Music

We are an auditioned mixed voice choir, based in Calgary (thefestivalchorus.com). The artistic vision of The Festival Chorus is to provide as wide a variety of classical choral repertoire through a balanced performing season, in order to enhance our Calgary audience's appreciation of choral artistry. The performance of live choral music is as essential a strand in the artistic fabric of a community as great literature, stirring theatre, or compelling visual arts expression. The Festival Chorus seeks to honour this commitment as one of Calgary's established and continuous performing groups, with an historic 65+ years presence. Our performances currently include a much-loved holiday concert in December, a concert in early spring where we explore a variety of music, and a concert in late spring where we present a major choral work or works. 

Major responsibilities include:

• Providing artistic direction to the Chorus including deciding on appropriate musical pieces for the Chorus to perform based on the venue and occasion, chorister ability and growth.
• Determining vocal requirements of the Chorus and establishing screening criteria for membership
• Building up the Chorus and enhancing membership through outreach and recruitment efforts
• Setting and conducting weekly Chorus rehearsals September through April/MayRehearsals are currently held Tuesday evenings at the Jack Singer Rehearsal Hall, Arts Commons
• Planning and organizing extra vocal workshops as needed including selecting and arranging for clinicians
• Attending Board meetings September through May as an Ex officio Member; planning, budgeting, and recommending an annual performance plan to the Board. Some availability for board meetings June and August is required
• Working with elected and appointed officers; and communications/website contractors in organizing and promoting performances
• Selecting and arranging for accompaniment, including orchestral accompaniment for performances; selecting and arranging soloists to perform with the Chorus as required
• Sourcing musical scores required to enable planned programs
• Researching and writing artistic descriptive messages for concert advertising and programs, mail outs, Chorus communication, concert programs and grant applications
• Representing and promoting the Chorus within the local arts and choral community as well as in social and traditional media

Qualifications include a degree in music with expertise in choral training and orchestralconducting; at least five years’ related experience; membership in the Calgary Musicians Association – Local 547, A.F. of M or willingness to join; and superior communication skills. Established connections in the Calgary choral community an asset.

Apply with resume, cover letter, and a sample program which you have designed to president@thefestivalchorus.com and/or denycel@live.com. 

Deadline is April 21, 2025.

Make a difference to the arts in Western Canada!

Prairie Debut is seeking Albertan community members interested in the arts, with experience in the areas of fundraising, marketing, governance, and community development.

As a member of the Prairie Debut Board, you are expected to:

• prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings that are approximately two hours long
• attend the Annual General Meeting
• be an active member of at least one Board committee
• and serve for a two-year term, renewable up to three times

Our mission

Developing appreciation, education, and support for music and artists in Prairie and territory communities of all sizes, especially those outside the larger urban centres.

Our vision

Transformative musical experiences illuminates what it means to be human.

HOW TO APPLY
Submit an expression of interest to pyeh@prairiedebut.com, detailing:

• why you are interested in joining the Board of Directors
• your connection to the arts and creativity in the Prairie region
• as well as how your background and experience could best support the work and potential growth of Prairie Debut

Please include a CV, and two personal references that may be contacted later following a potential interview with the Nominating Committee.

Application Deadline: March 31, 2025

Professionals by day, soloists by night.

Saturday April 12

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Les Amateurs Virtuoses Piano Festival makes its highly anticipated North American debut! In collaboration with Les Amateurs Virtuoses and the Calgary Civic Symphony, this event brings together some of the most extraordinary amateur pianists for a concert like no other.

These international competition-winning artists have pursued successful careers outside of music performance, yet they continue to perform at the highest level, proving that passion and talent know no boundaries.

This event presents a unique opportunity to get to know these artists at an artistic level, as well as a human level. Performances by the pianists will be interspersed with intimate conversations with an illustrious panel of renowned moderators from education and the arts. Dive deep into their inspiring stories, explore their unique double lives, and hear firsthand how they balance the pursuit of excellence in both music and their non-musical careers.

This is more than just a concert – it’s an opportunity for dialogue, inspiration, and connection. Whether you’re a student curious about blending your passions, an aspiring musician seeking to follow your dreams while juggling other pursuits, or simply a lover of beautiful music, this event is not to be missed! 

Proceeds from this concert will be used to support scholarships and bursaries for Conservatory students.

Featured pianists:

• Marie-Agathe Charpagne – France / USA
• Julien Kurtz – France
• Masanori Murakami - Japan
• Paul Anthony Romero – USA
• Lachlin McKinnon – Calgary
• Christopher Shih – USA
• Thomas Yu – Calgary

Tickets: $30 (general) / $15 (students) plus fees, and are available through tickets.mru.ca or at the door.

Bring your music to the Canadian Prairies! For over 20 years, Prairie Debut has helped some of Canada’s finest classical musicians build their careers through touring opportunities.
Both established and emerging artists are invited to apply.

Prairie Debut touring artists have the opportunity to:

•  travel to locations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
• develop and present a full-length concert program
• round out their experience and build relationships through school concerts, masterclasses, workshops, and community performances.

Applications close March 28, 2025. Visit prairiedebut.com to learn more.