Cecilia Concert's presents Marc Djokic on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 2 p.m.

photo credit: Marc Djokic at marcdjokic.com

Cecilia Concerts presents
Trio Tangere with

Marc Djokic

Sunday, February 24 at 2 p.m. 

Lilian Piercey Concert Hall, 

Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Halifax

The concert opens with a special performance by prize-winning young Halifax pianist Devin Huang, who is also a Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship recipient.

From Cecilia Concert's press release:

Violinist Marc Djokic, originally from Halifax but now residing in Montréal, has been praised for his rhythmic sense and natural musical phrasing. Known for his masterful and virtuosic performances, Djokic recently won the Prix Goyer, which is the biggest prize in Canada, and one of the largest in the world, for a collaborative artist emerging in classical music.

Djokic, who is a Nova Scotia Talent Trust multiple scholarship recipient, returns to his native Halifax for a special concert on February 24th with distinguished classical guitarists Jérôme Ducharmen and Louis Trépanier. Winner of the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition, Ducharmenholds a diploma from the Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique de Montréal and a doctorate degree in music from Université de Montréal.

Trio Tangere will perform works by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Astor Piazzolla, Claude Debussy, Christine Donkin, Matthias Maute, Béla Bartók, and Clarice Assad. 

“This collaboration is special because it combines the sounds of two types of string instruments, plucked & bowed,” says Djokic, who appears frequently as soloist with Canada’s top orchestras and in chamber music festivals around the world. 

“Having two guitarists in the group exchanging lead and rhythm really expands on the potential of the guitar sound. It allows the group to explore more music and arranging possibilities. We play music originally written for our instrumentation, but we can also arrange and play other music with multiple voicing.”

The performance marks the trio’s first performance in Nova Scotia. 

“I’m really excited to show the Tangere lads my hometown and introduce them to our audience,” says Djokic. “I always feel honoured to come back home to perform in Halifax. The city has become a highlight destination for musicians from all over the world and our audience is always welcoming of visiting talent. I never take for granted the opportunity to perform in my hometown.” 

The violinist was Cecilia Concerts’ Musician-In-Residence in 2009/2010.

Presented by Cecilia Concerts, the concert takes place Sunday, February 24th at 2pm at Lilian Piercey Concert Hall within the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts. Tickets ($35 Adult, $25 Senior, $15 Students, $10 Children) are available online at ceciliaconcerts.ca, by phone at 902-423-0143, and at the door while they last.

Former NSTT scholarship recipient Ifan Williams in concert January 19, 2019

Cellist and NSTT music scholarship
recipient Ifan Williams.

Cellist Ifan Williams and violinist Bonnie Romkey will perform DUOS Violin and Violoncello on January 19, 2019 at the Pond Playhouse in Halifax. 

DUOS is a one-night only concert presented by Theatre Arts Guild.

Ifan Williams is a former Talent Trust music scholarship recipient. 

He has performed with the New Philharmonia of London, London Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Chamber Ensemble, and the Classical Quartet of Montreal. 

He’s been Artist In Residence at the University of New Brunswick, Professor of Cello at Mount Allison University, and is the current Chair of Musique Royale and Opera Nova Scotia.

DUOS is a semi-formal affair to ring in the new year. As Theatre Arts Guild says, who doesn’t love to dress up!

There are only 90 seats available, so don’t wait to buy your tickets, which make a lovely stocking stuffer for classical music fans.

For more information, visit the Theatre Arts Guild website.

Concert Program:
Passacaglia — Handel-Halvorsen
K.424 in B flat Major — W.A. Mozart
Etude (from Gliere Collection) — Reinhold Gliere 
Intermission
Sonata Op. 7 — Zoltan Kodaly

Details:
DUOS Violin and Violoncello 
Saturday January 19, 2019 - 8:00 p.m.
  
The Pond Playhouse
6 Parkill Road Halifax

General Seating - 90 seat capacity
Cash bar and light refreshments

Ticket prices: 
$15 for members 
$25 for non-members (which includes a membership to Theatre Arts Guild. Forms available at the door)

To buy tickets:
Ticket Atlantic outlets

Atlantic Superstores

TicketAtlantic online 
Or call (902) 451-1221

Reeny Smith presents Reeny’s Family Christmas - December 16 at the Carleton

Reeny Smith presents Reeny's Family Christmas
December 16 at the Carleton.

