past seasons

Armed with a clarinet, a piano and their personable stage presence, Kornel Wolak and Chris Donnelly present a remarkable blend of classical and jazz music rarely heard in live performance.

Two of the West Coast’s exceptional musicians, harpist Heidi Krutzen and cellist Ariel Barnes, have formed Couloir, a new and unexpected duo dedicated to collaboration with Canada’s leading composers, performing modern art music at the highest level of excellence, and presenting engaging new music concerts in non-traditional settings.

With three first prize wins at the International Accordion Competition to his credit, Alexander Sevastian truly commanded the world’s attention as one of the best.

Canadian musicians Sharon Wei and Angela Park have captivated audiences around the world through their unique interpretations of the viola and piano repertoire from Bach to new creations. 

Awarded a MARTY for “Best Emerging Performing Arts Group – 2009” by the Mississauga (ON) Arts Council, TorQ was formed in 2004 by four young, enthusiastic Toronto-area percussionists looking to add new energy to percussion repertoire and performance

Soprano Martha Guth has been acclaimed for her “’thrilling top range, rare breath control and an awesome legato. Singing along with Baritone Tyler Duncan, with “that rare mixture of elegant phrasing and resonant power’, and Erika Switzer, pianist, widely known for her brilliant, expressive, and technically confident playing.

Not very often do two young and celebrated concert pianists get together on stage on a regular basis and build an extensive repertoire. They have performed together on many of the world’s most prestigious platforms.

“Passion” is a word that applies to the latest work by Jorge Miguel, to the music and to his commitment to explore the roots of the tradition and to find within that depth the seeds of new possibilities for the ancient art of Flamenco.

The Schumann Letters is a concert format performance presenting some of the most beautiful piano and vocal music of Robert Schumann. It is exquisitely narrated through a spectacular story of his life and love for Clara Wieck and his personal triumphs and tragedies.

Comprised of four highly accomplished musicians, bound by their shared passion for the tango and driven by an unceasing desire to make a close connection with their audience, Quartango offers a performance filled with subtle nuances and a blend of colors that reflects both the classics and modernity and the effervescence of the milonga.

Violinist Jean-Sébastien Roy was laureate of the Prix d’Europe 2006 and winner of the Prix Joseph Rouleau at the Concours International de Musique de Montreal in 2003 and 2006. Canadian pianist Mathieu Gaudet has established himself in the musical world for his passionate interpretations and virtuoso technique.

Canada’s leading young saxophonist, Allen Harrington, teaches saxophone, bassoon, and chamber music at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Music. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Winnipeg-born pianist David Moroz enjoys a career as one of Canada’s most versatile artists.

Founded by Francis Colpron in 1991, Les Boréades de Montréal focuses on early music. The ensemble has chosen an interpretative approach in keeping with the spirit of the Baroque era, by adhering to the rules of performance practice of the past and playing on period instruments.

In the fall of 2008 alumni musicians of The Banff Centre brought a program of classical music to towns throughout the province.

Bellows & Brass is a trio comprised of three of Canada’s most successful soloists. They make music that is challenging, pleasing and above all-fun. Their concerts have been described as “vividly emotional … passionate … a revelation.”

Canadian percussionist Anne-Julie Caron is recognized by the greatest masters of her field as one of the most remarkable talents of her generation. Mainly recognized as a marimbist, Miss Caron’s rapidly blooming career as an orchestral soloist, chamber musician and recitalist is causing her to be sought after both in Canada and abroad. Akiko Tominaga has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Her solo and chamber performances have been broadcast on Radio-Canada and Akiko’s most recent project, the Goldberg Variations by J.S. Bach, was recorded by the Université de Montréal. An avid chamber musician, she has taken part in numerous collaborations with instrumentalists and vocalists.

Whether in recital or opera, soprano Sophie Bouffard is recognized for her great expressivity, her rich and vibrant voice, and her ability to captivate audiences. Pianist David L. McIntyre is well known throughout North America as a composer and collaborator with singers and instrumentalists.

Laureate of the 2003 Honens International Piano Competition and winner of France’s 2002 Concours International de Piano 20e siècle d’Orléans, Canadian pianist Winston Choi is an inquisitive performer whose fresh approach to standard repertory, and masterful understanding, performance and commitment to works by living composers, make him one of today’s most dynamic young concert artists.

Described by the CBC as “the hottest guitar ensemble in Canada”, the MG3 has quickly established itself as a force of rejuvenation and cross-pollenization between various musical forms. Marrying passionate virtuosity with a stealthy sense of humour, guitarists charm the ears and captured the hearts of their ever-expanding audiences.

Prairie Debut is pleased to announce that for this 10th Anniversary Celebration Tour, the Gryphon Trio is joined by PD’s alumnus Barry Shiffman, former member of the St. Lawrence String Quartet who will be taking the position of Director of Music Programs for The Banff Centre.

One of the most captivating young artists of her generation, cellist Denise Djokic has thrilled audiences and critics worldwide with the passion, vigour, and sensitivity of her playing. Pianist David Jalbert is one of the most firebrand talents of the new generation. With his personal style, incomparable stage presence and refined ear, he has convinced audiences and critics everywhere.

Audiences everywhere are energized by Fubuki Daiko’s high-powered style of Japanese drumming.

Guy Few is a virtuoso. As a powerful pianist and astonishing trumpeter, he delights his audiences with his intensity and charm. Canadian pianist, Stephanie Mara, is a collaborative pianist and coach and has performed in recital and gala presentations with many vocalists and instrumentalists in numerous festival and series performances.

Returning from Tokyo where she performed Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor with one of Japan’s most prestigious symphonies, violinist Susanne Hou is becoming a prominent performer on the international concert stage. Daniel Spiegel has won numerous competitions and awards and is completing his Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the Juilliard School.