Performance Opportunities

Canta Arya violin students perform annually:

  • 2 large ensemble concerts (December & May)
  • 2 solo recitals (Fall & Winter)
  • Ensemble performance in the Kiwanis Music Festival (more advanced students)

Some examples of performance venues include:

Performing at Chalmers United Church.

Some Past Performances

Performing regularly and bringing music to the wider community helps Canta Arya students acquire confidence and develop self-esteem.

Performing at Providence Manor.
Warm-up before Kiwanis.
Alumni (back row) returned to perform with current students to celebrate retiring founder Karen-Michele Kimmett.

Performing at St. Andrews By the Lake.
Practicing with Orchestra Kingston at the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts.
Warm-up.
Dress rehearsal.
Unconventional at home performance.
Outdoor performance at Providence Manor.

Giving back, and bringing music to the local Kingston community

Canta Arya has participated in fundraising events such as Voices for Africa, Empty Bowls for Martha’s Table, and the Kingston Symphony House Tour concerts.

Over the past 20 years, Canta Arya violin students have performed in numerous fundraising events, including the Voices for Africa concerts, the Empty Bowls concerts for Martha’s Table, A Song for Haiti, dozens of concerts as part of the PM/CA collaboration, the Kingston Symphony House Tour concerts, the KGH Holiday Concert Series, and performances at the Agnes Etherington Arts Centre in support of Canta Arya’s local and overseas music partnerships. Our past outreach has included performances at St. Mary’s by the Lake, Extendicare,  the Kingston General Hospital and at various public schools.

Since March 2022, Canta Arya has organized live courtyard concerts for providence manor residents in addition to virtual recitals and concerts. A new feature of the program is the CMCs – Canta Musical Chats, which are one on one chats between residents and students and have been a wonderful chance to connect with our alumn. Erik Johnson-Scherger has arranged and is arranging requested repertoire for 3 and 4 violin ensembles, honouring resident requests and giving Canta Arya students new repertoire to play.

Join Our School

Learn more about getting started with Canta Arya School for Strings and what we offer for new students.