Virtuosi Concerts

P.O. Box 2982

Station Main

Winnipeg, MB

R3C 4B5 

204-786-9000

virtuosi.concerts@gmail.com 

Virtuosi Concerts is located on Treaty 1 Territory and on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples and in the homeland of the Métis Nation. We offer our respect and gratitude to the traditional caretakers of this land. 

 
“Virtuosi has provided such a consistent quality of concerts over the years that its audience trusts the organizers – believing that if VCI is putting it on, it must be worthwhile.” (Winnipeg Free Press)

For three decades, Virtuosi Concerts has presented an exceptional classical chamber music series performed by internationally acclaimed artists from Manitoba, Canada and around the world for a discerning audience in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our primary goal has been to present programming that nourishes the soul, offering cathartic experiences that heal and virtuosity that excites. Alongside the pillars of the classical canon, we are committed to presenting new works and commissions, unheard voices past and present, and artists who challenge the status quo. Virtuosi Concerts values music as a universal form of human communication. We believe that the transformative power of live performance can embrace and unite individuals, communities, and cultures, thereby strengthening art and enriching society.

Virtuosi Concerts had its origins at The University of Winnipeg and was developed by psychology professor Harry Strub. In 1990, Dr. Strub launched Skywalk Concerts & Lectures at what is now the Millennium Library and Virtuosi Concerts began as a co-presentation with CBC Radio in 1991. Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall opened at the University of Winnipeg in 1993 and became Virtuosi’s primary performance venue. 

Virtuosi Concerts MB Inc. (VCI) was incorporated in 1998 as a not-for-profit entity. In 2015, an Endowment Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation was established, and the Young Artist Program was launched as part of the 25th Anniversary season. The University of Winnipeg ended its association with VCI in 2021 owing to a financial prioritization triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and Dr. Strub retired during this time.

Virtuosi Concerts continues as an independent entity. Under the direction of Interim Artistic Advisor Madeline Hildebrand and Executive Director Andrew Thomson, online concerts were presented during the winter of 2021 and a return to live concerts was curated for the 2021-2022 season. Virtuosi also continues to produce the Skywalk Concerts series and the Young Artist Program.

In December 2021, violist and chamber musician Jennifer Thiessen was hired as the new Artistic Director to lead the organization into its fourth decade of concert presentations. In September 2022, Heather Lewis was hired as Executive Director. 

Board Members:

President: Paul McCulloch
Treasurer: Mark Witiuk
Secretary: Chris Byman 

Sydney Clarke, Katherine Mayba, Judge Rocky Pollack, Caitlin Broms-Jacobs, Theresa Thordarson, Dr. Marcello Venditti, 

Administration:

Artistic Director, Jennifer Thiessen

artisticdirector@virtuosiconcerts.ca

Executive Director, Heather Lewis

executivedirector@virtuosiconcerts.ca