Old Dog New Tricks
Tony Dowswell
2019
A lifetime in strings.
For over forty years Barbara Armstrong has made her life in music, as a concert cellist, an orchestral player, a teacher, and now a string instrument dealer. The knowledge behind every instrument she sells and every lesson she gives comes from a career spent at the highest level of the instrument.
From the concert stage to the studio
Cellist Barbara Armstrong was born in Australia and began to study cello at the age of 11 in Regina, Saskatchewan. After receiving a Bachelor of Music in cello performance, she played professionally with the Regina, Saskatoon, Windsor, London, and Canadian Opera orchestras and The International Symphony Orchestra of Sarnia–Port Huron. She held the position of principal cello with the International Symphony Orchestra from 1982 to 2022.
Her teachers have included Raymond Hoffman (Regina), Daniel Domb (Toronto), Malcolm Tait (Toronto), and Professor Herzbruch (Musikhochschule in Cologne, Germany).
Barbara is a retired principal from the Catholic School System in Sarnia and maintains a private teaching studio. She has appeared as a soloist with the International Symphony on numerous occasions as well as in many solo recitals. Barbara has been part of various chamber groups and arranges duets, trios and quartets upon request.
Education & training
Bachelor of Music
Cello Performance.
Bachelor of Education
The teaching foundation behind her studio.
Musikhochschule Köln
Studied at the conservatory in Cologne, Germany.
Orchestras & ensembles
Principal cellist with the International Symphony Orchestra from 1982 to 2022, and a performer with many of Canada's leading orchestras, including:
International Symphony Orchestra
Sarnia–Port Huron · Principal cello, 1982–2022
Canadian Opera Orchestra
Toronto
Regina Symphony Orchestra
Regina
Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
Saskatoon
Windsor Symphony Orchestra
Windsor
Orchestra London
London
Freelance & chamber
Across Canada, including Vivace
The Anne Lauber Cello Concerto
A recording of Barbara performing the Anne Lauber Cello Concerto, a highlight of her concert career and a testament to the depth of musicianship she brings to every aspect of her work.
Recordings Barbara has played on
A selection of albums Barbara has contributed to as an orchestral and session cellist across her career.
It's Not Me
You Are The Storm, Adam Coe
2016 · DNA Music Studio
Field of Dreams
Marinol Nation
2015 · DNA Studio
Echos of the Atmosphere
Hello Bella
2011 · DNA Music Studio
Run for Cover
3rd Wave
2010 · DNA Music Studio
Ever Ours
The Treeking Crees
2009 · Doom & Gloom Media
Miss Gnomer
Celtic Offspring
2000 · MixAudio Studio
Paintings by Peg Kivi
Painting by Peg Kivi
The hero painting on the home page is by Peg Kivi, a visual artist whose work complements the warmth and craft of Barbara Armstrong Music. Visit pegkivi.com to see more of her work.