Experience String Orchestra Concerts in Ottawa

History

In 1998, cellist Patrick Kline and violist Thérèse Durdin envisioned forming a small string orchestra for serious amateur musicians in the Ottawa area. When Gordon Johnston, the musical director of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Ottawa, agreed to conduct the group, the three founding members decided to follow the example of several famous orchestras and named this new ensemble the “Strings of St. John’s,” after the church where it resided.

The mission of Strings of St. John’s is to provide a supportive learning environment for Ottawa musicians, enabling string players to improve their ensemble playing skills and share a broad repertoire of beautiful music with the community.

The orchestra is pleased to accompany the St John’s Choir several times a year.

By working to improve the caliber of our string orchestra, we aspire to attract additional gifted amateur players and enhance our reputation, which draws great local soloists. We are confident that artistically excellent performances will continue to attract, grow, and reward audiences in the Ottawa area.

Music Director

Smiling woman playing violin indoors near a decorated fireplace.

For the past thirty years, Brigitte Amyot has been a vibrant figure in the musical scene of Ottawa-Gatineau. Her dedication to teaching string classes and her performances with ensembles such as the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau have made her a cornerstone of the local music community. From 2004 to 2007, Brigitte served as the concertmaster for the Ottawa Chamber Orchestra, and she has also played with the Savoy Society of Ottawa, Orpheus Musical Theatre, and Virtuosi Orchestra of Ottawa.

Brigitte earned her Bachelor of Music degree in performance under the tutelage of violinist Mrs. Sonia Jelinkova at McGill University in 1991. Her passion for chamber orchestra repertoire led her to Ottawa, where she completed her Master’s degree in chamber music at the University of Ottawa, studying with former Montreal Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Calvin Sieb.

Beyond her professional achievements, Brigitte is a proud mother to Emma, Jessie, and Aidan, and a grandmother to Noah and Arthur. She enjoys a fulfilling musical life, teaching violin in her private studio and conducting the Intermediate Strings ensemble at the Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy. Her commitment to music education extends to her various workshops and groups, including “Brigitte’s Artistic Camp,” “The More Strings the Merrier,” and “The Big Strings’ Group.”

As a freelance musician, Brigitte collaborates regularly with different choirs and organizations in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. She also performs with her family in their group, Musicalement Fleet, for various engagements. Brigitte is a member of the Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra, where she also serves as their Ensemble Manager, and she holds the position of principal second violin and Ensemble Manager with Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau. She is very happy to be back in the role of Music Director and Conductor with Strings of St-John’s for a joyful season of beautiful music.

History

Music Director

Musicians

First violins

Second violins

Violas

Cellos

Bass