Hamilton concerts at:
 The First Unitarian Church
170 Dundurn St S, Hamilton ON, L8P4K3

General admission
Church doors open 45 min before concerts
Free parking, wheelchair accessible

www.5atthefirst.com
5atthefirst@gmail.com
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​Founded in 2010 by Michele Corbeil and Rachel Mercer, 5 at the First Chamber Music Series was created to bring music, musicians and the community together in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The opening season included musicians from Canada alongside guests from Germany, Israel and Mexico, string, wind and piano players, and music from all over the world including one world premiere Canadian composition. The comfortable and inviting venue with a Steinway grand piano (thanks to June Caskey) has proven to be a perfect setting for the audience to enjoy the sounds and meet eachother and the performers. Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, and a host of wonderful volunteers.

OUR AUDIENCE SAYS....

"such a gift to the community"

"awesome musicianship"

"I always go home carrying lovely memories"

"wonderful music - may the series continue!"

​Michele Corbeil, Executive Director

As our season begins, first and foremost, thank you to the many people and businesses who have supported our series, the 5 at the First Chamber Music Series, over the past years and who have made it possible for us to bring to the stage, and to Hamilton, gorgeous, life-giving music in an intimate, beautiful and peaceful setting. Your support has made this a reality and we offer our thanks, our gratitude and our commitment to bring five, plus a benefit concert, to you, our audience.
Our dream to create an inter-generational, family-friendly community of music lovers, the young and the young at heart, the absolute beginner and the seasoned professional, and the curious and the certain - experiencing a shared love of life-giving, life-changing music, is alive and thriving and we are delighted to welcome you to 5 at the First. See you at the music!

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Rachel Mercer, Artistic Director

Michele and I were completely thrilled with the response and reaction of the Hamilton community to the series. We could not have hoped for so much support and good will in our opening season and we will strive to continue to bring you the most beautiful music, the most wonderful musicians and the most interesting combinations of both that we can find! Our concerts include some of the greatest chamber repertoire, some more new and challenging, and some world music and non-classical to mix it up a little. We have featured some fantastic musicians who just happen to have grown up nearby, and our amazing musicians perform all over the world so we are very lucky to have snagged them for our series. Thank you again to all of our volunteers and supporters, and especially you, the audience! We hope you enjoy the music as much as we do!

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With heartfelt thanks to...

Bill Mercer Geological Consulting for ongoing season support 

Special thanks to June Caskey for the use of her Steinway grand piano

The Ontario Arts Council for support of the world premiere of "Crossings" for cello and piano by Abigail Richardson-Schulte in the 2010 series, plus seasons 5-7.

Our sponsors over the years

Bill Mercer Geological Consulting
​Carlos Markyna & June Caskey-Markyna
Daphne Payne
Diane Hinshelwood
Doreen Knol
François and Katherine Verschaeve
Illumination Coaching - Gail Rappolt
Kamran Inc. - Uri & Gisela Wittenberg
Marilyn Waters
Pat and Roy Dickinson
The June Caskey School of Music - June Caskey

Our donors

Anita Peng
Carlene Mercer
Michele Corbeil
Yehonatan Berick
Gail Rappolt

Our volunteers

Angel Polisena
Bailey Duff
Carlene Mercer
Cindy Carey
Crystal Sue Broussseau
Daphne Payne
David Corbeil
Diane Hinshelwood
Donna Yates
Doreen Knol
Gail Rappolt
Josh McIntyre
Judith Caldwell
Kate Drinan
Marilyn Waters
Mary Ann Forbes
Mary Scott
Monica Bennett
Pat and Roy Dickinson
Steve Johnston

June Caskey's piano is tuned by Ross Johnson.

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