A Message from the Artistic Director
Meagan Milatz
This 2026/2027 season of the Cecilian Chamber Series has been put together with much excitement and with much love – for these artists, for you as listeners, for the music you will hear, and for the new experiences that each concert will bring to us all. I am so touched by this opportunity to put together season line-ups of exceptional artists for my home province of Saskatchewan, bringing outstanding musical personas from far and wide who will share their craft and their hearts with you.
This season highlights artists who have stood out to me at different moments over the past years for the impact they have on stage, which can be described in one word: unforgettable. For some, it is a return appearance, and for others, it is especially thrilling to bring them to Saskatchewan for their Cecilian Chamber Series debut: Karina Gauvin, one of the most exceptional voices heard all over the world, alongside the endlessly insightful and poetic pianist Michael McMahon; James Ehnes and his trusted duo partner Andrew Armstrong in their virtuosic flawlessness; the Poiesis Quartet and their stellar interpretations of music from the 18th century to today; Illia Ovcharenko and his imaginative world of the piano “fantasy”; Trio Hélios from France, with their thoughtfully crafted program of Ravel and Shostakovich; and the Viano Quartet, whose balance of poise, earnestness, and abandon makes them one of the most exciting quartets of our day.
With this, I would like to deeply thank all of you who have supported and continue to support the life of the series. Being my first season as artistic director, I look back with appreciation for the vision of Lore Ruschiensky and her team in bringing the best to Regina for all these years – and I look forward to the seasons on the horizon, sharing these ongoing world-stage moments with you in our beautiful province of Saskatchewan.
MISSION STATEMENT
BRINGING THE WORLD STAGE TO REGINA
Presenting world-class chamber music performances and related educational activities to inspire and promote the artistic and cultural life in Regina and area.
VISION STATEMENTS
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
Cecilian Chamber Series is committed to delivering world class performances and programs that are high-quality experiences for everyone involved.
INTEGRITY
Cecilian Chamber Series conducts our affairs with respect for and in cooperation with others. We are professional, responsible, transparent and ethical.
COMMUNITY/SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT
We collaborate with a positive outlook for our community, because we place great value on it. We promote a culture of gratitude - both within our organization and with everyone who engages with Cecilian Chamber Series.
SUSTAINABILITY
As an organization, we do not take our future for granted. We maintain a forward thinking outlook for the sustainability of Cecilian Chamber Series as an organization and active member of the community.
BOARD MEMBERS
Founding Artistic Director and
Member-at-Large | Lore Ruschiensky
Artistic Director and Member-at-Large | Meagan Milatz
Executive Director | Ann Walsh
Chair | Marie-France Menc
Member-at-Large | Jenny Côté
Member-at-Large | Elaine Hockley
Member-at-Large | Herbert Chu
From L to R: Herbert Chu, Marie-France Menc, Lore Ruschiensky, Elaine Hockley, Jenny Côté, Ann Walsh, and on-screen, Meagan Milatz.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Cecilian Chamber Series acknowledges it is located on Treaty 4 territory; traditional lands of the Cree, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.
The Venue… Darke Hall
Operating since January 1929, Darke Hall is a jewel on the prairies. With major renovations of restoration and modernization, Darke Hall will continue to touch the lives of people in our community and across Canada, and in all areas of the arts as a catalyst for creation, inspiration, and community.
PAST WORLD STAGE SEASONS
2011 | 2012
James Ehnes, violin and Andrew Armstrong, piano
James Parker, piano
Guy Few and Nadina Mackie Jackson, trumpet, piano and bassoon
Tommy Banks Trio
2012 | 2013
Anagnoson and Kinton, duo piano
Vancouver Chamber Choir
Duo Concertante
2013 | 2014
New Orford String Quartet
Jan Lisiecki, piano
Andre Laplante, piano
Gryphon Trio
2014 | 2015
Timothy Chooi, violin
Jane Coop, piano
Octagon – the Canadian Octet
2015 | 2016
Dover Quartet and Pavel Kolesnikov, piano
Cheng² Duo
Angela Cheng, piano
James Ehnes, violin, with Andrew Armstrong, piano
2016 | 2017
Anagnoson and Kinton, piano duo
Ariel Quartet
Jan Lisiecki, piano
Timothy and Nikki Chooi, violins, with Wenwen Du, piano
Dalí Quartet
2017 | 2018
Montrose Trio
Cecilian String Quartet with James Campbell, clarinet
Philip Chiu, piano
Erika Raum, violin with Lydia Wong, piano
Red Priest
2018 | 2019
Verona Quartet
Few and Fewer
Donald Sinta Quartet
Charles Richard-Hamelin, piano
New Orford String Quartet
Russell Braun, Baritone with Carolyn Maule, piano
Akropolis Reed Quintet
Rob Kapilow with Katherine Dowling, piano
Horszowski Trio
Tesla Quartet
2020 | 2021
Arnold Choi, cello with Akiko Tominaga, piano
Cheng² Duo
Andrew Wan, violin with Charles Richard-Hamelin, piano
Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue
That's Amore Virtual Fundraiser
Timothy Chooi, violin
Philip Chiu, piano
2021 | 2022
The Viano String Quartet
The Ironwood String Quartet with Jamie Parker, piano
Leslie Fagan, Guy Few and Friends
Gryphon Trio and James Campbell, clarinet
Rolston String Quartet
Julie Nesrallah and Guy Few
2022 | 2023
Manhattan Chamber Players
Ladom Ensemble
Andrew Wan and
Charles Richard-Hamelin
Nicolas Namoradze
Tesla Quartet with
David Kaplan, piano
Calmus Ensemble
Timothy and Nikki Chooi
with Susanne Ruberg-Gordon, piano
Illia Ovcharenko
Akropolis Reed Quintet
Busch Trio
Fauré Piano Quartett
Isidore String Quartet
