Ensemble132

ensemble132 Opens the 2026–2027 Season with an Afternoon of Bold and Brilliant Chamber Music

A new concert season deserves an unforgettable opening, and that’s exactly what audiences can expect when ensemble132 launches the 2026–2027 season at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts on Sunday, September 20. Featuring a program that blends beloved classics with contemporary Canadian composition, this special afternoon promises a fresh and inspiring look at the power of chamber music.

Widely recognized for their fearless artistry and innovative approach to performance, ensemble132 is a collective of world-class soloists redefining what chamber music can be. Rather than simply performing familiar works as they have always been heard, the ensemble creates imaginative, artist-driven programs that breathe new life into treasured masterpieces, overlooked gems, and contemporary compositions. Their performances are celebrated for combining technical brilliance with creativity, making every concert feel both timeless and refreshingly new.

The opening program showcases a remarkable range of musical expression, beginning with Kelly-Marie Murphy’s Four Degrees of Freedom, a compelling work by one of Canada’s most respected contemporary composers. The afternoon continues with Schumann/Hong’s Carnaval for piano quartet, an inventive reimagining of one of Robert Schumann’s most beloved works, before concluding with Johannes Brahms’ Piano Quartet in C Minor, Op. 60, a passionate and emotionally powerful masterpiece that remains one of the pillars of the chamber music repertoire.

Together, these works create a program that bridges generations of musical creativity while highlighting the artistry and versatility that have become ensemble132’s signature.

The concert also marks the official opening of the Isabel’s 2026–2027 concert season, making it a wonderful opportunity for both longtime subscribers and first-time attendees to experience one of Kingston’s premier performing arts venues. Before the performance, guests are invited to enjoy a pre-show reception, offering an opportunity to gather with fellow music lovers and celebrate the beginning of another exciting season of live performances.

Renowned for its exceptional acoustics and elegant setting, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts provides the perfect venue for an ensemble whose performances thrive on nuance, intimacy, and musical conversation. Every seat offers an opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary communication between musicians and the expressive beauty that defines chamber music at its finest.

Whether you’re an experienced classical music enthusiast or someone looking to explore the genre for the first time, ensemble132 offers an engaging and accessible concert experience that demonstrates why chamber music continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Event Details

Event: ensemble132 | 2026–2027 Season Opener

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026

Time: 2:30 PM

Location: Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, Kingston

Admission: $55 to $60

Additional Information: A pre-show reception will precede the performance. This concert is supported through the generosity of Caroline Davis.