Reeny Smith presents Reeny’s Family Christmas on December 16 at The Carleton in Halifax.

The 2:00 p.m. matinee is sold out. At the time of this writing there are still tickets available for the evening show at 7:00 p.m.

The family-friendly show features Reeny’s musical traditions inspired by her talented family and friends growing up in North Preston. 

Reeny began singing and playing piano at the age of five. She received a Talent Trust scholarship to support her studies in voice, and won the Talent Trust Portia White Award in 2010.

Reeny Smith. A still from our 75th anniversary video.

She’s performed at the Halifax Jazz festival, at Nova Scotia’s iconic Stanfest in Canso, and was Casino Nova Scotia’s Artist in Residence in 2015. She appeared with Symphony Nova Scotia in a community concert series in 2017. 

In 2018 Reeny released her first single, Good Girl Swag, and her album W W I I I: Strength Courage Love. She recently won Music Nova Scotia’s African Nova Scotian Artist of the Year.

We’re grateful she was able to take time from her busy schedule to appear in our 75th anniversary video.

Reeny’s Family Christmas 
The Carleton
1685 Argyle Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Matinée - 2:00 p.m. - sold out
Evening - 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: thecarleton.ca 

Visit Reeny’s Family Christmas Facebook event page for more information. If you can't catch the show, here's Reeny in performance at CBC Halifax's Studio 60.

Clara's Gifts: A retelling of the Nutcracker story, illustrated by Emma van Zeumeren

Clara's Gifts: A retelling of the Nutcracker story. Co-written by Marianne Ward and Leica Hardy,
illustrated by Talent Trust visual arts scholarship recipient Emma Van Zeumeren.

Clara’s Gifts: A retelling of the Nutcracker story is a gorgeously illustrated picture book that tells the unique Nutcracker story adapted for the stage by Leica Hardy and Graham Whitehead.

The lush illustrations by Talent Trust scholarship recipient Emma van Zeumeren capture the magic, movement, and Art Nouveau-inspired design of the beloved stage production.

The book is co-authored by Marianne Ward and Leica Hardy, and tells the tale of Clara’s overnight journey from timid, fearful girl to confident young woman, thanks to the gifts of kindness, loyalty, friendship, and a very special nutcracker.

Emma van Zeumeren received her scholarship to support her visual arts studies at NSCAD University. She was a long-time dance student of Leica Hardy’s and is an alumna of The Nutcracker. After performing in the production for seven years, Emma has a special place in her heart for this beautiful adaptation.

The Nutcracker has been presented annually since 1991 by Symphony Nova Scotia in partnership with Halifax Dance and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia under the artistic leadership of choreographer Leica Hardy. 2018 marks her 28th year as the director/choreographer.

Leica has over 40 years of teaching experience, and has taught a number of Talent Trust dance scholarship recipients.

Clara’s Gifts is a 52-page hardcover keepsake book, priced at $25.00 CA ($26.25 CA tax included). 

For purchase information, visit the Clara’s Gifts page on the Leica Hardy School of Dance website.


To learn more about the book, visit the Clara’s Gifts Facebook page.

Illustration from Clara's Gifts: A retelling of the Nutcracker story.

George Elliott Clarke Reads Dalhousie University Bicentennial Epic Poem December 6

 George Elliott Clarke (right) and musician Tim Crofts (left). Photo: Dalhousie University.

George Elliott Clarke will read his epic poem written for Dalhousie University’s bicentennial on Thursday, December 6. He will be accompanied by pianist Tim Crofts.

A former Talent Trust scholarship recipient, Clarke was born near the Black Loyalist community of Windsor Plains, Nova Scotia, and grew up in Halifax. 

He holds an Honours B.A. in English from the University of Waterloo, an M.A. in English from Dalhousie University, and a Ph.D. in English from Queen's University. 

He is the inaugural E.J. Pratt Professor of Canadian Literature at the University of Toronto. 

In 1998, Clarke was the first recipient of the Nova Scotia Arts Council Portia White Prize. In 2001, he won the Governor General's Award for Poetry for his collection Execution Poems, published by the Gaspereau Press. 

