Opening Day at St. Matthews Centre
Organ Festival Canada 2025
St. Matthews Centre – 54 Benton St, Kitchener
Join The Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) as the Organ Festival Canada kicks off with an inspiring evening of music and storytelling at St. Matthews Centre. The Community Hall will be the central hub for this national gathering of over 90 musicians and guests from across Canada and beyond. Two unique performances mark the start of the festival—open to the public!
5:00 PM – J.S. Bach's Long Walk in the Snow
A magical blend of storytelling and classical music featuring:
Tom Allen (CBC Radio) – narration
Allyson McHardy – mezzo-soprano
Lori Gemmell – harp
Bénédicte Lauzière – violin
Joe Phillips – bass
Angus Sinclair – organ
Step into the imagined world of a young J.S. Bach on his fabled winter journey—a powerful, poetic performance that connects music, history, and imagination.
Tickets available via Eventbrite:
Reserve your seat
6:30 PM – Larry Larson Quintet (FREE Outdoor Jazz Concert)
Cap off the evening with a relaxed jazz performance in the St. Matthews parking lot, headlined by renowned trumpeter Larry Larson and his quintet. Bring a chair, grab a bite at the food truck, and enjoy great music under the summer sky.
Free and open to all – food truck on site!
Weather permitting