Talent Trust Chair Erin Sparks Named Executive Director of Debut Atlantic

We’re happy to share the news that Erin Sparks, Chair of the Talent Trust Board of Directors, has been named Executive Director of Debut Atlantic.

In addition to leading our board, Erin is a Talent Trust scholarship recipient (2003-2007).

She received a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Toronto. Prior to graduate studies, she completed an Artist Diploma at the U of T and received a Bachelor of Music from Dalhousie University. 

Erin has a wealth of experience at Debut Atlantic, serving as their Program Officer since 2014.  She’s also worked as an administrator for the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, and as manager for Darryl Edwards’ Concert Opera Group. She was an Artist Representative with Andew Kwan Artists Management Inc. and in 2011 received the award of Emerging Agent of the Year from the Ontario Contact organization.

Everyone at the Talent Trust would like to congratulate Erin and Debut Atlantic as they begin their 2018/19 season.

Mark Morton touring with Architekt Percussion for Debut Atlantic's Concert Season from March 10-26, 2016

Photo: Debut Atlantic website

Architek Percussion is committed to the development and presentation of new Canadian music. The quartet has premiered over 20 new works by composers such as Eliot Britton, Christos Hatzis, Nicole Lizée, and Lukas Ligeti. The quartet’s current repertoire reflects the cultural and stylistic diversity of North American contemporary music. Architek Percussion consists of Ben Duinker, Mark Morton (former NSTT scholarship recipients), Ben Reimer, and Alessandro Valiante.

Architek Percussion is a Montreal-based quartet specializing in the performance of experimental, minimalist, multi-disciplinary, and electroacoustic chamber music. Founded in early 2012, the quartet has quickly established itself as a dynamic force in Canada’s vibrant new music community; equally comfortable in performing classic repertoire and exploring new terrain through commissions and premieres. In addition to self-producing a concert series in Montreal, Architek Percussion has recently appeared as guests of Ottawa New Music Creators, live@CIRMMT, Innovations en Concert, Cluster Festival, and toured Canada’s maritime provinces. Appearances in 2014-15 include PASIC Focus Day (Indianapolis), New Music Edmonton, Codes d’Acces, Groundswell (Winnipeg),The Music Gallery (Toronto), and Scotia Festival of Music (Halifax).

To find out more go to: http://www.debutatlantic.ca/artist/architek-percussion-percussion-quartet#audio-tab

Lucas Porter - Debut Atlantic Concerts in Nova Scotia

Lucas Porter, pianist - 2013 NSTT 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award

March 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Garden Room - K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, Wolfville, NS

March 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Yourmouth County Museum, Yarmouth, NS

March 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Chester Playhouse, Chester, NS
with featured guest Andrew Son 2015 winner of the Debut Atlantic Award for Musical Excellence. 

March 29 at 1:30 p.m.
Colouratura Fine Art Gallery, Indian Brook, Cabot Trail, NS

For more information please click through to Debut Atlantic at: http://www.debutatlantic.ca/artist/lucas-porter

Congratulations!!! PIANIST ANDREW SON WINS 2015 DEBUT ATLANTIC AWARD FOR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

Andrew Son, pianist and violinist 2014 NSTT Scholarship Recipient

We are happy to share this great announcement by Debut Atlantic. Congratulations Andrew!

Halifax, NS - Debut Atlantic is pleased to announce that Nova Scotia pianist Andrew Son is the winner of the 2015 Debut Atlantic Award for Musical Excellence. Quickly emerging as a top artist on both the piano and violin, 15 year old Andrew has been busy climbing the competition ranks. Currently a student at the Halifax Grammar School, he studies piano with Betty Ro from the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and violin with Professor Philippe Djokic of Dalhousie University.

Renowned Canadian pianist and past Chair of the Board of Debut Atlantic Robert Kortgaard said of this year’s recipient:

Debut Atlantic congratulates Andrew Son our 2015 Young Artist Award recipient. It is our mandate to encourage and support the next generation of talented young Atlantic Canadians. Andrew’s accomplished performance displayed a strong technique and musical understanding that will become the foundation of what we hope will be a happy artistic journey. There’s no doubt that his teachers, family and friends have been a big factor in his success so far. Debut Atlantic is happy to be part of the support team and we acknowledge the dedication and hard work he has devoted to his musical studies. All the best, Andrew.

Established in 1999, the Debut Atlantic Award for Musical Excellence is awarded annually to an Atlantic Canadian high school music student as chosen by a member of our distinguished alumni. The award recognizes talented youth and is designed to support and encourage the development of young musicians in Atlantic Canada. The Award consists of a $1,000 cash prize and an opportunity for the recipient to perform as a special guest at a Debut Atlantic concert.

Andrew will receive his award and be a featured guest in a Debut Atlantic concert on Friday, March 27th at the Chester Playhouse in Chester, NS with Debut Atlantic artist, pianist Lucas Porter. He will also be featured at The Indian River Festival in PEI on June 27th as part of their Youth Legacy Concert.

http://www.debutatlantic.ca/artists/for-immediate-release-2