Symphony New Brunswick and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals [FCMF] is excited to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Symphony New Brunswick [SNB]. This agreement provides for the Grand Award Winner of the 2021 FCMF National Music Festival to have a performance opportunity with the Symphony Orchestra in an upcoming season.
“We are thrilled to join with Symphony New Brunswick in this collaboration to feature the Grand Award Winner,” said FCMF Chair, Judy Urbonas. “This is a significant partnership in promoting and advancing young emerging Canadian musicians.”
Reid Parker, SNB’s President says, “Symphony New Brunswick is committed to supporting emerging artists. We are proud to host the Grand Award Winner of the 2021 FCMF National Music Festival in an upcoming season.”
The Grand Award Winner will be chosen from all the First Place Winners by a panel of adjudicators at the FCMF National Music Festival’s Grand Award Competition on Saturday, August 14, to be held virtually. This performance opportunity compliments the $5,000 NRS Foundation Grand Award.
Symphony New Brunswick is the province’s only fully professional orchestra. Serving Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John equally in both official languages, Symphony New Brunswick consists of professional musicians, with a limited number of auditioned apprentice positions. The eight core musicians of the orchestra offer chamber music concerts and dozens of free school and community outreach concerts each season. SNB recently announced the appointment of Mélanie Léonard as their new music director. As individual groups, our musicians have musically traversed Canada, the U.S., Europe, China, and South America. Learn more at https://symphonynb.com/
Details of the Prize:
- The winner of the 2021 Grand Award shall be presented in an upcoming season of the SNB.
- SNB will communicate directly with the GA Winner to determine repertoire for the performance. Repertoire may be chosen from the GA Winner’s repertoire of the 2021 FCMF National Music Festival or as agreed upon by the orchestra and GA Winner.
- SNB will assist the emerging artist to develop a media kit, including appropriate biographies and other materials as needed, as well as work with the artist to prepare for media interviews and their publicity surrounding the performance.
- The value of the performance is $3,000; this includes in-kind value of the performance fee, flights transportation to and from the performance, ground transportation, hotel accommodations for the duration of the engagement, and time developing media/marketing with the artist.
“FCMF hopes this is the beginning of a long-term partnership between our organizations in providing professional performance opportunities for Canada’s young rising performers,” stated Ms. Urbonas.
Posted July 2021
New Membership Level and Qualifying Round!
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals [FCMF] met on Saturday, October 31, 2020 to make the required Bylaw changes to allow Local Music Festivals in non-affiliated provinces to affiliate directly with FCMF!
Affiliation through this new Local Stream membership level provides an opportunity for currently ineligible students to participate in our new Local Stream Qualifying Round for the FCMF National Music Festival! This virtual competition will be hosted by FCMF. Students, if recommended by a local adjudicator, are eligible for participation to seek recommendation to the FCMF National Music Festival.
The addition of this membership category and Qualifying Round now ensures that Canada’s young amateur musicians, from coast to coast, are able to compete on a national stage.
For more information on how to become an affiliated local music festival, contact Barbara at info@fcmf.org
Judy Urbonas
FCFM Présidente du conseil
Posted November 4, 2020
The 2021 FCMF National Music Festival will be held as a virtual competition.
In light of the ongoing uncertainty of health restrictions and emergency measure orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their effect on travel and public gatherings, the FCMF Board and Provincial Delegates decided at the FCMF Annual General Meeting to hold the 2021 FCMF National Music Festival will be held as a virtual competition.
Details will be provided as they become available.
Judy Urbonas
FCMF Board Chair
Posted September 3, 2020
FCMF cancels the 2020 FCMF National Music Festival due to current global COVID-19 pandemic
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals [FCMF] Board of Governors and provincial delegates have made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 FCMF National Music Festival due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic.
In light of the federal and provincial guidelines for social distancing, many local music festivals have been required to cancel for 2020. This will undoubtedly affect plans for Provincial Music Festivals planned for later in the spring. FCMF is a grassroots movement. Without local and provincial levels of competition to recommend students forward, the FCMF National Music Festival is not viable in 2020, even if travel and social distancing restrictions are lifted by August.
We are aware that the youth participating, their teachers, their families and friends who are anticipating the FCMF National Music Festival will be disappointed with this decision. The festival is a musical highlight for the competitors involved. Each year it is a highly anticipated event.
As FCMF faces this uncertain and difficult time during the COVID-19 global pandemic, we continue to have ongoing expenses. If you are able to do so, please consider redirecting the amount of your annual donation towards operational expenses. All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Planning is underway for the 2021 FCMF National Music Festival to be held in Sackville, NB the week of August 8-14. We look forward to serving Canada's best emerging artists through national competition in 2021 and beyond.
On behalf of the FCMF Board of Governors, I wish you good health and wellness in the weeks and months ahead. Thank you for your anticipated support and understanding.
We look forward to seeing [and hearing!] you at the 2021 FCMF National Music Festival in Sackville, NB!
Judy Urbonas
FCMF President
Posted March 21, 2020
The Prince George Symphony Orchestra and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals [FCMF] is very excited to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra [PGSO] in BC. This agreement provides for the Grand Award Winner of the 2019 National Music Festival to have a performance opportunity with the Symphony Orchestra in an upcoming season. The Grand Award Winner will be chosen by the panel of adjudicators from all the First Place Winners to the National Music Festival’s Grand Award Competition on Saturday, August 10 in Saskatoon, SK.
