A night of great musical talent will be on display, 7 p.m., Saturday, May 26, at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre, Pictou, as the New Glasgow Music Festival celebrates its 80th year of operation with an anniversary gala concert and reception.
The NGMF serves young musicians in Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough counties.
The concert will open and close with internationally renowned pianist, Paul Stewart, a native of Pictou County, who has established a major career as a solo and recording artist, and teacher. The critical acclaim that accompanies his work is summed up by the American Record Guide as follows: “…a pianist of breathtaking virtuosity… radiating warmth and intelligence.”
This return engagement in Pictou County will be warmly welcomed by his many friends and supporters.
Showcased between Stewart’s two appearances will be young stars who have won the Festival’s Rose Bowl, Junior Cup or have otherwise distinguished themselves musically over the past five years. These will include: Leah MacPherson and Jesse Hemmings, voice; Lucas March and Emery van de Wiel, woodwind; Luke Henderson, brass; Allison (Stewart) Ernst, violin; Josee Champoux and the duo, Deanna Mann and William Daley, musical theatre; the North Nova Education Centre Jazz Choir, Janice Durning director; and the NNEC Jazz Combo, Ian Grant director.
There will be special recognitions given out as well. Doris Hiltz and Ralph Fraser will be recognized as having been at the first concert 80 years ago and for making and sharing their music ever since.
There will also be three honourees each accompanied by a special musical tribute. The Unsung Hero Award will be presented to Emma Campbell and she will be honoured with three outstanding beginning performers sharing their work: Anthony Vatour (fiddle), James Lawrence (piano) and Lainey Cummings (folk song). Marilyn Carruthers will receive the Outstanding NGMF Volunteer Award with the well-known Higgs Family singing ABBA’s “Thank You for the Music.” The Durning/Alcorn Family will join forces to serenade George Durning with his own arrangement of “Wild Mountain Thyme” as he receives the Outstanding Service to Music Award.
During the intermission there will be two things happening. In the foyer of the deCoste Centre a reception will be held, while in the auditorium a series of short video clips will be shared from a variety of young musicians who came through the New Glasgow Music Festival and are now making their mark in the world of music both across Canada, in the U.S., and in Paris and Italy.
Tickets for this concert are available at the deCoste Centre box office, online at decostecentre.ca or 902-485-8848. Adults: $17, Seniors $14; Students $7.
