Talent Trust Artist Spotlight Radio with Gina Burgess and Marcel d'Entremont Aug 1, 2019.

Tune in for the 4th edition of the Talent Trust Artist Spotlight.

Every first Thursday of the month with your host, past scholarship recipient, current board member, and singer, songwriter Breagh MacKinnon. 

August 1, 1 p.m. on 97.5 CIOE Community Radio

About the Artists

Violinist Gina Burgess is an accomplished performer, visual artist and teacher. A four-time ECMA award winner with the gypsy-jazz outfit Gypsophilia, she fronts her own klezmer band Der Heisser, is one fifth of the Juno nominated Iqaluit-based Arctic rock band The Jerry Cans and is a regular collaborator in flamenco and Arabic music ensembles.

Tenor Marcel d’Entremont, 2018-19 winner of the prestigious Wirth Vocal Prize, is a native of Nova Scotia where he graduated from Acadia University after studying with Dr. Christianne Rushton. He was the recipient of the Portia White Award, the highest achievement in voice, for the Nova Scotia Talent Trust and accepted on full scholarship to University of Toronto for a Masters of Music degree with Wendy Nielsen.

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Molly Johnson Performs Two Dance Pop Ups in Cape Breton

photo credit: Marlowe Porter

With two free performances in our ongoing Pop Up Series, Molly Johnson adds her passion for movement to the continued celebrations of the NSTT’s 75th Anniversary.

Wednesday, July 31, 2:00 p.m.

James McConnell 

Memorial Library
50 Falmouth Street, Sydney

Friday, August 2, 

5:00 p.m.

Baddeck Public Library
520 Chebucto Street, Baddeck

“I don't even remember there being a moment where I said: "I'm going to be a dancer" - it was just what I knew I would be and my parents championed that choice, despite money being tight, despite there being no arts programs at my school or training within my community. When I started to dream big and travel beyond the borders of the island, the Talent Trust helped my parents get me there.” 

Thank you to the CB Regional Library especially Chris Thomson and staff in Sydney and Kate Oland and staff in Baddeck for hosting the events.

Molly Johnson Biography

Born and raised in Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Molly Johnson creates body-based performance projects and texts that investigate connection through the universal and familiar on themes of how to be. Molly has had residencies at Toronto Dance Theatre, Lake Studios and Schillerpromenade 37 (Berlin), presented her work at hub14 (Toronto) and Kinetic Studio (Halifax), and curated League of Explorers, a series of travel photo slide nights in residence at hub14. A Dora-Award winning dance artist, Molly has interpreted the work of such brilliant women as Nova Bhattacharya, Susie Burpee, Tina Fushell, Sharon Moore, Sabina Perry, Julia Sasso, and Heidi Strauss. She has spent a decade of summers performing in public spaces with Dusk Dances and was a key collaborator with Marie France Forcier/Forcier Stage Works from 2007 to 2016. Based in Toronto, Molly has also danced for Montréal’s Le Carré des Lombes, performing the work of Danièle Desnoyers across Canada and internationally on an ongoing basis since 2010. A 2013 Finalist for the Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award, Molly travels by herself often and is a freelance writer in the space between. 

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In 2019, the Talent Trust is celebrating its 75th  anniversary featuring former scholarship recipients with a travelling art exhibition, pop-up events in theatre, music, and dance, film screenings and more.

The 75th anniversary activities are supported by the province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality, The Craig Foundation, Canadian Federation of Musicians, and Margaret and David Fountain. 

Mimisu Lee Featured in Symphony Nova Scotia's Summer Symphony.

Past recipient and horn player Mimisu Lee, joins our 75th Anniversary partner, Symphony Nova Scotia as a featured special guest in their Summer Symphony series. 

Tuesday, July 30, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, July 31, 

12:30 & 5:30 p.m.

Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library

Free and open to the public.

Mimisu Lee was the winner of the 2018 Raymond Simpson Award presented by the Talent Trust, and 2017/18 Chebucto Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, came 3rd place at the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals in 2017 and was two-time winner of the Federation of Nova Scotia Music Festivals, the Kim and Heather Conrad Brass Rose Bowl Competition, Atlantic Federation of Musicians’ Brass Award, and the “Most Outstanding Brass Performance Award” at the Kiwanis Music Festival. She has also won many first places at the Kiwanis Music Festival from 2007 to 2017. 

