The Ottawa Suzuki Strings Guitar Performance Group wrapped up their 2023-2024 season with a spectacular guest performance for the Young String Performers’ Foundation’s annual fundraising concert. This concert was the capstone of a successful year featuring four public concerts, two playdowns, two studio recitals, two first prizes in music competitions, and over thirty hours of rehearsal time! Stepping into the role of ensemble coach for the first time, I pushed this ensemble hard and the students rose to the challenge as we tackled some advanced rep, including music from the video game Minecraft, and O Trio Magico by Roland Dyens. We also performed two compositions that I wrote for the ensemble: El Pueblo Animado, an Argentine-style tango, and High Five, which explored the exciting rhythms of 5/8 meter. The players’ dedication to the ensemble is evident in their achievements, with First Prize awards for both the [Kiwanis] National Capital Region Music Festival in April as well as the Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Finals in June! Other concerts included a performance for the annual Ottawa Guitar Society Gala Concert, a prelude show for the National Arts Centre Kinderconcert series, and a house concert for the Harmelodic Music Club. I am consistently impressed by the devotion and artistry of these young musicians, and their many successes this year inspire me to help them reach new heights in the seasons to come.

Excelsior!

Nathan Bredeson, GPG Coach

We would like to recognize the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation, on whose traditional unceded territory we operate. We gratefully acknowledge them as the past, present and future stewards of this land.