Cataraqui Chamber Music Festival

Name: Cataraqui Chamber Music Festival
Start: 2026-08-05
End: 2026-08-18
Location: Kingston

The Cataraqui Chamber Music Festival is an inaugural classical music event held in Kingston, Ontario. Established by Harmonaire Musique, the festival aims to make chamber music a summer staple in the region by presenting a series of professional concerts and educational activities. The program specifically highlights emerging talent and integrates Indigenous cultural elements, including visual arts and traditional music workshops.

Date: Aug 5-18, 2026
Location: Kingston

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Event summary

Highlights

Six professional chamber music concerts featuring rare repertoire
Ojibwe drum and song workshop hosted by Robert Spade
Exhibition of Indigenous visual arts open throughout the festival
Performances at The Spire by international emerging artists

Founded by executive director Clara Cao and artistic director Ying Zhang, the Cataraqui Chamber Music Festival brings high-level classical performances to Kingston during the month of August. The festival was designed to fill a gap in the local summer arts scene, featuring a demanding repertoire that organizers note is rarely performed elsewhere in Canada. Most of the featured musicians are under the age of 30, reflecting the festival's mission to provide a platform for young artists to connect with new audiences.

Performances are primarily held at The Spire and include collaborations between pianists, violinists, cellists, and vocalists. Beyond the concert hall, the event incorporates a significant focus on Indigenous culture. The 2026 program includes a gallery exhibition and a public workshop on Ojibwe drum and song led by Robert Spade. To encourage community engagement, the festival also offers ticket initiatives specifically targeting post-secondary students in the Kingston area.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.