Mimisu has performed, with Symphony Nova Scotia Library Players, the Royal Conservatory of Music Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute at Whistler Orchestra, Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, Scotia Festival Orchestra, Dalhousie University Chamber Orchestra, Symphony and Wind Ensemble, Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble, and San Diego International Youth Orchestra. 

Biographical info from Cecilia Concerts Website.

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Come to our July Pop-Ups in Music and Dance, and a Visual Artist's Panel Discussion

Do you want to take a break once in a while and add a concert, dance performance, or visual artist panel to your summer day? We have the right combination for you. (smile) The next ten days are filled with wonderful anniversary events and all  are free and open to the public. Come on out and bring your friends and family.  Pop-up Music events with Triptych Ensemble: Talent Trust alumni Jennifer Farrell, Hilary Brown, accompanied by Lynette Wahlstrom will pop-up on Tuesday, July 23 from 12:15-1:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's United Church, Barrington Street, Halifax. Thursday, July 25 from 2:00-2:45 p.m. at Kinross Hall at Parkland at the Lakes, 122 Baker Drive in Dartmouth. We thank The Canadian Federation of Musicians for their support.  Dance Pop-Up with Molly Johnson in Cape Breton. Please join Molly on Wednesday, July 31 at 2 p.m. at the Cape Breton Regional Library in Sydney for a dance pop-up. Molly is originally from Baddeck and lives now in Toronto.  First You Dream: Celebrating 75 Years of the Talent Trust at MSVU Art Gallery till July 28, 2019. The traveling art exhibition features ten former scholarship recipients in visual arts and will be shown at MSVU Art Gallery in Halifax from May 18 - July 28, 2019 MAKING AND MENTORING:  Wednesday, July 24 at 6:00 p.m. In conjunction with First You Dream: Celebrating 75 Years of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, MSVU Art Gallery is hosting a panel discussion on the topic of mentorship with artists Lux Habrich, Dan O’Neill and Pamela Ritchie. MSVU Art Gallery Director Laura Ritchie will facilitate a conversation about the artists' experiences with mentorship and how it has influenced their respective practices and professional development. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. The show will travel to CBU Art Gallery in Sydney from August 16 - October 4, 2019 and then to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia-Western Branch in Yarmouth November 22, 2019 - May 17, 2020. We thank the province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality, The Craig Foundation, the Canadian Federation of Musicians, and Margaret and David Fountain for their generous support of our 75th anniversary year.  Tune in every first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. to CIOE-97.5FM to hear interviews with Talent Trust scholarship recipients. Host, Breagh MacKinnon will be on air with the Talent Trust Artist Spotlight again on August 1, 2019 at 1 p.m. interviewing Gina Burgess and Marcel d'Entremont. We thank Jim Robson and all the volunteers at CIOE 97.5 communityradio.ca for their generous support.  Hope to see you at one or many of the events. (smile) Take good care, Jacqueline Jacqueline Steudler, Executive Director  PS: Want to hear more? Please sign up for our newsletter. Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotia artists? Donate today! (smile) Want to hear more? Please sign up for our newsletter Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotia artists? Donate today! In 2019, the Talent Trust is celebrating its 75th  anniversary featuring former scholarship recipients with a travelling art exhibition, pop-up events in theatre, music, and dance, film screenings and more. The 75th anniversary activities are supported by the province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality, The Craig Foundation, Canadian Federation of Musicians, and Margaret and David Fountain.

Partner Focus: Symphony Nova Scotia

During our milestone year celebrating 75 years of believing in Nova Scotian talent, we take the opportunity to appreciate the organizations that work with us to provide opportunities to many of our scholarship recipients: 

Over several decades, Symphony Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Talent Trust have exemplified a symbiotic advocacy for culture, that continues to inspire intergenerational commitment and positive responses to change. Both organizations have shared in the responsibilities of nurturing meaningful artistic and community engagement.

Talent Trust recipients Jane Archibald, Barbara Hannigan, Denise Djokic, Heemin Choi, Suzanne Rigden, Breagh MacKinnon, Lukas Pearse, Karen Myatt and Suzi LeBlanc were full of potential and in search of guidance, training and recognition. It was at this crucial point that the Talent Trust Scholarship Program provided support and encouragement, like it did for over 1,000 aspiring artists of all disciplines, for the past 75 years.

