In the “I want to make a donation to” section, please choose the BIIMA Creativity, Composition and Improv Retreat Scholarship fund: Donation.
Awakening Dreams
June 8, 2025 | 7:00 PM Eastern
213 Melrose Avenue Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E8
Experience an unforgettable evening of music that transcends boundaries and redefines artistic expression—featuring the soaring soprano, and deeply expressive artistry of Maghan McPhee, alongside the evocative, genre-defying compositions of visionary cellist and composer Margaret Maria.

This isn’t just a concert. It’s a movement.
Co-hosted by Music @ Melrose, this special event supports BIIMA—the Breno Italy International Music Academy, nestled in the breathtaking Italian Alps. BIIMA has become a sanctuary for musicians seeking to reclaim their authentic artistic voice.
At BIIMA, artistry is not taught—it is awakened. Here, performers and composers are guided beyond the constraints of traditional institutions and into a space where expression is unfiltered, creativity is sovereign, and confidence is cultivated from the inside out.
This is where opera meets innovation. Alongside its intensive vocal training, BIIMA now features a groundbreaking composition program—a haven for creators who long to write music that speaks their truth without conforming to industry expectations.
Adding to the evening’s resonance, the concert will also showcase past and future BIIMA participants, offering a glimpse into the powerful ripple effect this academy continues to create within the music world.
Together, these programs offer more than technical refinement. They offer a soul revival—an opportunity for musicians to dismantle limiting beliefs and rise into their full, unbridled potential.
Through this evening of evocative song and immersive soundscapes, you’re not just witnessing brilliance. You’re funding transformation.
Your presence supports young, visionary composers and performers who are choosing freedom over fear, and authenticity over approval. Every note you hear will echo with the dreams you help make possible.
Expect music like you’ve never heard. Expect stories that stir your soul. Expect to leave changed.
🎟 Reserve your place in this unforgettable evening—and play your part in shaping the future of music
Purchase ticket“I’ve been able to unleash my creativity… I feel like I learned so much. Just being here [in Breno] is great for the creative spirit! This opportunity has been, I’d say, life-changing…” – Eliot (2024)
