The Magisterra Soloists String Octet, from Ontario, gave a superb performance during their visit to Maison Jésus-Marie, on Sunday, May 21. Under the artistic direction of Annette-Barbara Vogel, this string ensemble is dedicated to the interpretation of innovative and venturesome works, in juxtaposition with traditional staples of the classical repertoire.

For the concert, this group of professional musicians played Op. 10 Five intermezzi (Hans Gál) for two violins, one alto and one cello as well as the String Octet in E flat major, Op. 20 (Félix Mendelssohn).

Presently on tour in Ontario and Quebec, this Canadian string ensemble is preparing a new series of concerts at the London Museum entitled "Magisterra at the Museum". Founded in the fall of 2015 by internationally-acclaimed German violinist, Annette-Barbara Vogel, this ensemble of musicians based in London, Ontario, has given several concerts since its inception, including a series in Brazil last year.

The group has also initiated a cultural education program to familiarize young people with classical music. They also gave the premiere of the ensemble’s first commission, Sapling, an arrangement for solo violin and strings, by Canadian composer Émily Doolittle. 
Besides Madame Vogel, this string ensemble includes Mikela Vitjes, Francisco Galva and Jordan Clayton, violins; Matt Antal and Jeff Komar, viola and David Evenchick and Patrick Theriault, cello.

See photo album – Photo credit Sister Gisèle Lalande