Once matured into their artistry, Symphony Nova Scotia has welcomed many of these deserving artists to collaborate on stage in special concerts or as its members. Musicians like First Violinist and Assistant Concertmaster Jennifer Jones; Principal Hornist David Parker; Cellist Hilary Brown; and percussionist, teacher, and Education and Community Outreach Coordinator D’Arcy Gray all had their early beginnings with some Talent Trust help.

We’re thrilled to mark our 75th anniversary by celebrating with sister organizations like Symphony Nova Scotia, and the remarkable people who form this community.

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Triptych Ensemble Share their Music in the Talent Trust 75th Anniversary Pop Up Series.

Talent Trust alumni, Hilary Brown and Jennifer Farrell, along with Lynette Wahlstrom of the Triptych Ensemble play two concerts in celebration of the Talent Trust’s milestone year. The group and their two performances exemplify what is possible when the artistic talent, potential and skill of emerging artists are nurtured and supported. 

Tuesday, July 23, 

12:15-1:00 p.m. 

St. Matthew's United Church, 

1479 Barrington St, Halifax

Thursday, July 25, 

2:00-2:45 p.m.
Kinross Hall, 

Shannex Residence
122 Baker Drive, Dartmouth 

Both events are free and open to the public. 
As accomplished professional artists and educators, the trio is thrilled to give back to the community that nurtures them. Triptych Ensemble’s repertoire and poetry chosen for the pop-up concerts celebrates the virtues of inclusivity, diversity, excellence, determination, and resilience that always have, and continue to be, championed by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust.

Through their connections with the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, the Halifax All-City Schools Music Programs, the choirs, camps and workshops of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation, the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Dalhousie University, Acadia University, and many other professional ensembles, programs and institutions, they are poised to directly promote the Talent Trust to the next generation of emerging Nova Scotian artists that they interact with on a daily basis.

We thank the Canadian Federation of Musicians in their support of this event. 

Want to hear more? Please sign up for our newsletter

Want to support the next generation of Nova Scotia artists? Donate today!

In 2019, the Talent Trust is celebrating its 75th  anniversary featuring former scholarship recipients with a travelling art exhibition, pop-up events in theatre, music, and dance, film screenings and more.

The 75th anniversary activities are supported by the province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional Municipality, The Craig Foundation, Canadian Federation of Musicians, and Margaret and David Fountain. 

Making and Mentoring: Artist Talk with Lux Habrich, Dan O'Neil and Pamela Ritchie on July 24..

In conjunction with First You Dream: Celebrating 75 Years of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, MSVU Art Gallery is hosting a panel discussion on the topic of mentorship with artists Lux Habrich, Dan O’Neill and Pamela Ritchie. 

            Lux Habrich, Borrowed Time (2016), Pamela Ritchie, 25 Red/Yellow (2019),
Dan O'Neill, BlueBoy.01.copy.jpeg (2015).

MAKING AND MENTORING

July 24 at 6:00pm

Seton Academic Centre

166 Bedford Highway

Join MSVU Art Gallery Director Laura Ritchie as she facilitates a conversation about the artists' experiences with mentorship and how it has influenced their respective practices and professional development.

All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

FIRST YOU DREAM: CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF THE NOVA SCOTIA TALENT TRUST

To celebrate the NSTT 75th Anniversary, First You Dream developed out of a call for entries to all scholarship recipients, inviting submissions of recent work. The final exhibition selection resulted in a broad range of media, including drawing, ceramics, fibre, jewellery, mixed-media, painting, printmaking, sculpture and video. The generational mix of the artists (indicated by the dates of their Talent Trust scholarships) ranges from 1979 to 2016—a span of 37 years. The exhibition includes work by Jordan Broadworth, Sandra Brownlee, Lux Habrich, Sara Hartland-Rowe, Dan O’Neill, Lucy Pullen, Pamela Ritchie, Despo Sophocleous, Emily Vey Duke, and Charley Young. The exhibition is organized by MSVU Art Gallery in partnership with Cape Breton University Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. 

The touring exhibition runs at the MSVU Art Gallery until July 28 before opening at the Cape Breton University on August 16.

