The Scotia Festival of Music will return to Halifax from May 26 to June 8, offering nearly 50 public events highlighting classical staples and contemporary Canadian chamber music.
There is no replacement for live music. Being in the room with musicians who are putting years, or even decades, of passion into performing for you is the greatest thrill.” – Simon Docking
The festival will feature 14 evening concerts, noon-hour recitals, masterclasses, and open rehearsals, all hosted in and around the Joseph Strug Concert Hall. Programming includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schumann, alongside Canadian composers Peter-Anthony Togni and Jocelyn Morlock.
Managing and artistic director Simon Docking says the range of music this year is one of the strongest in the festival’s history. “Audiences will get to hear a feast of great music and musicians this year,” he says in a media release. “With concerts every night for two weeks, you’ll hear something unforgettable at every one.”
The Opening Gala on May 26 will include music by Mozart, Saint-Saëns, and Andy Akiho, followed by a reception in the concert hall lobby. The festival’s final night on June 8 will mark its first full orchestral gala in the Joseph Strug Concert Hall, conducted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser with a program of Stravinsky, Elgar, and Haydn.
This year, two dozen guest artists, from Canada or with strong Canadian ties, will perform across the festival’s schedule. “We have 24 of Canada’s greatest classical musicians joining us as Guest Artists this year, with roots across the country,” said Docking. “I think you’ll agree with me when you hear the performances — the talent in this country is just extraordinary.”
Alongside its professional programming, the festival continues to invest in young musicians through its Young Artist Program. Forty-one participants will participate this year, receiving mentorship from guest artists and faculty and performing throughout the festival, including at the closing gala.
“Our young artists come from across North America and beyond,” says Docking. “Many of them come for two, three or even four years in a row, and they bring their friends when they return. They gain incredible experience here, and it’s fun showing them a bit of Nova Scotia along the way.”
In addition to formal concerts, the festival offers many free and low-cost opportunities for the public to engage with music. Noon-hour recitals provide accessible performances during the day, and open masterclasses allow audiences to observe the teaching process in action. Public rehearsals will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at how professional chamber music is prepared.
“There is no replacement for live music,” says Docking. “Being in the room with musicians who are putting years, or even decades, of passion into performing for you is the greatest thrill.”
A full schedule and ticket information are available at scotiafestival.com.