The íchos Collective is a women-led group of musicians creating visionary genre-blending concert experiences to bring diverse communities together. We address stereotypes and inequity in the music industry and work to remove obstacles to access in the performings arts.
We are all active self-employed orchestral musicians who also produce and lead ensembles and projects in the Toronto area and beyond that hire within and develop the classical music art form. We are also mothers and innovators, looking to support each other where support is often lacking in the industry. We share administrative roles and rotate lead and support roles as projects, grants, and time require.
Jaye Marsh, flutes (acoustic and electrified)
Recording artist, principal flutist of the Peterborough Symphony, orchestral freelancer, and event producer. Leader of the FACTOR-funded and Canada Council for the Arts supported Flute in the Wild project that takes people into Canada’s wild spaces through a flute lens. Founder of new eclectic darkwave band Aphrodite Unbound, a flute and percussion ensemble playing original songs, covers, and classical music.
Roslyn Black, french horn
Recording artist, performer, educator, and event producer. Principal horn and Co-Artistic Director of Euphonia Toronto and adjunct music faculty at Upper Canada College and Havergal College. Prior positions include fellow of the New World Symphony, acting assistant-principal horn of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, principal horn of Opéra Comique of Paris.
Carla Perotta-Pyrgos, clarinet
Recording artist, educator, and sought-after clinician. Principal clarinet of the North Bay Symphony, member of the Licorice Allsorts Clarinet Quartet and music faculty at Hillfield Strathallan College. Heard on many recordings from Lucid Artists, Somerset Entertainment and Atomic Groove Productions.
Olivia Esther, french horn
Multi-genre horn player, producer, faculty member at The Royal Conservatory of Music, and the Symphonic Services Business Representative for the Toronto Musician’s Association. Latest projects include a solo horn recording and collaboration with CBC producer emeritus and composer, David Jaeger, the festive quartet Holiday Horns, and community outreach with the horn ensemble, Sonic Horn Revolution. Leads leads the world music/ jazz group, the Olivia Esther Quintet.
Dawn Ellis Mobbs, educator and flutist
Director of Programs at MusicCare by Room 217 and an active flute performer, Dawn is an educational powerhouse. From cross-country cross-cultural projects answering Truth and Reconciliation to developing the top integrated arts program for a new arts high school, Dawn is a recognized leader in culture and education.