Marquis Music was founded on a simple idea: great music happens when talented people are given the opportunity to work together.

Our story began with orchestral music, but it quickly grew beyond the traditional boundaries of the symphony orchestra. We saw an opportunity to create a flexible musical organization that could bring a wide range of musicians–ranging from amateur to professional–together for a wide range of artistic collaborations—from orchestral concerts and opera to choral and sacred music.

Today, Marquis Music brings together three distinct ensembles: the Marquis Chamber Orchestra, the Marquis Opera Orchestra, and the Marquis Chamber Choir. Future plans for a fun “Social” Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Brass Choir are in the works.

The Chamber Orchestra provides a flexible ensemble for high-level concert performances and ambitious collaborative projects. The Opera Orchestra brings orchestral musicians together periodically in a reduced theatre configuration designed specifically for opera and vocal productions. The Chamber Choir explores choral repertoire ranging from the sacred traditions of the Church to contemporary concert works, with performances in Calgary and throughout the region.

While each ensemble has its own character, they share the same philosophy: music is at its best when it is fun – and creates connections.

We believe musicians should have opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and organizations. We believe audiences deserve performances that are both artistically ambitious and deeply connected to their communities. And we believe that some of the most exciting musical experiences happen when artists come together around a shared project.

From the concert hall to the opera stage, from sacred music in historic churches to new collaborations with artists and organizations across Alberta, Marquis Music is building an organization where those connections can flourish.

This is our story—and we're only beginning.