s inaugural show will take place along the beautiful waterfront shores of Southern Georgian Bay, setting unforgettable music experiences to memorable sunsets for an auspicious start to the summer season.