“It’s rare to hear music played with such depth and sincerity, and yet with a sparkle that moved its audience to new heights.” – Alvin Spaxman, Brantford Music Club

Pioneering chamber music sensation Ensemble Vivant, “Canada’s Chamber Music Treasure,” (Toronto Star), has captivated audiences for over 3 decades with a genre-defying approach to piano chamber music, seamlessly bridging Classical with Jazz, The Great American Songbook, Latin, Ragtime, and other Jazz-related styles. Ensemble Vivant has discovered many important works that had become obscure and has introduced these hidden gems to audiences world-wide. The group’s unique voice has inspired original compositions from celebrated composers across musical traditions.

Their exceptional artistry receives accolades internationally. “This is the highest-level chamber music-making. No matter the genre, there is magic in Ensemble Vivant’s music-making.” Jazz legend Rick Wilkins, C.M.

That magic lies not only in the group’s musical artistry but also in the genuine warmth, rapport and connection the members have with audiences of all ages. It’s no wonder that Ensemble Vivant receives repeat invitations internationally. Their performances touch the hearts and souls of audiences across Canada and around the world, both in concert and through their 15 internationally acclaimed recordings which are broadcast on radio and streaming platforms world-wide, continuing to draw new listeners into the fold, affirming the ensemble’s broad appeal.

The story of Ensemble Vivant goes back over 3 decades when pianist Catherine Wilson was scouted by a Toronto concert agent who engaged her for a series of performances, some of which were to be with a trio of piano, violin and cello, to be billed as ‘The Catherine Wilson Trio’. Many more engagements resulted including an offer from Fanfare Records to record the group’s debut album, for which Catherine renamed her group ‘Trio Vivant’ to reflect the ‘vivant’ (lively) qualities and the collective spirit of the colourful, imaginative repertoire, and exuberant personalities of the members. Trio Vivant’s first 3 recordings (Fanfare Records/Pro Arte Intersound) were chosen by ‘The Columbia Record Club’ to join their selective roster of albums. By the early 2000s the ensemble had often appeared as a piano quintet (piano, violin, viola, cello and bass), with guest artists joining on selective programs. Reflecting this evolvement, the group became known as ‘Ensemble Vivant’. In 2008, the Opening Day Entertainment Group picked up and repackaged the entire back catalogue, and became the home of many additional Ensemble Vivant recordings, including but not limited to:

‘iFUGUE – A World of Fugues’, U.S.A. magazines Fanfare and American Record Guide respectively wrote: “Smokin…Fugues shouldn’t be this much fun!”; “Lively readings of fugues by all sorts of composers. A few are presented in original form, such as Bach’s Prelude & Fugue 9 (WTC I), played beautifully by pianist Catherine Wilson.”

‘Latin Romance’, WholeNote Magazine exclaimed: “Ensemble Vivant’s music making is absolutely stirring and heart achingly beautiful…these world-class musicians sparkle, pulsate, yearn, beckon, move, tango and haunt in gorgeous (and often sexy) performances… chamber music at its evocative best!”

‘Fêtes française’: “Wonderful performance…congratulations to Ensemble Vivant for uncovering these works and presenting them with their usual flare.” David Olds, WholeNote Magazine
“Beautiful, poised performances…reveal the deep musicianship and light interpretive touch of these Toronto-based musicians led by pianist Catherine Wilson.”
John Terauds, Toronto Star

‘Mysterium: Music For The Labyrinth’: “…precisions of sonority, dynamics and rhythm that Ensemble Vivant, led by pianist Catherine Wilson fully deliver… John Burke’s intricate ensemble writing is performed magnificently…a moving experience… Wilson’s playing is evocative. WholeNote Magazine

‘Homage to Astor Piazzolla’: “Ensemble Vivant, one of the best small chamber groups out there…is led by pianist extraordinaire Catherine Wilson…Homage to Astor Piazzolla is an exciting and vibrant album that is a sure-fire hit.” Maxwell Fletcher, Amazon.com (USA)

“A precious contribution to the extensive roster of recordings of Piazzolla’s music. This album is destined to become a classic.” Julien Labro, accordionist, bandoneonist, composer, arranger, Piazzolla expert.

“Ensemble Vivant captures the passion and verve of Piazzolla’s music…Wilson’s piano gives this music unerring drive and plenty of sparkle.” Toronto Star

A principal focus throughout Ensemble Vivant’s career has been its passionate dedication to community. Performing in a gymnasium for children at an underserved school or for residents at a Long-Term Care Home is equally important to Ensemble Vivant as their performances on prestigious concert series’ around the world.

Their philosophy is that all people have the right to be nurtured by musical performances, opportunities and experiences that are known to be life-enhancing.

In 2003 pianist Catherine Wilson founded the registered Canadian charity Euterpe Corporation (musicisthekey.org). Through Euterpe: Music Is The Key, Ensemble Vivant has continued its tradition of ensuring that children and seniors in underserved communities receive the group’s empowering programs, Live and Video, that have transformed the lives of tens of thousands of individuals.

Dr. Catherine Wilson’s own research on Music and Healing has shaped the group’s programs for children and seniors, the immeasurable benefits of which have been recognized and endorsed by neuroscientists, cognitive psychologists, educators and community leaders alike.

“Through Euterpe: Music Is The Key, Ensemble Vivant’s world-class music programs for children and seniors realize in action what cognitive psychologists and other researchers have determined to be immensely life-enhancing. These invaluable programs have inestimable benefits psychologically and physiologically.” Neuroscientist Dr. Laurel Trainer, McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (MIMM).

In every community where Ensemble Vivant performs, Euterpe: Music Is The Key sponsors performances in an underserved school, a Long-Term Care Home, or both.

Ensemble Vivant’s vision is that Canadian communities of all backgrounds receive the health-giving life-lasting benefits that the group’s invaluable programs provide through Euterpe: Music Is The Key, thereby creating healthier, happier individuals and communities nation-wide.