An inaugural partnership between The Banff Centre and the classical music touring organization Prairie Debut, the Alberta Autumn Tour 2008 will host emerging Canadian artists for informal concerts of classical music at venues around 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.”
- Thursday, September 25, 8:00 p.m., Rotary Performing Arts Centre, Okotoks, locally presented by the Town of Okotoks
- Saturday, September 27, 7:30 p.m., St. Augustine’s Parkland Anglican Church, Spruce Grove, locally presented by Horizon Stage
- Sunday, September 28, 7:00 p.m., Red Brick Cultural Centre, Edson, locally presented by Chautaqua Edson Arts Council,
- Thursday, October 2, 7:30 p.m., Dow Centennial Centre’s Shell Theatre, Fort Saskatchewan, locally presented by the City of Fort Saskatchewan
- Saturday, October 4, 8:00 p.m., Keyano Theatre, Fort McMurray, locally presented by Keyano Theatre
- Friday, October 10, 8:00 p.m., Vic Juba Community Theater, Lloydminster, locally presented by Vic Juba Community Theatre,