Ottawa Chamberfest welcomes the North American debut of Odesa Classics, the internationally acclaimed festival founded in 2015 by pianist Alexey Botvinov. Since the full-scale invasion made it impossible for the festival to continue in its home city, the celebrated "pearl of the Black Sea," Odesa Classics has lived on in exile, bringing Ukrainian artists, music, and cultural spirit to audiences across Europe.

In this special collaboration, Chamberfest and Odesa Classics come together to offer a stunning and multi-faceted all-Ukrainian program that reflects both the richness of Ukrainian musical culture and the strength of artistic community across borders, including works by Poleva, Karamanov, Barvinsky, and the North American premiere of Valentyn Silvestrov's new piano trio. The program brings together Ukrainian artists, including Alexey Botvinov and soprano Anna Pompeeva, alongside Ukrainian-Canadian artists Carissa Klopoushak and Roman Borys, and Canadian artists Annalee Patipatanakoon, Jamie Parker, Emily Kruspe, Sam Loeck, and Brett Polegato. The evening concludes with Skoryk's Melody in A Minor, performed with displaced Ukrainian musicians living in the Outaouais region — a poignant and unforgettable closing tribute to longing, loss, and the enduring spirit of Ukraine.

This collaboration extends beyond the concert hall, unfolding across the festival week with a pre-concert Chamber Chat and a special late-night Chamberfringe performance by Daughters of Donbas on Friday, July 31.

At a time when unity and global connection are at the forefront of public conversation, this collaboration offers a deeply resonant example of the power of festival.