Hugh’s Room Live, Toronto – November 2025

L to R: GEORGE KOLLER, bass; SARAH BOYER, violin; CATHERINE WILSON, piano/artistic director; BETH SILVER, cello; NORMAN HATHAWAY, viola

Ensemble Vivant had another sold-out concert at Hugh’s Room Live in Toronto on November 29, 2025. It was a grand evening all around with a thrilling program beautifully performed to a warm, wonderfully appreciative audience.

Joining Ensemble Vivant to conclude the first half of the program was the St. James Town Community Arts Children’s Choir conducted by Jacqueline Teh. Jacqueline began working with the choir on the 3 pieces that they performed with EV several months prior to the concert date. The kids were so excited for this opportunity to perform in concert with Ensemble Vivant, and to a sold-out house at Hugh’s Room to boot. Choir Director Jacqueline Teh told pianist Catherine Wilson that the experience was truly life-changing for the kids. The kids are still super charged by the experience and are looking forward to the next wonderful performance opportunity with Ensemble Vivant. This was not the first time that Euterpe: Music Is The Key had engaged the SJTCACC, an underserved children’s choir, to perform with Ensemble Vivant in concert, and it was a pleasure to work with them again.

We began the second half of the program performing JVKEs ‘Golden Hour’, featuring vocalist Ismael Paris. We are so proud of Ismael and his musical achievements. To review, Ismael was only 12 years old when he experienced Euterpe: Music Is The Key’s music-education performance program at his underserved school in Scarborough. He was so inspired that he approached Catherine pleading for her to give him a piano and piano lessons. Thanks to Ismael, Euterpe: Music Is The Key formed our MUSIC MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, and Ismael was the first member. Euterpe: Music Is The Key gave Ismael his musical start and now 13 years later, this bright young man has not only just graduated as a paramedic from Trent University in Peterborough, but he remains active with his music including writing songs, producing, performing and recording, and he is also Euterpe: Music Is The Key’s Youth Ambassador.