News Release: Carissa Klopoushak appointed Artistic Director of Ottawa Chamberfest
Board also announces departure of General Manager Peter MacDonald and launch of executive search.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario – Ottawa Chamberfest is pleased to announce Carissa Klopoushak has been appointed Artistic Director for a 4-year term. Over the last six months, as Interim Artistic Director, Klopoushak has provided confident and innovative artistic leadership to Ottawa Chamberfest.
Roman Borys, Klopoushak’s predecessor, applauded the appointment. “While adapting to unforeseen constraints and working with the Chamberfest team to continue to engage audiences and artists through Chamber Chats and the hybrid Concert Series, Carissa has shown that she has the artistic vision, collaborative spirit, and deep commitment required to see this organization through these unprecedented times,” said Borys. “I’m thrilled that she’s agreed to carry on and know that her presence will continue to impact this organization in very desirable ways.”
Dr. Klopoushak is a multifaceted artist whose boundless curiosity has resulted in inventive collaborations with Canada’s leading performers and musical organizations. A violinist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Ironwood Quartet, she performs on a Vuillaume violin on loan from the Canada Council Musical Instrument Bank. She serves as co-Artistic Director of both the Ritornello and Classical Unbound chamber music festivals.
Klopoushak thanked the Board for trusting in her artistic vision and leadership ability. “The incredible team at Chamberfest has met these challenges head on and continued to contribute in a meaningful way to our regional and national cultural scene,” said Klopoushak. “It is my joy and honour to continue building upon the strong artistic foundation established by Roman, sharing my own experiences and vision, while making spaces for new voices.”
Gilles LeVasseur, Ottawa Chamberfest’s Board Chair, also expressed his excitement for the future of the organization. “Chamberfest has shown such impressive organizational capacity to adapt during this pandemic,” LeVasseur said. “Going forward, I am confident that Carissa will continue to innovate and seize the many exciting opportunities available to Chamberfest in the coming years.”
Chamberfest also announced that General Manager Peter MacDonald has left his role for a new position as General Manager of Sparks Auctions.
“Peter has worn many hats during his seven years at Chamberfest,” said LeVasseur. “We thank him for his strong, steady administration, his passion and dedication, and for ensuring a smooth transition. We wish him all the best as he moves on to his exciting new role.”
Chamberfest launches the search for a new Executive Director.Details can be found at chamberfest.com/executive-search.
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Media Contact:
Chloe Squance
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
csquance@chamberfest.com
613-234-8008 ext 226