Karen Donnelly

Karen Donnelly was unanimously appointed Principal Trumpet of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra in October 1999, following three successful seasons (1996–1999) as acting principal trumpet and continues to enjoy each year with this wonderful ensemble.  

Before joining the NAC Orchestra, Karen was a freelancer in Montreal, where she performed with most ensembles in the area, including the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. Karen was the principal trumpet with Orchestra London (Canada) from 1994–1996. Karen has been guest principal trumpet with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Les Violons du Roy, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and currently enjoys playing Associate Principal Trumpet with the Sun Valley Music Festival Orchestra.   

Karen has been a featured soloist with many professional and community-based groups. These include the NAC Orchestra, Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra, the Kingston Symphony, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra London, the McGill Symphony Orchestra, Hannaford Silver Street Band, the National Honour Band of Canada, Parkdale Orchestra, the University of Regina Wind Ensemble, and many high school bands in the region.  

In 2019, Karen spearheaded a new initiative, the Canadian Women’s Brass Collective, to shine a light on female brass players and provide visibility and mentoring for all students.  

Music education has always been very close to Karen’s heart. Her work with the True North Brass Quintet creates opportunities for educational concerts and workshops in schools. Through the NAC’s learning and engagement programs, Karen has given masterclasses in Switzerland, Mexico, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Canada. 

Karen joined the teaching staff at the University of Ottawa in 2002, and since 2009, she has been the brass advisor for the OrKidstra program. 

Karen studied at the University of Regina and McGill University, where she completed a Master of Music. She wouldn’t be a musician, however, without her school band program in her hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan.