With a reputation for superb performance and ambitious programming, Aventa has established itself as one of Canada’s leading contemporary music ensembles.  The ensemble is comprised of 15 musicians who are passionate about new music and its place in our culture.  Pushing the boundaries through diverse projects, collaboration and cultural exchange, Aventa challenges the preconceptions of new music.

Founded in 2003, Aventa regularly commissions both Canadian and international new works and has presented premieres of over 50 works both in Canada and on tour.  Under the artistic direction of Bill Linwood, the ensemble works closely with Canadian and international composers, developing instrumental techniques and refining interpretation as well as exploring projects which combines music with other art forms.

In a continuing commitment to Canadian repertoire, Aventa presented 25 Canadian works during our previous Season.  Highlights from the international repertoire include the Canadian premieres of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies' De Assumtione Beatae Mariae Virginis, Anders Nordentoft’s opera On This Planet, Thomas Adès’ Concerto Conciso with acclaimed Canadian pianist Louis Lortie as soloist and the U.S. premiere of Poul Ruders’ Abysm in New York City. Recent Canadian premieres include Pierre Boulez’s Dérive II (1988-2007) and Rolf Wallin’s Appearances (version for 15 players).

In June 2009, Aventa embarked on an international tour including performances in New York City and Europe.  This tour focused on Canadian repertoire with premieres from 5 Canadian composers including new works from Paul Frehner (ON), Michael Oesterle (QC), Michel Gonneville (QC), Rodney Sharman (BC) and Jeffrey Ryan (BC).  A highlight of our tour was the opening concert of Munich’s 10th biannual A•DEvantgarde Festival in a program dedicated to Canadian music.  The concert featured Paul Frehner’s virtuosic new work, God save the human cannonball.  One reviewer wrote "...it is vital, angular music, which the superb Canadian ensemble Aventa implemented with precision" - Sueddeutsche, München

In February 2010, the ensemble appeared in Montreal as part of Société de musique contemporaine du Québec (SMCQ) Hommage à Gilles Tremblay.  As part of SMCQ’s 44th main concert series, this concert honored renowned Canadian composer Gilles Tremblay. In the words of SMCQ’s Artistic Director, Walter Boudreau: “Gilles Tremblay is a poet, a visionary, an explorer.  (His) music imparts nothing less than ecstasy and transcendence in the face of Beauty and Harmony…Guests of the SMCQ, the Aventa ensemble’s high quality of performances and original repertoire has made it one of Canada’s most appreciated contemporary music ensembles. William Linwood and his ensemble present a particularly inspired Tremblay.”