Canada Virtuoso Ensemble, under the direction of Maestro Carlos Bastidas, to Perform at the International Classical Music Festival of Popayán, Colombia
Popayán, Colombia – April 1–3, 2026
The Canada Virtuoso Ensemble, conducted by Maestro Carlos Bastidas, will be featured at the International Classical Music Festival of Popayán, one of Latin America’s most prestigious classical music festivals, with a three-concert Baroque series from April 1 to 3, 2026.
Set in the historic city of Popayán, the ensemble will present three programs dedicated to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi, highlighting the richness and brilliance of the Baroque tradition through performances by leading Canadian musicians.
The series opens with Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, continues with Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons featuring a Canadian violin soloist ( David Baik), and concludes with Vivaldi’s Gloria, one of the composer’s most celebrated sacred works.
Led by Maestro Bastidas, this international appearance reflects the ensemble’s commitment to artistic excellence, cross-cultural exchange, and the promotion of Canadian musicians on the global stage.
Tickets and festival information:
boleteriafespo.corfestival.org

SPANISH:
Canada Virtuoso Ensemble, bajo la dirección del Maestro Carlos Bastidas, se presenta en el Festival Internacional de Música Clásica de Popayán
Popayán, Colombia – 1, 2 y 3 de abril de 2026
El Canada Virtuoso Ensemble, dirigido por el Maestro Carlos Bastidas, participará en el Festival Internacional de Música Clásica de Popayán, uno de los encuentros musicales más prestigiosos de América Latina, con una serie de tres conciertos dedicados al repertorio barroco, del 1 al 3 de abril de 2026.
En la histórica ciudad de Popayán, el conjunto presentará tres programas centrados en la obra de Johann Sebastian Bach y Antonio Vivaldi, interpretados por destacados músicos canadienses y concebidos para resaltar la riqueza y vitalidad del estilo barroco.
La serie se inaugura con los Conciertos de Brandeburgo de Bach, continúa con una interpretación completa de ** Las Cuatro Estaciones de Vivaldi**, con un solista canadiense en violín (David Baik), y culmina con el Gloria de Vivaldi, una de las obras sacras más emblemáticas del compositor.
Esta participación internacional, bajo la dirección del Maestro Bastidas, reafirma el compromiso del Canada Virtuoso Ensemble con la excelencia artística, el intercambio cultural y la proyección internacional de la música canadiense.
Entradas e información del festival:
boleteriafespo.corfestival.org
Mississauga’s first all-professional classical music ensemble
Mississauga, ON – A major addition to the city’s cultural landscape is here. The Canada Virtuoso Ensemble, Mississauga’s new professional classical music ensemble, proudly announces its inaugural concert on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 8:00 PM at Christ First United Church in Port Credit, Mississauga.
Founded and led by internationally recognized conductor Maestro Carlos Bastidas, a long-time Lorne Park resident, the Canada Virtuoso Ensemble brings together top-tier professional musicians with extensive national and international experience. The ensemble is dedicated to elevating Mississauga’s artistic profile by presenting performances of the highest caliber right in the community.
The opening program showcases some of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire, including highlights from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Handel’s Water Music, and Geminiani’s La Follia.
Adding a special highlight to the evening, Mississauga-based soprano Anna Wojcik will perform Schubert’s Ave Maria and other works, bringing a powerful vocal element to the concert.
“This is more than a concert—it is the launch of a new artistic home for world-class classical music in Mississauga,” said Maestro Bastidas. “We are proud to establish a fully professional ensemble in this city and to share this exciting beginning with our community.”
The Canada Virtuoso Ensemble aims to become a leading cultural force in Mississauga, offering dynamic programming that blends timeless masterpieces with fresh artistic energy.
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Tickets: $25
Available online at: www.canadavirtuosoensemble.ca
Location:
Christ First United Church – Port Credit, Mississauga
151 Lakeshore Rd. West, Mississauga
(Street parking available)
Media Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.canadavirtuosoensemble.ca

Featured Artist

Anna Wojcik, Soprano
Anna Wojcik is a young Polish-Canadian soprano who has already performed for audiences across Canada,  the US, Poland, and Germany. Anna has won countless competitions including the 69th ACPC Marcella  Kochańska-Sembrich Vocal Competition, the Doreen Chaddock Memorial Vocal Scholarship Competition,  as well as the Oakville Chamber Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition. She has appeared with the Royal  Conservatory Orchestra, Toronto Sinfonietta, Camerata Ensemble, the Celebrity Symphony Orchestra, and  Karol Szymanowski Academy’s Baroque Orchestra.  ​

"World-Class Musicians, Unforgettable Performances"
The Canada Virtuoso Ensemble is Canada’s premier all-professional classical music ensemble, showcasing master works and contemporary compositions with world-class artistry for local and international audiences.

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