We’re thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of virtuoso violinist Jeremy Bell, his 16th appearance with Consortium! He will captivate us through several dazzling Italian Baroque concerti. We celebrate the wizardry of two Venetian violinist/composers, the ever-popular Vivaldi, and Locatelli, the Paganini of the 18th century, but a musician regarded by Jeremy as the “Evel Knievel of the violin”! Jeremy Bell is joined by our fine string ensemble and harpsichord.

Consortium Aurora Borealis is delighted to present Thunder Bay’s Tamarack Wind Quintet in Concert. They will enchant with an intriguing and appealing programme of music in varied styles and moods, showing off the great diversity of timbre of their instruments. The musicians, section wind players of the TBSO, are enthusiastic professionals who enjoy performing together. They’ll win our hearts as they produce richly colourful and dynamic sounds, introducing us to some worthy composers we haven’t encountered before, and opening up a new realm of the wind repertoire. Performing are Heather Kilborn, flute; E-Chen Hsu, clarinet; Gwen Buttemer, oboe; Aviner Hardwick, bassoon, and Damian Rivers-Moore, horn. Consortium is pleased to offer them an outlet beyond their orchestral responsibilities, providing an opportunity for them to play for a warm, appreciative audience.

Consortium Aurora Borealis greets the New Year in style on January 10 with a concert of sublime Classic and Romantic String Quintets. Thrill to the rich sound of two violas in the inner voices. We introduce you to some absolutely gorgeous chamber music for strings, as we present two mature viola quintets written 103 years apart by Mozart and Brahms. We also bring to light an appealing quintet by a less-known composer, written just two years after Mozart’s. All three men were German speakers.

In 2025 Consortium Aurora Borealis and the rest of the musical world mark the 275th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach. This towering figure of the Baroque surpassed all others during this period, and was venerated throughout history as one of the greatest composers of all time. Composer Richard Wagner called Bach “the most stupendous miracle in all music!” 

We’re delighted to welcome Peter Shackleton, well known to Thunder Bay audiences as the TBSO’s Principal Clarinettist since 1988. He appears as our guest soloist in an exquisite concert of Classic and Romantic chamber music, and is joined by our four core string players. They’ll perform two quintets for clarinet and strings, beloved staples of that instrument’s repertoire, and both composed for specific virtuoso clarinettists. Mozart’s dates from the same year as the French Revolution; it’s marvellously melodic, mellow, and at times mirthful. 

Consortium Aurora Borealis is back in action and is excited to present ‘A Cello Celebration’ for your enjoyment, a special concert with an all-Italian theme. Cellists Peter Cosbey and Marc Palmquist join forces to charm you as they open our 47th concert season, performing duos and solos by 18th-century Italian composers Luigi Boccherini, Salvatore Lanzetti, Giovanni Battista Cirri, and Joseph Dall’Abaco, who were all remarkable virtuoso cellists in their day. Both virtuosic and lyrical elements will be explored, as the unique characters and timbres of the cello are exploited. We’ll also include music by famed composers Vivaldi and Viotti, as we move stylistically through the Baroque to the Classical period.

Consortium Aurora Borealis rounds off Season 46 with a concert celebrating divine Mozart, immortal Beethoven, and the soulful viola, which though not often ascending into prominence, is nevertheless worthy of notice. Both composers played the viola, among other instruments, and had a particular fondness for it, as they joined in with it during informal chamber music sessions.

We are thrilled to welcome Irina Medvedeva on March 15, 2025 as our guest artist in this concert of ravishing arias from Italian Baroque opera. Her flexible, supple, yet powerful soprano voice will wow and delight us in exquisite music by three of the most celebrated 18th-century composers of this genre, Vivaldi, Handel, and Hasse. She is joined by violinists William Sirois and James Moat, violist Patrick Horn, cellist Peter Cosbey, and harpsichordist Elizabeth Ganiatsos. Moods will range from gentle, lyrical and pastoral to passionate, dramatic and fiery, with virtuosic display! Sinfonias, overtures, and dances for strings drawn from operas lend variety and give the singer a break. 

Consortium Aurora Borealis is pleased to transport you to a country and an era we rarely visit. With our “Hungarian Strings” concert, we turn our attention to Hungary, presenting some truly beautiful Romantic and folk-influenced music for strings. It takes place the day after Valentine’s. Since our music is infused with the spirit of Late Romanticism, it may well be the ideal post-Valentine’s Day concert! The music is warm and intimate, played by a superb, stylish string trio. 

Consortium Aurora Borealis heralds the New Year with ‘Café Paris’, an engaging concert performed by the popular Martin Blanchet Jazz Quintet, whose mellow moods will warm your spirits on a cold winter night! Their presentations delve into many different musical genres, from jazz to classical, with touches of world music. Known for their recognizable jazz arrangements of classic French repertoire, they’ll treat you to an unforgettable evening, recreating the intimate atmosphere of a Parisian café.