Collaborative Tour Project – The Banff Centre and Prairie Debut

The Banff Centre brings Chopin, Vivaldi to Alberta

Presented as part of the Alberta Autumn Tour 2008

2008 Banff Tour posterThis fall, alumni musicians of The Banff Centre will bring a program of classical music to towns throughout the province.

In an inaugural partnership between the classical music touring organization Prairie Debut and The Banff Centre, locally presented by the Alberta community presenters, the tour will host emerging Canadian artists for informal concerts at venues across the province. The select 12-piece chamber ensemble will present a program that includes Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and an arrangement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.1, with soloist Yuval Fichman.

“For 75 years The Banff Centre has been a home for artistic creativity,” says Barry Shiffman, director of music programs at the Centre. “This fall, we share the riches of some of our most talented young alumni in concerts across Alberta. These musicians bring an energy and enthusiasm to their art that is inspiring to witness. Mark your calendars – this tour should not be missed.”

A graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, soloist Yuval Fichman has performed with all of the major orchestras in Canada, including a role as guest soloist with the Montreal Symphony on its 50th anniversary European tour, and with the Vancouver Symphony on a tour of Japan. He has performed at venues around the world, including the Kennedy Centre in Washington, London’s Wigmore Hall, and the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto.

Prairie Debut is an inter-provincial touring network with a mandate to create opportunities for the presentation of professional classical and world music in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

“The history of Prairie Debut has been the promotion and celebration of Canadian artists and their artistic creation,” says Lynne Bailey, executive director of Prairie Debut. “The Banff Centre exemplifies this value and in their 75-year history, has continued to develop artists, both Canadian and international, of the highest artistic calibre. Prairie Debut is honoured to collaborate with The Banff Centre on this 75th Anniversary Alberta tour.”

Tour Performance Schedule

Thursday, September 25/08 – Okotoks, AB
Full Length Concert presented by the Town of Okotoks in the Rotary Performing Arts Centre Hall
2 school shows in the Okotoks Elementary and Highschool

Saturday, September 27/08 – Spruce Grove, AB
Full Length Concert presented by Horizon Stage in St. Augustine’s Parkland Anglican Church

Sunday, September 28/08 – Edson, AB
Presented by Chautaqua Edson Art Council in the Red Brick Cultural Centre
1 School show in Red Brick Cultural Centre on Monday, September 29/09

Tuesday, September 30/08 – Spruce Grove, AB
2 School shows presented by Horizon Stage in Greystone Middle School

Wednesday, October 1/08 – Fort Saskatchewan, AB
2 School Shows Presented by City of Fort Saskatchewan in Shell Theatre, Dow Centennial Centre

Thursday, October 2/08 – Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Full Length Concert presented by City of Fort Saskatchewan in Shell Theatre, Dow Centennial Centre

Saturday, October 4/08 – Fort McMurray, AB
Full Length Concert presented by Keyano Theatre in Keyano Theatre

Monday, October 6/08 – Fort McMurray, AB
2 School Shows presented by Keyano Theatre in Keyano Theatre

Wednesday, October 8/08 – Lloydminster, AB
2 School Shows presented by Vic Juba Community Theatre in Vic Juba Community Theatre

Thursday, Oct 9/08 – Lloydminster, SB
1 School Show presented by Vic Juba Community Theatre in Vic Juba Community Theatre

Friday, Oct 10/08 – Lloydminster, SB
Full length concert presented by Vic Juba Community Theatre in Vic Juba Community Theatre