Jully Black returns to Laurier for concert with Penderecki String Quartet

Oct. 27, 2026
For Immediate Release

Canadian R&B icon and multiple JUNO Award-winning artist Jully Black will return to Wilfrid Laurier University on Nov. 8 for a special concert with the internationally acclaimed Penderecki String Quartet and students from Laurier’s Faculty of Music.

The performance marks Black’s return to campus just five months after she received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Laurier in June, recognizing her contributions to Canadian music, cultural leadership and community advocacy.

“Welcoming Jully Black back to Laurier is particularly meaningful following the honorary degree she received earlier this year,” said Kimberly Barber, interim dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Music. “Jully is an extraordinary artist whose career reflects the power of music to connect, inspire and create change. We’re thrilled to bring her artistry to our community and to provide our students with the opportunity to perform alongside musicians of this calibre.”

Known as Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul, Black has built a career spanning more than three decades. A platinum-selling recording artist and inductee into Canada’s Walk of Fame, she has collaborated with artists including Nas and Destiny’s Child and shared the stage with Alicia Keys, Elton John and Céline Dion. CBC Music has recognized her as one of the 25 greatest Canadian singers of all time.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured that Laurier has embraced my vision of going beyond receiving an Honorary Doctor of Music to collaborating with its gifted students,” said Black. “Together with my band, these talented vocalists, musicians and arrangers will bring fresh life to my classics in ways never heard before.”

The concert brings together Black’s powerful vocals with the Penderecki String Quartet, Laurier’s internationally renowned string quartet-in-residence. For more than 30 years, the quartet has been central to the university’s string and chamber music programs, bringing international performance experience and artistic mentorship to generations of students.

Laurier music students will also take part in the evening’s performances, offering an opportunity to share the stage with established professional artists.

“November 8 marks my 49th birthday, and as I journey toward 50, I’m challenging myself to do 50 things I’ve never done before,” said Black. “What better way to begin! Expect an unforgettable evening of music, stories, laughter, tears of joy, healing and connection. My birthday gift to everyone attending is an experience that leaves hearts full, spirits lifted and souls inspired.”

The performance takes place Sunday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Theatre Auditorium at Laurier’s Savvas Chamberlain Music Building, 75 University Ave. W., Waterloo.

Tickets are $40 for general admission and $5 for students, including high school and post-secondary students and youth under 18.

Tickets can be purchased in advance through Eventbrite or at the door, subject to availability.

For information about parking, accessibility and attending the performance, visit Laurier’s Theatre Visitors’ Guide.