“Chamber music is an unparalleled medium of musical communication. It never ceases to amaze that musicians who don’t necessarily play with each other every day can come together and, without much talking, enter into deeply intimate conversations through the music they play. The exchange of ideas, sharing of emotions, and openness to the other are all meant to invite the listener in. The listener’s presence in the moment of musical re-creation is essential; it feeds the performer’s imagination, opens hearts, and adds meaning to the musical conversation.” – Stéphane Lemelin, founding Artistic Director
THE FESTIVAL HISTORY
PEC CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Since its inaugural season in 2004, The Prince Edward County Chamber Music Festival has consistently presented the finest of Canada’s musicians, offering performances that explore the depth and magnitude of the western chamber music repertoire. Audiences have been thrilled, deeply moved, and even transformed by these outstanding musical moments.
For the first ten years, the Festival adopted a unique mandate to highlight works of living Canadian composers in the larger context of music of all times. Each composer was present for the duration of the festival, and was therefore able to forge meaningful relationships with audience and musicians alike. The festival hosted some of Canada’s most celebrated composers: Jacques Hétu, Malcolm Forsyth, Chan Ka Nin, Andrew MacDonald, Alexina Louie, John Burge, Steven Gellman, Ana Sokolovic, and Marjan Mozetich. As a result, audiences have also received considerable exposure to the world of Canadian chamber music and its repertoire.
The festival was founded in 2004 by Canadian pianist and educator Stéphane Lemelin, who served as the festival’s Artistic Director until 2017. In 2018, the direction of the festival was assumed by the New Orford String Quartet, who led the festival until the 2024 season.
In 2025, we welcomed our current Artistic Director, cellist Paul Marleyn. Paul has performed as soloist and chamber musician across North America, Europe, and Asia, has recorded for ATMA Classique, CBC Records, United Records, CALA Records, and RCM Victor, and founded the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival in Winnipeg and the International Cello Festival of Canada as Artistic Director. He was the Principal Cellist of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Our festival audiences also know Paul from past seasons, as a frequent guest artist.
Over its 23 years of providing exceptional chamber music, the Festival has attracted audiences of all ages from Prince Edward County, the Quinte and Eastern Ontario regions, and beyond. Many have become loyal patrons, returning annually to experience once again the delights of the chamber music experience.
The Festival, with support from its sponsors, is also committed to education. Since the beginning, we have presented interactive concerts specifically designed with an educational component for young audiences. These concerts give local school children an opportunity to experience a live music event and to learn about the art and craft of music-making. Over the years, the response to these concerts has been so enthusiastic that the Festival has had to double the capacity by offering two concerts with a total audience of more than 500 children annually.