George Elliott Clarke was Canada’s 2016-17 Parliamentary Poet Laureate.

To Tell Dalhousie’s Story: 
Speak a Poem Insurgent / Sound a Piano Insolent!

Thursday, December 6, 2018 
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Dalhousie Art Gallery
6101 University Avenue
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Admission is free; all are welcome.

The 65th Annual Student, Staff, Faculty, and Alumni Exhibition follows at 4:00 p.m., which includes Talent Trust scholarship recipient Alice MacLean.

For more information on the poetry reading, visit the event page on Dalhousie University's website.

Julia Barkhouse Plays Alice in Coastal Dance Theatre's Alice in Winterland

Julia Barkhouse in rehearsal for Alice in Winterland. 

Julia Barkhouse plays Alice in Coastal Dance Theatre's Alice in Winterland this weekend at Alderney Landing Theatre.

Julia is one of our newest emerging artists. She received a Talent Trust dance scholarship this year. She'll perform in both Saturday performances of Alice.

Alice in Winterland is created by Coastal Dance Artistic Director Micaela Archer-Shee, who is also a Talent Trust scholarship recipient and an alumna of Halifax Dance and École supérieure de ballet du Québec. 

The ballet follows Alice down the rabbit hole. It's the classic Alice we all know and love, with a wintry twist.

Showtimes
Friday, November 30 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 1 - 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 2 - 2:00 p.m.

Tickets
In person: Alderney Landing box office
Online: TicketPro

Eszter Horvath Sings in Helios Vocal Ensemble Concert An Illuminated Christmas

Soprano Eszter Horvath

Eszter Horvath and her Helios Vocal Ensemble colleagues Elisabeth Stones, Andrew Pickett, Garth MacPhee, and John Mark Dawson present “An Illuminated Christmas” at Saint George’s Round Church on December 2.

Eszter received a Talent Trust scholarship in 2016 to assist with her studies in conducting. 

She holds a Bachelor of Music from Dalhousie University and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Toronto. She's a soprano who is equally skilled in orchestral and choral conducting. 

Eszter is the past president of the Early Music Society of Nova Scotia (EMSNS), and was the interim music director at the Cathedral Church of All Saints in 2015–15, and at St. George’s Round Church in 2010–11. 

She was associate conductor of the Nova Scotia Youth Choir in 2013 and 2014, and directs the the EMSNS Madrigal Group, which she founded in 2012. She was music director for Cosi fan tutte at the Halifax Summer Opera Festival in 2016. 

“An Illuminated Christmas” is Helios Vocal Ensemble’s fourth annual Christmas concert.

The evening will feature Renaissance polyphony by Sweelinck, Gabrieli, Mouton, des Prez, Byrd, and others, as well as ancient and modern carols.

Concert details:
December 2, 
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

St. George’s Round Church
2222 Brunswick St., Halifax

Admission is by donation.

Visit the Facebook event page for further information.

Karen Myatt Presents Women of the World at the Halifax Distilling Co. on November 30

Karen Myatt caps off a busy year in grand style with her performance Women of the World at the Halifax Distilling Co. on Friday, November 30.

The two-set soirée will showcase some of the finest female vocalists from around the world, including Edith Piaf (France), Lotte Lenya (Germany), Nikka Costa (Italy), Lhasa de Sela (Mexico, Montreal), Shirley Bassey (Wales), and more.

“These are some of my all-time favourite songs by some of my all-time favourite singers,” says Karen. “The cultures may be diverse, but the music is united by the passion of the performances.”

Karen received Talent Trust scholarships to assist with her studies in voice. She attended the Randolph Academy in Toronto, and is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.

She’s had a busy year. In addition to her Symphony Nova Scotia debut with Thorgy and the Thorchestra!, she was the feature performer at Atlantic Fashion Week, and had a pair of sold-out shows at Neptune Theatre.

“We have had an amazing string of shows at the Halifax Distilling Co. this year,” she continues. “Our themed concerts — Jazz Noir, ECMAzing, Acoustique, Calendar Girl, Just Jazz — have brought out the very best in the band, and in myself. I am grateful to Arla and Julie at the Distilling Co. for having us in each month, and appreciative that audiences have been so gracious.”

