Arts & Culture

In a significant development for the renowned British vocal ensemble VOCES8, soprano Andrea Haines has announced her decision to step down after an illustrious 17-year tenure. As one of the longest-serving members, second only to founder Barney Smith, Andrea has been integral to the group's success and evolution.

Reflecting on her journey, Andrea shared:

The Manitoba Band Association’s Concert Band Festival is a celebration of music, learning, and community, bringing together students, directors, and adjudicators for an exciting week of performances and growth. Held at the RBC Convention Centre, the festival offers more than just an opportunity for students to showcase their skills; it’s a chance for everyone involved to learn, collaborate, and grow in their musical journeys.

Matthias Lutzweiler Named CEO of Naxos Music Group

[Hong Kong, February 18, 2025] — The Naxos Music Group has announced the appointment of Matthias Lutzweiler as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Lutzweiler, who has been serving as Acting CEO since October 2024, will lead the world’s largest independent classical music company into its next phase of growth and innovation.

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) has appointed acclaimed Canadian conductor Jean-Marie Zeitouni as its next music director. He is only the third Canadian—and ninth conductor overall—to lead the ESO since its founding in 1952, marking a significant milestone for the orchestra.

Pop stars from across the decades are getting a makeover courtesy of Rainbow Harmony Project.  

The 2SLGBTQ+ family of choirs is inviting choral fans to Love Out Loud: Pop Royalty this weekend at the West End Cultural Centre, the first concert of their 26th season.  

Right now, the Manitoba Band Association (MBA) is celebrating a major milestone in 2025 with the 50th anniversary of its Family of Festivals, one of Canada’s largest band festivals. Over 12,500 musicians from across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario will participate in this year’s expanded events, which promote music-making, education, and community building.

The Manitoba Band Association (MBA) has announced a powerful new initiative, Manitoba Wave of Light, a province-wide musical collaboration in support of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. This heartfelt fundraiser will unite musicians of all ages and skill levels to highlight the healing power of music while raising funds for cancer care and research.

It all began as a graphic novel written by a young man in Toronto named Chester Brown. 

The autobiographical story told inside was about Brown’s own relationship with his girlfriend in Toronto in the early 2000’s, how they opened up their relationship, and how he ultimately ended up turning to sex workers to satisfy his intimacy needs.  

This Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. at the Crescent Arts Centre, the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir will present its second concert of the season. Titled Strings Attached, the performance will feature a captivating repertoire that blends the rich sounds of chorus and strings.

2025 is off to a great start for William Morton Collegiate Institute in Gladstone.  

The local Royal Canadian Legion shared a donation of $12,000 with the school’s music program in order to purchase new band instruments. In addition, the community rallied to further support this cause by fundraising an additional $4,000.