Jenna Richards embraces a demanding schedule as a portfolio musician, including performance, research, and arts administration. She has performed from Toronto to Salzburg, organized national research projects, and programmed 750+ musical events. Jenna holds nine consecutive Nova Scotia Talent Trust awards and is currently pursuing her PhD, Interdisciplinary Research in Music, serving as the Associate Music Director for the Canadian Centennial Choir, and programming various artistic streams at Ottawa Chamberfest. In her (little) downtime, Jenna loves being in nature, playing soccer, and learning languages.
Pianist.
Jenna is a very active performer, with frequent appearances in Ottawa, Toronto, and Halifax. Trained at the University of Toronto, Jenna is highly sought-after as a solo musician, as a collaborator for choirs and singers, and in her longstanding duo with cellist Beth Silver.
Programmer and producer.
Since 2015, Jenna has been central to the programming of Ottawa Chamberfest’s more than 100 events a year. Working closely with artistic directors Roman Borys (past) and Carissa Klopoushak, Jenna’s experience ranges from mainstage to concerts for children with exceptionalities.
Public speaker.
Jenna is regularly called upon by various organisations to give talks, speeches, and interviews. Fluently bilingual, she’s been featured as a speaker on varied television and radio programmes (including both CBC and Radio-Canada), conferences, podcasts, Zoom sessions, and Walrus Talks.
Researcher.
Naturally curious, Jenna is constantly diving into new research topics – professionally, academically, and in her own time. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Interdisciplinary Research in Music, with a focus on the ongoing relevance of performance degrees in the lives of professional musicians.
Violinist.
Though more widely recognised as a pianist, Jenna’s musical pursuits have always included the violin. She achieved her ARCT diploma in violin before she received her high school diploma, and has since made many professional appearances as both a classical violinist and as a fiddle player.
Photos: Chloe Squance, Alexander Vlad, House of Common, Curtis Perry