The capital of Canada is home to many talented, creative, and multifaceted individuals. This includes singers, musicians, and other artists whose fame has extended far beyond their hometown. Ottawa Trend highlights well-known musicians who were born in Ottawa and have achieved significant success. Let’s dive into their stories.
Renee Landry
A Music Teacher and Educator
Renee Landry is known as a dynamic and expressive performer and a true embodiment of Northern Ontario soul. A classically trained singer and musician from Ottawa, she commands the stage with her presence, captivating audiences eager for her next performance. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt love stories make her songs widely popular. Throughout her career, she has performed at numerous venues and events, including:
- The Rainbow
- Options Jazz Lounge, Live! on Elgin
- NAC Fourth Stage
- Irene’s Pub
- Ottawa Jazz Festival and RBC Ottawa Bluesfest
Her music has also been featured on CBC Music, making her performances accessible to audiences worldwide.
Renee Landry holds a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz vocals from Carleton University and has worked as a professional musician for over a decade. She later opened a private studio where she coaches vocalists and performance artists. As one of Ottawa’s most in-demand teachers, she works with at least 30 students each week across various age groups.
Emily Shaw
Emily Shaw is a skilled classical guitarist, educator, and performer. She began her musical training under the guidance of her father before furthering her studies with Wilma van Berkel at Western University. In 2016, she completed her Master’s degree in guitar performance at the University of Ottawa, where she studied under Patrick Roux.
As a dedicated musician, she spends much of her time with students, teaching classical and acoustic guitar as well as piano.
A Master Luthier
Emily Shaw is also a luthier, crafting custom string instruments for musicians worldwide. Her unique and exclusive instruments are designed to meet both aesthetic and physical playing needs. She is particularly interested in creating historical guitars and shares detailed interpretations of music from various eras on her blog. In 2019, she released her debut album Vespers, which showcases evening music from different centuries. Her second album, In The Night, further explores this theme.
Kathryn Patricia Kobler
Kathryn Patricia Kobler is a musician and composer whose music leaves a lasting impression. Her performance credits include:
- The Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- The Toronto Symphony Orchestra
- The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra
- The Ottawa Jazz Orchestra
She is also a prominent chamber and solo musician, regularly featured at various music events. In addition, Kathryn is an exceptional music educator, engaging audiences of all ages through her interactive performances and workshops.
Social Work and Artistic Projects
In 2021, Kathryn was recognized as an arts educator and a leading advocate against racism in Ottawa. She inspires students by demonstrating how music can serve as an emotional outlet. Her artistic collaborations have been shaped by her belief that creative individuals find inspiration in each other’s work.
Notable collaborations include:
- Pianist John Kofi Dapaah
- Dancer-choreographer Elizabeth Emond-Stevenson of Take Up Space Dance
- MASC’s Skeleton Key Theatre
- Ottawa Dance Directive artists
Kathryn has also experimented with integrating storytelling into musical performances, enriching her artistic practice by blending different instruments and art forms.
A Member of MASC
As a member of MASC, Kathryn regularly hosts workshops and concerts for schools and community groups. In 2021, she launched her program at St. Catherine’s School, working closely with students to explore their visual interpretations of music. She continues to lead masterclasses with enthusiasm and dedication.
Julian Armor
Julian Armor is a well-respected cellist who trained under the esteemed Walter Joachim at McGill University. His performances have captivated audiences across Canada and throughout Europe.
He has been featured on local radio and television series such as People of Music. Students at many Canadian universities eagerly anticipate his lectures, as he is not only a musician but also a lecturer and examiner.
Interesting Facts About Julian Armor
- He feels discomfort when hearing out-of-tune music, regardless of genre, and must either leave the room or turn off the music.
- Three musicians he wishes he could perform with: Menahem Pressler, Alfred Brendel, and his favourite late violinist, Henryk Szeryng.
- His favourite fictional character is Sherlock Holmes.
- His favourite musical piece is Schumann’s Piano Quintet, which he appreciates for its depth and meaning.
- His morning routine includes reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee, and his pre-concert ritual is taking a nap.
TwoTiime (Khalid Omar)
Khalid Omar, known by his stage name TwoTiime, is an emerging hip-hop artist from Ottawa. He gained recognition after being honoured at the Canadian Young Songwriters Awards. His breakthrough track Hood Cry went viral—it is a tribute to his late friend and fellow rapper FTG Metro, who was tragically killed on Gilmour Street. Both artists grew up in Ottawa’s Ritchie Street area, making the song a deeply personal and emotional piece.
Before music, TwoTiime was a promising basketball player in high school. However, in 2019, he chose to focus on his musical career. His hit Keep it Real gained immense popularity, especially among gamers and hip-hop fans. He is now recognized as one of Ottawa’s most intriguing and innovative young musicians.
Ottawa Musicians: Well-Known Names
Music is a powerful art form that inspires and connects people. Ottawa has fostered and continues to nurture countless talented singers and musicians. The individuals highlighted here are just a few of the many artists who share their skills and passion with audiences worldwide.