American Sign Language interpretation is available for all MSVU public programs – please contact art.gallery@msvu.ca to request.

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Congratulations to Rebecca Wolfe in her new position.

Scholarship recipient, Rebecca Wolfe brings an incredible portfolio of professional development and performance credits to her new position as associate producer at Villain’s Theatre. 

Once hired, Rebecca wasted no time and immediately jumped into both directing and acting in their recent production: Malteasers.

Rebecca’s past performance credits include, principal roles in CBC’s television series Mr. D, Taylor Olson’s Know What I’m Sayin’…? Don’t Forget To Step, and Jonny Thompson’s Guys. She has performed with the Peace Project Alexis Milligan/Transitus, Joan Burrows/Alumnae Theatre, Bard of the Boardwalk, Dalhousie University, Symphony Nova Scotia, Mermaid Theatre of NS, The Stratford Festival-Theatre Performance Intensive, School of The Toronto Dance Theatre, The White Mountain Dance Festival, the Bates Dance Festival, the Leica Hardy School of Dance, and is a member of KiDanCo, the school’s company for young dance artists.

Rebecca won the 2018 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts/Nova Scotia Talent Trust, 2018 Humber College Dean’s Scholarship for Theatre Performance, 2018 Humber College School of Creative & Performing Arts Scholarship, 2017 Theatre Nova Scotia Award/Nova Scotia Talent Trust, Nova Scotia Talent Trust (2015, 2017, 2018), ACTRA Maritimes Certificate of Achievement for Mr. D/CBC, Society of Russian Ballet Advanced Dancer & Associate Teacher, Basic Actor Combatant/Academy of Dramatic Combat.

The Villain’s Theatre is a not-for-profit society based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, that strives to create fresh and dynamic theatrical experiences, telling stories inspired by the dark and poetic language of the past. Sometimes haunting, often unusual, and always engaging, their productions explore the shadow side of the human experience.

Villain’s Theatre create bold adaptations of early-modern plays, produce new work inspired by heightened-language texts, and challenge their audiences to explore contemporary issues through decadent and dusty texts, fuelling new ways of exploring their relationships with each other and the world.

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Karen Myatt and Lukas Pearse Showcase at the Halifax Jazz Festival

Talent Trust alumni, vocalist Karen Myatt, and bassist/composer/sound editor/media artist, Lukas Pearse share their love of music in the upcoming Halifax Jazz Festival, performing their respective free concerts as part of the annual series. 

Karen Myatt sings

July 12, 1:15pm
Waterfront TD Main Stage Lower Water St. at Salter St. 

Karen Myatt is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and was named one of Broadway’s Rising Stars in the Broadway Summer Series. Karen made her Symphony NS debut as the featured vocalist in the world premiere of Thorgy & the Thorchestra starring Thorgy Thor of Ru Paul's Drag Race fame. Karen's debut album Enchanté was recorded at Sonic Temple Studio in Halifax. 

Lukas Pearse hosts 

Upstream Music Association’s
Open Company; Free Improvisation 

July 10 -13 

10pm nightly
Art Bar +Projects –
1873 Granville St (in Granville Square)

Open Company is a curated improvisation session where exceptional musicians meet onstage. Hosted by Upstream’s Lukas Pearse, offering a meeting between local and visiting improvisors, followed by a sit-in session that is anything but Standards. Come on in, the water’s fine... Expect the unexpected.

Lukas Pearse is an award-winning film composer and member of the Screen Composers Guild of Canada, Lukas is an acoustic, electric and digital musician and sound artist with professional experience in a wide array of genres and creative forms.

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Talent Trust Artist Spotlight Radio with Guests Marc Djokic and Gharret Paon July 4, 2019.

Tune in for the 3rd edition of the Talent Trust Artist Spotlight.

Every first Thursday of the month with your host, past scholarship recipient and current board member Breagh MacKinnon.

July 4, 1 p.m. 

97.5 CIOE Community Radio

Hear from TT alumni; the virtuosic internationally renowned violinist Marc Djokic, winner of the 2017-2018 Prix Goyer as well as actor/producer, Gharret Paon, recently accepted into both the National Screen Institute and Telefilm programs.

Previous Episodes:

2: Charley Young, and Shandi Mitchell (recording coming soon)

1: Jane Archibald and Charlotte Wilson-Hammond

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