News

New Artistic Director Named for WMCT’s Music in the Afternoon Concert Series

The Women’s Musical Club of Toronto (WMCT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Hillis as the new Artistic Director of its signature concert series, Music in the Afternoon. Hillis will begin curating programming for the 2026–27 concert season, which will mark the organization’s remarkable 129th year.

A celebrated violinist, educator, and advocate for Canadian music, Amy Hillis brings to the WMCT a deep commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. She succeeds Simon Fryer, who has brought extraordinary chamber music artists to the Club since 2006, and whose final season—WMCT’s 128th—was recently announced.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amy Hillis as our new Artistic Director,” said Janet Murray, President of the WMCT. “Amy is a dynamic artist and a visionary thinker with a passion for chamber music and a strong connection to emerging Canadian talent. Her experience as a performer and her innovative approach to programming are an ideal match for the WMCT’s mission as we approach our 130th anniversary.”

Amy Hillis is known for her “rich, warm sound” and has been widely praised for challenging artistic norms and building community through music. As a soloist and collaborator, she has premiered numerous Canadian works and performed extensively across Canada and internationally. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at York University.

A Season of Musical Highlights

The upcoming 2025–26 season—Simon Fryer’s final as Artistic Director—features a compelling lineup of artists:

• Oct 9, 2025 – Karoline Podolak, soprano
  “An award-winning Polish-Canadian soprano, who has followed a unique career path.”
  
• Nov 13, 2025 – Maxwell Quartet
  “Fresh readings of Haydn and Beethoven, with striking arrangements of Scottish traditional folk music.”
  
• March 5, 2026 – VC2 Cello Duo with Amy Hillis, violin
  Chamber music for strings by great composers, old and new.
  
• April 2, 2026 – Stéphane Tétreault (cello), Denis Plante (bandoneon), Chloé Dumoulin (piano)
  A laureate of the CDA returns with a musical twist.
  
• May 7, 2026 – Fierbois: Caitlin Broms-Jacobs (oboe), Madeline Hildebrand (piano)
  “Infectious enthusiasm and an unstuffy approach combined with sensitive and masterful playing.”
  

About the Women’s Musical Club of Toronto

Founded in 1898, the WMCT began as a supportive space for women to perform classical music privately. Over time, it evolved into one of Canada’s oldest and most respected musical institutions, known for presenting emerging and world-class talent, supporting Canadian composers and upcoming artists, and awarding major prizes like the triennial $25,000 Career Development Award. Early artists to grace its stage include Marian Anderson and Glenn Gould.

About Music in the Afternoon

“The WMCT’s Music in the Afternoon concert series features a vibrant blend of distinguished international performers and exceptional emerging artists in chamber music. Each season highlights Canadian excellence, introduces audiences to rising stars, and champions new work through commissions and premières—including regular appearances by recipients of the prestigious Career Development Award.”

For more information, please visit wmct.on.ca.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Petrilli
jpetrilli@wmct.on.ca