Carissa Klopoushak has made a name for herself as a curious, creative, and versatile violinist.  A charismatic and engaging performer, Carissa's playing has been described as the complete package of sensitive musicianship and effortless technique.  Based in Ottawa, Carissa is a proud member of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Ironwood Quartet.  A laureate of the 2018 Canada Council for the Arts Instrument Bank Competition, Carissa performs on the 1851 Jean Baptiste Vuillaume violin (Maggini model).  Her debut recording with Philip Chiu, SOUNDWORLDS, was released in November 2016.

 

Carissa considers all of Canada to be her home. She has toured the country extensively, performing recitals for Debut Atlantic and as the winner of the 2009 Eckhardt-Grammatté National Music Competition with Canadian pianist Philip Chiu. A passionate collaborator, Carissa has been featured at Ottawa Chamberfest, Montreal Chamber Music Festival, Toronto Summer Music, Music & Beyond, Bravo! Niagara, and Music by the Sea. She spent much of 2014 performing with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, whom she joined for a series of tours and recordings, including a residency at The Banff Centre.

 

Carissa grew up in the beautiful prairie city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Still active in the prairie music scene today, Carissa is an Artistic Director of the Ritornello Chamber Music Festival, an annual event that aims to provide Saskatchewan audiences the opportunity to hear innovative concerts performed by young, engaging Canadian musicians who are currently pursuing professional careers across the country and around the globe.

 

Carissa is the lead singer and violinist in the Ukrainian band Тут і Там (pronounced Toot ee Tahm). Established in 2003, the band has released four albums, performed at every major Ukrainian festival across Canada, in Sydney, Australia, and recently toured Ukraine, playing major festivals and small pubs.

 

Carissa holds a doctorate in violin performance from McGill University.  Her dissertation focuses on the little-known violin repertoire by Ukrainian composers.  When not performing, rehearsing, or traveling, Carissa can be found expanding her love of coffee in some little café, somewhere…