Touring classical and world music since 1997
The only organization of its kind in Western Canada, Prairie Debut links the best Canadian classical and global music artists to over 80 communities. Most are rural and outside of the larger centres in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon.
Cultivating excellence in Canadian classical music performance
Prairie Debut’s reputation for presenting artists with a high level of excellence is well established. Each year, we receive over 80 applications from Canadian artists eager to tour through Western Canada. An independent artistic advisory panel selects four artists or ensembles who will tour the following season. Prairie Debut plans, develops and financially supports tours of between 30 to 40 concerts per year, and pays appropriate fees to the artists in recognition of their high artistic standard. Community presenters across the Prairies and Yukon have the opportunity to feature these artists in concert, at a subsidized fee which makes the concerts affordable for smaller communities. Artists also engage in school performances, workshops, masterclasses and community outreach activities.
MANDATE
To strengthen opportunities for the presentation of professional classical and world music in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
Prairie Debut map of locations
In 20+ years of performance, we have touched diverse communities and established relationships with community partners and presenters across Western Canada. Prairie Debut has forged partnerships with presenters across Canada, and is honoured to work with the countless numbers of amazing people who take it upon themselves to bring great music to their own communities.
ALBERTA
Airdrie
Banff
Barrhead
Blackfalds
Bragg Creek
Brooks
Calgary
Camrose
Canmore
Cayley
Consort
Cold Lake
Drayton Valley
Edson
Fort McMurray
Fort Saskatchewan
Grand Prairie
High River
Lacombe
Leduc
Lethbridge
Lloydminster
Morinville
Okotoks
Olds
Red Deer
Rimbey
Sherwood Park
Spruce Grove
St. Albert
Stettler
Strathmore
Vermillion
Wainwright
Westlock
BRITISH
COLUMBIA
Chilliwack
Creston
Golden
New Westminster
Vancouver
MANITOBA
Altona
Brandon
Carberry
Carman
FlinFlon
Gladstone
Hamiota
Holland
Killarney
Minnedosa
Morden
Oakbank
Pinawa
Portage la Prairie
Shoal Lake
Snow Lake
Souris
St. Jean Baptiste
Steinbach
Strathclair
The Pas
Thompson
Virden
Winkler
Winnipeg
NORTHWEST
TERRITORIES
Yellowknife
ONTARIO
Kenora
SASKATCHEWAN
Assiniboia
Biggar
Canora
Estevan
Hudson Bay
Indian Head
Kindersley
Kipling
La Ronge
Leader
Luseland
Melfort
Melville
Moose Jaw
Moosomin
Nipawin
Outlook
Prince Albert
Quill Plains
Ravenscrag
Redvers
Regina
Rosthern
Saskatoon
Shaunavon
Swift Current
Theodore
Tisdale
Unity
Watrous
Weyburn
Wynyard
Yorkton
YUKON TERRITORY
Dawson City
Haines Junction
Whitehorse
BOARD & ADMINISTRATION
Chair | Andrea Davison
Director, Artistic + Education
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Past Chair | Kevin Korchinski
Executive Director, Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, Regina SK
Treasurer | Malcolm McKay
Calgary AB
Board Member | Jane Ireland
Consultant, Manitoba Arts Network
Board Member | Andrew Kwan
Director, Andrew Kwan Artists Management, Toronto ON
Board Member | Theresa Lewis
Calgary AB
Board Member | Kali Weber
General Manager, Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts
Executive Director | Po Yeh
““It was indeed a unique educational opportunity to have had these very talented musicians come perform for us, and then follow up their intimate performance with an hour-long workshop. I was impressed with the performers’ ability to immediately connect with our students. Their passion for the saxophone, the quartet and the literature was evident to everyone. They were inspiring and I can truthfully say we were honoured to have hosted such a special event….”
Herb Froese | Senator Riley Middle School | HIGH RIVER AB
Our GOALS
- To encourage community presenters to strive for artistic excellence in the presentation of professional classical and world music
- To strengthen the interprovincial relationship of community presenters
- To support existing independent provincial touring networks
- To contribute to the career development of professional Canadian classical and Canadian world music artists by creating touring opportunities
- To contribute to audience development in the selection and presentation of professional Canadian classical and Canadian world music artists in Western Canada