Chamber Music Concert by the Ironwood String Quartet
2026/6/1
On June 1, the Embassy of Japan in Canada, in collaboration with the International Club of Ottawa (ICO), hosted a chamber music concert by the Ironwood String Quartet, one of Canada’s leading chamber music ensembles. Approximately 60 people attended the event, including members of the Parliament of Canada, members of the diplomatic corps, experts and ICO members.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Canada, Hideaki Ishii expressed his gratitude to the ICO for proposing this concert by the Ironwood String Quartet. He also introduced the theme song from the film “Howl’s Moving Castle”, which would be performed that day, and expressed his delight that the piece would be featured in the concert.
Next, the Honourable Krista Ross, Senator and Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, delivered remarks, and Ms. Isabella Abols from the ICO introduced the members of the Ironwood String Quartet (violin: Ms. Jessica Linnebach and Ms. Emily Kruspe, viola: Ms. Carissa Klopoushak, cello: Ms. Rachel Mercer).
Following that, the Ironwood String Quartet performed Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major and the theme song from the film “Howl’s Moving Castle”, showcasing the appeal of music, including Japanese music to the audience. They also interacted with the audience during the Q&A session that followed the performance.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Canada, Hideaki Ishii expressed his gratitude to the ICO for proposing this concert by the Ironwood String Quartet. He also introduced the theme song from the film “Howl’s Moving Castle”, which would be performed that day, and expressed his delight that the piece would be featured in the concert.
Next, the Honourable Krista Ross, Senator and Co-Chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, delivered remarks, and Ms. Isabella Abols from the ICO introduced the members of the Ironwood String Quartet (violin: Ms. Jessica Linnebach and Ms. Emily Kruspe, viola: Ms. Carissa Klopoushak, cello: Ms. Rachel Mercer).
Following that, the Ironwood String Quartet performed Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major and the theme song from the film “Howl’s Moving Castle”, showcasing the appeal of music, including Japanese music to the audience. They also interacted with the audience during the Q&A session that followed the performance.
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| Chargé d'Affaires Ishii giving opening remarks |
Senator Ross giving remarks |
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| Ms. Abols introducing the performers |
A scene from the concert |
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| Q&A session | Commemorative photo |