About

The Organization:

The Ottawa New Music Creators (ONMC) is an annual festival celebrating exciting new music and sounds in Canada’s National Capital Region.

Each season features a diverse range of composers and performers whose innovative work expands the listening possibilities in Ottawa.

Founded in 2008 by a cohort of local composers, the non-profit organization is now led by the piano/percussion duo SHHH!! Ensemble.

SHHH!! Ensemble, Artistic Directors:

Percussionist Zac Pulak and pianist Edana Higham are the SHHH!! Ensemble, described as “truly virtuosic and intense” (Confluence Concerts) and “a beautiful discovery” by the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec. Their appetite for collaboration and experimentation has led to bold new works written for them by John Beckwith, Frank Horvat, Jocelyn Morlock, Mari Alice Conrad, Harry Stafylakis, Monica Pearce and more.

In February 2023, SHHH!! Ensemble “enthralled” (Winnipeg Free Press) as soloists in the world premiere of Kelly-Marie Murphy’s concerto Machines, Mannequins, and Monsters with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Other world premieres include JUNO-winning composer Jocelyn Morlock’s Spirit Gradient with the Tuckamore Festival in Newfoundland, and Noora Nakhaei’s Echoes of the Past for the Ottawa International Literary Festival. Across the country, their performances at the Open Ears Festival, New Works Calgary, Ottawa Chamberfest, GroundSwell, the Banff Centre, and for the National Arts Centre captivate audiences and critics with their “avant-accessible” approach, calling them “inspiring” and “inventive”.

SHHH!! Ensemble’s debut album Meanwhile (Analekta), nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards, was released in October 2022 to critical acclaim, reaching top positions on Apple Music and Spotify playlists. In the fall of 2023 they released their 2nd CD, a large-scale commission by Toronto composer Frank Horvat on the Leaf Music label, titled An Auditory Survey of the Last Days of the Holocene. La Scena Musicale gave the album a 5-star rating, calling it a “masterpiece” and “a much needed reminder of the world we are all working towards”. 

Curtis Perry, Executive Director:

Curtis Perry leads a multi-faceted life, having written music played by the NACO and members of Tafelmusik, as well as published writing on CBC Arts, and other publications such as the Carleton University-based Trailaurality project—a public musicology effort focusing on the impact of music and sound in film trailers.

Serving as ONMC’s Executive Director since 2013, he has many well-worn hats—including but not limited to poster design, photography, event coordination, and marketing communications.

Curtis holds an MA in Music and Culture and enjoys a career as a teacher with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

Board of Directors:

Sean Clarke, Julian Bertino, Hayden McGowen, Jack Hui Litster

ONMC’s History:

Since 2012, ONMC has produced an annual four or five concert season that highlights the work of Ottawa-based, Canadian, and international composers and performers. Through commissioning projects and calls-for-scores the ONMC strives to create opportunities for the National Capital Region’s resident new music practitioners. In 2024, ONMC shifted its programming to a festival format, taking place every October. To see more of ONMC’s history including past event photos, posters, and previous composer/performer links by clicking the “EXPLORE THE LOOK BOOK” button below.

ONMC’s Sponsors and Partners: