Hello and welcome to NUMUS Concerts 2026 2027, our 41st season! It is with excitement and anticipation that I release each season to the world. The flurry of final preparations – meetings with board, general manager and social media manager, final tweaks and we are off and running.

September 18 marks opening night with a new multi-media creation by poet, performance artist, activist and wisdom sharer, January Rogers. January brings Ojistoh Cabaret to KWLT. Many of you have experienced the power and messaging imbedded within January’s vision. You may remember her incredible multi-media solo during my first opening night in 2024? It was only days later that she partnered with Julian Taylor, and Kim Wheeler to present “A Day to Listen”, a 12-hour broadcast marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Bell Media and Sirius XM Canada. It was an amazing experience for me to listen. I know that this performance will be high on your list of must attend events. KWLT, Sep 18, 7pm.

On October 2 TorQ Percussion joins us to present Minimalist Masters. This superstar quartet is celebrated Internationally for their dedication to accessibility, creativity and community engagement. Every performance features the individuals, the quartet AND the music. What more could we want from contemporary percussion chamber music? Come – you will freak out. KWLT, Oct 2, 7pm.

In a full circle moment NUMUS is excited to partner and present the world premiere opera in concert version of SNOWBLIND. This opera by Boyd McDonald, with libretto by Ed Jewinski explores Franklin’s first expedition to Canada’s North with details from “A Discovery of Strangers” (Rudy Wiebe) and “Narratives of a Journey to the Shores of the Polar Sea” (John Richardson). Why full circle? You many remember the Nigel Baines documentary about Boyd in my first season at NUMUS. Experience Boyd’s largest work to date in a live performance at the Registry Theatre. Get your tickets now. This incredible achievement will be sold out. The Registry Theatre, Oct 25, 3pm.

Have you ever “fangirled”? Well I have. The first time I watched @tonkyhonkduo on Instagram. Madeline Hildebrand and Everett Hopfner redefine what it means to be a pianist. Multiple keyboards, pitch filters, incredible playing and style. That’s what it’s about and I am SO IN LOVE. You will be too. Tönky Hönk!!! You just have to be there. Button Factory Arts, Nov 7, 7pm.

January 23, 2027 and we will commune with the music of Peruvian/Canadian composer, Paulo Griffin. Paulo’s compositions explore sound, improvisation and chamber music with a minimalist voice. His sense of sound as its own character is powerful. I know that it will resonate with you as it has with me. Solitudes is perfect for a January evening. Button Factory Arts, Jan 23, 7pm.

Just over a year ago I met with Bruce Gremo at Smile Tiger for a catch up. At that meeting Bruce showed me parts of his Data Serenity project and shared the scholarly text and plans for his creation. NUMUS Concerts needed present Bruce’s artistic venture and so ADAAI/Data Serenity is coming! Audio Driven Abstract Animation Improvisation, Direct Data Interfacing – and it is so very beautiful. See you there! KWLT, Feb 19, 7pm

Mar 21 and it’s time for NUMUS Concerts Emerging Canadian Curator Competition Winner’s Concert. I encourage you to start preparing your project now. Be ready to submit at the beginning of December 2026 to be considered by the panel of judges for this performing/mentorship opportunity. Super excited to see what you come up with! Button Factory Arts, Mar 21, 3pm.

Our season ends with Labyrinth Ensemble and Fragmented Forms. This concert explores the possibilities of improvisation using the microtonal aspect of Makam music and free improvisation, and how the two coalesce. From Paris to Istanbul, this musical mind warp borders the line between primordial and futuristic. Join us as we celebrate the end to another exciting season. KWLT, May 21, 7pm

And it continues…. NUMUS is planning a fundraiser for June, 2027, date TBD. We would love to have you there. Silent auction, contemporary/New Music DJ and an opportunity to spend an evening with the KW and area New Music Community. It will be very cool. Watch for our posts!

Speaking of posts… In past seasons I have invited visual artists to participate in our programming with mini shows at the concert venue. This year we feature a selected artist in a new and innovative way. Have a look at the “posters” for each event and you will see that many show the incredible vision of clay artist, soprano and academic, Leslie Fagan. Her work is truly beautiful. Check out Leslie’s work @offstagebylesliefagan on Insta. Thanks to Sarah Storms for her innovative graphic design incorporating Leslie’s work.

My appreciation to the incredible NUMUS board, our tireless GM, Marilyn Adlington, Sarah Storms, our many local, provincial and National sponsors, great performers and composers, volunteers and YOU. Together we will make this the best year ever for NUMUS Concerts.

See you soon!

Guy Few
Artistic Director