

Catherine
Motuz
Trombone
Roots
Ottawa, Canada
Studies
I studied at McGill University and graduated with a B. Mus. in trombone and composition, then graduated with an M. Mus. in Early Music (Dominique Lortie) before studying at the Schola Cantorum (Charles Toet) from 2004 to 2007.
Professional
I am a freelance historical trombonist and teach at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. I am also a scholar, conducting research on ideas of expression in the 1500s and historical improvisational pedagogy.
Why
I was very shy in my childhood, and singing in the choir and playing in the band helped me discover important ways to connect with others.
Elective Affinities
I grew up canoeing on the lakes and rivers of Canada and now enjoy kayaking on the ocean – bringing me back to my roots, but with a new sense of adventure.
One more thing
If I had to pick a defining CD, it would be “Spring Any Day Now” and other Concerto Caledonia recordings that have taught me that as a musician:in, above all, you must learn to listen.
What other question would you ask yourself?
Why early music? While studying to be a modern musician and composer, I became interested in the creative collaboration between performer:s and composer:s and the blurring of the lines between their roles. In early music, this creative collaboration happens naturally and sympathetically: The composer works out ideas, but then gives the performer the freedom and responsibility to transform them into sound.
La Margarite 2022 March
Reopening Gaffurius’ Libroni 2022 January
Canziones para menestriles 2021 September
2025
February
La Contenance françoise
A cappella in Binchois' timeBarfüsserkirche
Historical Museum Basel
March
Daheim bei Milán & Galilei
Lute parcours IIHaus zum Kirschgarten
Historiscal Museum Basel
April
A Company of Violins
Birth of a new instrument familyBarfüsserkirche
Historical Museum Basel
September
Festival 2025 «ARCADIA»
2. ReRenaissance FestivalBasel, Martinskirche