More information on Women of the World, including ticket details, is available via her website: www.karenmyatt.net.

Lucas March, Clarinetist, Member of Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra in Concert November 24 & 25

Clarinetist and Talent Trust
scholarship recipient Lucas March.

Lucas March is a clarinetist and member of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra. 

The Orchestra will be in concert on November 24 and 25 in Lunenburg and Halifax, presenting Beethoven and the Beautiful Blue Danube.

Lucas is from New Glasgow and is one of our most recent Talent Trust scholarship recipients. 

“I wish to thank every supporter of young musicians like me because it encourages me to continue to strive and expand my craft. Being a musician can be extremely expensive. If it weren’t for the generous support of family, friends, community partners, and organizations like the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. 

“I hope to inspire other music students in my community and in the province.” 

On the program:

Beethoven: Egmont Overture
Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1
Béla Bartók: Violin Duos
Bedřich Smetana: Vltava (Die Moldau)
Johann Strauss: On the Beautiful Blue Danube

When and where: 
Saturday, November 24, 2018, 7:00 pm
St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg
Sunday, November 25, 2018, 7:00 pm
St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax

For more information, visit the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra website.

Talent Trust Portia White Award Winner Shanice Skinner Performs at the 2018 Portia White Concert

Shanice Skinner is the special guest artist at the 2018 Portia White Concert, where she will perform three wonderful selections from her catalogue. 

The Sackville Concert Band and the Dalhousie Medical Health Professionals Chorale present the 13th Annual Portia White Gala Concert on Friday, November 30, 2018.

The concert will once again take place at Faith Tabernacle, 6225 Summit Street, Halifax. 

Tickets are $20 and can be obtained from chorale and band members, reserved through the Medical Humanities office at (902) 494-1533, or medhuman@dal.ca.

The concert will showcase a varied repertoire that includes seasonal music, concert band and choral favourites, and special tributes to the 100th anniversary of Armistice 1918. 

Shanice Skinner will perform at the
Portia White Concert on November 30.

Shanice is a soprano hailing from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She received Talent Trust scholarships in 2016 and 2018, and received the Talent Trust Portia White Award for exceptional commitment and potential in voice in 2016. 

She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2017.

Throughout her undergraduate studies, Shanice performed scene work with Opera Laurier in a number of roles, including Cendrillon in Massenet’s Cendrillon. 

In August 2018, Shanice performed the role of Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Halifax Summer Opera Festival.

This past April, Shanice performed in the Nova Scotia Kiwanis Music Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She won the Voice Rose Bowl and went on to represent the Festival at Provincials in June. She was also awarded the Rose Bowl for Senior Voice at the Provincial Music Festival in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and was Nova Scotia’s voice representative at the 2018 National Music Festival in Sackville, New Brunswick.

Shanice is a current member of Halifax Camerata Singers and is a Section Lead/Soloist at First Baptist Church Halifax. Her plans for the future include pursuing a master’s degree in voice to further prepare for a career in performance and teaching voice.

Proceeds from the concert will help support a young Nova Scotian musician through the Talent Trust which began in 1944 to assist Portia White with her vocal studies. We have continued to support talented Nova Scotian artists across disciplines in their formative years. 

The Dalhousie University Humanities-HEALS Program is pleased to be able to make a yearly contribution to this worthy cause.

We would like to thank Dr. Wendy Stewart, Ana Bela Sardinha, Bryan Crocker, Jim Forde, the choir members, the Sackville band members, and the many volunteers that will make the concert yet another memorable event.

Meet Devin Huang, one of the Talent Trust's Youngest Scholarship Recipients

Devin Huang began studying piano in 2013, at the age of seven. He one of our youngest scholarship reicpients, receiving scholarships in 2017 and 2018.

Receiving news of a scholarship can change an artist's life.

You’ll meet Devin and his mother, Jennifer Wang, in our 75th anniversary scholarship campaign video.

Devin studies with Lynn Stodola, who teaches young gifted pianists after retiring from a distinguished career with the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Competitions can be a big component in the development of a young pianist. Devin was one of the winners of the 2017/18 Chebucto Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, which earned him the honour of performing with the Orchestra.

