Daydreaming – 2025-26 Classical Concert Series
Odin Quartet
The Odin Quartet, formed in 2015 and based in Toronto, takes its name from the Norse god Odin, symbolizing wisdom and exploration. Embodying this spirit, the quartet strives to redefine classical music’s role in contemporary storytelling, blending innovation with tradition.
The quartet comprises violinists Alex Toskov and Tanya Charles, violist Matthew Antal, and cellist Samuel Bisson. Each member brings a unique perspective: Toskov’s Serbian roots and multi-instrumental abilities, Charles’s vibrant connection to her Saint Vincent and Grenadines heritage, Antal’s expertise in audio engineering, and Bisson’s dual role as a composer and performer. Together, they form a cohesive ensemble committed to musical creativity and collaboration.
Known for championing modern Canadian works alongside classical masterpieces, the Odin Quartet delivers compelling and innovative programming. Their performances have been featured at major festivals and series, including Music Toronto, Music Niagara, Luminato Festival, Collingwood Fest, and Guelph Connections. Recent highlights include performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and members of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
During the pandemic, the quartet launched the ambitious Lockdown Lullabies project, commissioning and premiering 28 original works from composers across the globe, fostering artistic connection during a time of isolation. Since 2017, they have served as the Ensemble-in-Residence with the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra, where they premiered and recorded EPITAPH for atonality, a dynamic work for string quartet and orchestra by cellist Samuel Bisson.
The Odin Quartet has released two albums, Journey Through Night (2021) and Between the Lines (2023), distributed by Universal. These recordings highlight the ensemble’s innovative approach to contemporary classical music. They have also appeared on albums such as From Oblivion to Hope by Frank Horvat, Jamaican Quartets by Ted Runcie, and Happy Alchemy by Shannon Graham.
Collaboration is central to the quartet’s identity. They have worked with violinist Atis Bankas, pianists Alexander Panizza and Victoria Kogan, and artists from a range of genres, including Devonte Hynes, AHI, David Usher, Ellen Reid, and Tenzin Choegyal. They also recorded the music and gave performances on screen for the short film Musical Angeles, with music by Ronald Royer. The film has been selected by 22 film festivals to date in 11 countries, winning awards in Rome, Florence, Mannheim and Buenos Aires.
These partnerships reflect the quartet’s ability to bridge classical music with jazz, pop, film music, and world genres.
With their dedication to musical excellence and their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, the Odin Quartet continues to inspire audiences, shape contemporary music, and forge new paths in the global classical music landscape.
Kaye Royer
Kaye Royer is an active soloist, chamber musician and orchestral performer. She is principal clarinet with the Brantford Symphony, Canadian Sinfonietta, Sinfonia Toronto, Scarborough Philharmonic, Casa Loma Orchestra and Stratford Symphony. She has performed with London Sinfonia, Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic, Niagara Symphony, Ontario Philharmonic, Talisker Players, Toronto Concert Orchestra, Arcady Orchestra, and the Toronto Artists Symphony. She toured China as principal clarinet of the Ontario Festival Symphony, performed on the Ontario portion of a Diana Krall world tour, and the opening night of Luminato. As a recording artist, she was a featured soloist on Toronto Sinfonietta’s Romancing Chopin, Scarborough Philharmonic’s Canadian Panorama, Candian Sinfonietta’s Canadian Mosaic, and performed on The Hollywood Flute of Louise DiTullio, Night Star, Chamber Music by Ronald Royer, and Conrad Chow’s Premieres. Movie soundtracks include Gooby, Prisma, The Dog and The Happy Couple. Recent chamber music engagements include performing and recording a quintet with Máté Szűcs, soloist and former Principal Violist of the Berlin Philharmonic, and performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra String Quartet.