He won a gold medal at the 2017 Canadian Music Competition National Finals in Gatineau, PQ, in his age category.

At the 2017 Nova Scotia Kiwanis Music Festival, Devin placed first in Piano Solo (Chopin – Senior), first place in Piano Solo (Bach – 16 years and under), and first place in Piano Sonata (Junior). 

Hours of practice are required to master
piano. Devin is a committed student.

He was recommended by both junior and senior adjudicators to perform at the Festival’s Gala night as Junior Pianist.

He received the inaugural Gordon Murray Rising Star Award at the Gala, and was chosen to represent the Halifax Festival in the Junior Piano and Chamber Music categories at the Provincial Finals.

Devin most recently performed at the Creative Nova Scotia Awards Gala, which celebrates excellence in artistic achievement and includes the announcement of two major awards, the Portia White Prize (not to be confused with the Talent Trust Portia White Award) and the Lieutenant Governor's Masterworks Award.

We’d like to thank Devin and Jennifer for allowing our production team into their home and working so hard to help create our video. Jennifer went above and beyond the call of duty for a non-actor. We would also like to thank Lynn Stodola for all her assistance.




Want to be part of the campaign to double Talent Trust scholarship funds? Click here to donate. And thank you!

Pianist Andrew Son on Final Stop of Atlantic Young Artist Regional Tour November 25

Andrew Son performs in Halifax on the final stop of his Atlantic Canada tour with a free afternoon concert of Chopin, Scarlatti, Mendelssohn, and Rachmaninoff. 

The performance takes place Sunday, November 25.

Andrew is an award-winning pianist who recently captured the 2018 Atlantic Young Artist Competition and the Piano Rose Bowl at the Kiwanis Music Festival in Halifax.

He represented Nova Scotia at the 2015 Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Association National Piano Competition in Vancouver. 

Andrew received Talent Trust scholarships from 2014-17. He’s currently a student at Dalhousie University.

The Talent Trust is pleased to co-present Andrew’s Halifax concert with Cecilia Concerts, Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers Association, and the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Concert details

Sunday, November 25, 2:00 p.m.

Admission: free

Lilian Piercey Concert Hall

Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts

6199 Chebucto Rd, Halifax

For more information, visit the Cecilia Concerts website.

 

Multitalented Artist Veronique MacKenzie in Talent Trust 75th Anniversary Video

Véronique MacKenzie is a multitalented artist. She and her students worked with us to help create our 75th anniversary scholarship video, and we’re grateful for their participation.

Véronique making dance magic in her studio.

Originally from Montréal, Quebec, Véronique moved to Nova Scotia and received two Talent Trust scholarships to assist with her dance training. 

She’s also a two-time recipient of Live Art’s Diane Moore Scholarship for choreography, and a recipient of a Nova Scotia Established Artist Recognition Award. 

She’s earned scholarship positions in the Interrarium Creative residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and the Centre for Art Tapes in Halifax.

Behind the scenes at our video shoot.
Photo: Filet Production Services.

Her background includes modern dance, jazz and ballet, visual art, clown and fool-work, creative movement, and theatre. 

Véronique has invested in her education. She attended York University and the School of the Toronto Dance Theatre, the National Ballet School / R.A.D. / Checcetti / Vagonova, NSCAD University, Laban International School, Virginia Tanner School/USA, University of New Brunswick, and Theatre New Brunswick. 

She holds degrees in science and social work.

Véronique working with her dance students.

Like a number of other Talent Trust scholarship recipients, Véronique has decided to share her skills and experience with emerging artists through teaching. She’s served on faculty at NSCAD University, Neptune Theatre School, and the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University.

She just wrapped her work as choreographer for the world premiere of KAMP, a co-production of Eastern Front Theatre and Neptune Theatre. KAMP is a darkly comedic new musical about a group of homosexual prisoners interned in a WWII Nazi concentration camp in 1943, who survive their ordeal by creating a cabaret. 

Adjusting a young dancer's costume during dance class.

Véronique is currently taking a year off from her faculty duties at Halifax Dance to work with Neptune Theatre’s Chrysalis Project, which offers emerging theatre artists practical, hands-on experience, where they not only work and create within the Neptune family, but also alongside the broader theatre community.

As part of the Chrysalis Project, she’s working with choreographer Stephanie Graham on Neptune Theatre’s production of Cinderella.

We’d like to thank Véronique and her students for working with us to help create our 75th anniversary scholarship campaign video. 



Want to be part of the campaign to double Talent Trust scholarship funds? Click here to donate. And thank you!

Sara Coffin Wins Arts Nova Scotia Established Artist Recognition Award

Sara Coffin, 2018 Established Artist Recognition
Award winner. Photo: Joshua Sugiyama.

Sara Coffin has received a 2018 Arts Nova Scotia Established Artist Recognition Award, which recognizes professional mid-career artists.

Sara is a dancer, choreographer, dance educator, and Co-Artistic Director of Mocean Dance since 2011. 

She received Talent Trust scholarships from 1999-2002, and the Talent Trust Pat Richards Award in 2000.

She received her MFA in Choreography from Smith College, BFA (Dance) from Simon Fraser University and Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) from Dalhousie University. 

Sara Coffin on stage. Photo credit: Joshua Sugiyama.

An award-winning choreographer and dance educator with 20 years experience, Sara’s choreographic work has been presented in many prominent Canadian dance festivals and in the United States. 

Her teaching work has led her to become a regular visiting lecturer at Holland College, PEI, and NSCAD University in Halifax. 

She held an Adjunct Faculty position at the five-college consortium in Massachusetts teaching at Smith College, and Hampshire College (2012-14) and has recently taught at Universidad Rafael Landívar in Guatemala City.

We'd like to extend our congratulations to all the Arts Nova Scotia award nominees and winners.

For more information about Sara, visit her website at saracoffin.ca.

To learn more about the Arts Nova Scotia Awards, visit the Arts Nova Scotia website.

Meet Mike Hirschbach, Circus Artist, Teacher, and Mentor - Our 75th Anniversary Scholarship Campaign

Mike Hirschbach is introduced to us with an intriguing thump when he first appears on our 75th anniversary scholarship campaign video. He’s preparing his training space for circus arts students. 

Mike Hirschbach prepares for students at Halifax Circus.

Mike has been performing for 35 years. He received a Talent Trust scholarship in 1984 to assist his studies in circus arts.

He studied physical theatre and circus in California, New York, and Montreal, then traveled to Paris to spend two years at the École Internationale de Theatre with the legendary Jacques Lecoq. 

He then toured his solo theatrical-circus shows across Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia, and India. He performed at the Calgary Olympic Games, the International Mime Festival in Montreal, and the International Clown Festival in Mumbai and Goa, India.

Mike Hirschbach at work as a circus arts teacher.

From 2001-05 Mike worked with Cirque du Soleil, first performing for two years in their touring show “Dralion”, from 2001-03. 

He then became a Master Trainer with the Cirque’s social outreach program, Cirque du Monde, which promotes circus arts as an intervention with at-risk youth. The approach is called social circus.

Mike traveled the world from 2003-05, training the trainers in the existing Cirque du Monde programs, upgrading their circus, social and teaching skills in Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, South Africa and Burkina Faso. 

While the Talent Trust doesn’t provide scholarships for teacher training in the arts, a number of our scholarship recipients have become teachers as well as mentors, often as they continue their careers as practicing artists.

Mike Hirschbach practicing juggling skills with a student.

Since 2005 Mike has served as Artistic Director and Head of Juggling/Circus at Halifax Circus, and director of the outreach programs of Circus Circle, which is based on the Cirque du Monde program. 

Circus Circle is the oldest social circus program in Canada outside of Quebec, where the movement started.

He takes his show Uncle Podger’s Hat, a grown-up view of a childhood mentor (Mike’s eccentric uncle), to venues that include Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, and the Halifax Fringe Festival. 

In 2017 he worked with the Nova Scotia Public Library system to bring “Secrets of the Circus”, an introduction to juggling, unicycling, balance work and more, to kids around Nova Scotia, performing 71 shows in public libraries across the province.

We’d like to thank Mike and his students for allowing Filet Production Services into their space, and for helping to make our 75th anniversary scholarship campaign video possible.




Want to be part of the campaign to double Talent Trust scholarship funds? Click here to donate. And thank you!