The Prince George Symphony Orchestra grew out of several successful collaborations of a small group of community musicians and the Prince George Cantata Singers, an adult mixed choir. In 1969 the two groups performed Handel's Messiah. The first conductor of the PGSO was Imant Raminsh who was recently presented with the Order of Canada Award. Over the past almost 50 years, the Prince George Symphony has been an integral part of the early development of several young musicians who are known across Canada. Jonathan Crowe, concert master of the TSO, Karl Stobbe, assistant concert master of the Winnipeg Symphony, and renowned bassoonist, Nadina Mackie Jackson are examples.
Today the PGSO is flourishing under the baton of Maestro Michael Hall. The forty-five member orchestra is made up of a combination of local and invited professional musicians, local and regional semi-professional musicians and a strong cadre of local community musicians who, in varying sized groups, play a six-concert MainStage series, a Christmas special event, a three-concert Chamber Music and More series and a Kinderconcert series annually.
Details of the Prize:
- The winner of the 2019 Grand Award shall be presented in an upcoming season of the PGSO.
- The TBSO will communicate directly with the GA Winner to determine repertoire for the performance. Repertoire may be chosen from the GA Winner’s repertoire of the 2019 National Music Festival or as agreed upon by the orchestra and GA Winner.
- The TBSO will assist the emerging artist to develop a media kit, including appropriate biographies and other materials as needed, as well as work with the artist to prepare for media interviews and their publicity surrounding the performance.
- The in-kind value of the performances is $3,000; this includes in-kind value of the performance fee, flights transportation to and from the performance, ground transportation, hotel accommodations for the duration of the engagement, and time developing media/marketing with the artist.
Posted March 2019
The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals [FCMF] is very excited to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra [TBSO] in Ontario. This agreement provides for the Grand Award Winner of the 2019 National Music Festival to have a performance opportunity with the Symphony Orchestra in an upcoming season. The Grand Award Winner will be chosen by the panel of adjudicators from all the First Place Winners to the National Music Festival’s Grand Award Competition on Saturday, August 10 in Saskatoon, SK.
The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is the only fully professional orchestra between Toronto and Winnipeg. Now in it’s 58th season, the Orchestra includes 30 full-time musicians performing a wide-ranging repertoire from the great classical masterworks to pops and children’s concerts. The TBSO strives to be the best regional orchestra in Canada, appealing to as wide and diverse an audience as possible through excellent performances and original programming.
Details of the Prize:
Posted March 2019
NRS Foundation - Victoria Foundation GRAND AWARD WINNER for $5,000
Performance Opportunity with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra
David Liam Roberts, cellist, from Winnipeg, Manitoba
2nd Place Grand Award donated by FCMF in Honour of Pam Allen for $2,500
Andrew Son, pianist, from Halifax, Nova Scotia
Thank you Mount Allison University and the New Brunswick Federation of Music Festivals!
Posted August 2018
Founder of the Federation Designation Awarded to Pam Allen
Pam began her involvement with festivals as a young talented student participating at the local, provincial and national levels. She was hired as Administrator by the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival in 1999 and shortly after became a member of Ontario Music Festivals Association’s Provincial Board of Directors. In that role, Pam became involved with the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals serving on many committees, then on the Executive Committee leading to President for 3 years, and Past-President for 7 years. She continues to be the administrator for both the Toronto Kiwanis Festival and OMFA. She is a strong supporter of the entire music festival system and has been around long enough to see the results of young competitors come back as inspired adjudicators, teachers and performers.
Photo: George Rowell, President of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Kiwanis Festival and Pam Allen
Posted October 2018
Our new Treasurer - Christopher Lane
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals is pleased to introduce our new Treasurer, Christopher Lane.
Christopher has been involved in the music festival experience from several perspectives – competitor, teacher, conductor, local treasurer, provincial treasurer, and donor.
Christopher brings over fifteen years of experience to the role of Treasurer having worked with Orchestra London from 2000-2006 in Box Office and Marketing management and as Executive Director of Opera New Brunswick from 2006-2010. Since 2012, he has served as treasurer for several not-for-profits, including the Juno-nominated Canadian Chamber Choir. He is Director of Music and Administration at Saint David’s United Church in Rothesay, New Brunswick. Christopher is a member of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators’ Association.
Born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Christopher attended Western University in London, Ontario. He returned to his home province in 2006 where he is active as a private voice teacher, choral director, adjudicator, administrator and clinician.
Posted December 2017
The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
On June 12, 2017 Mark Turner, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO), and Joy McFarlane-Burton, President of the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals (FCMF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
The advancement of young, emerging Canadian Classical artists is paramount to the endeavours of both the SSO and the FCMF; the FCMF has a long history of nourishing young talent through its country-spanning festival system and its National Music Festival, while the SSO has a passion for celebrating Canadian talent and growing and encouraging the next generation of Canadian artists.
For the 2017 National Music Festival, the SSO and the FCMF are partnering to present a prize that is the first of its kind for this competition. Competitions will take place in Ottawa August 10th and 11th on the campus of the University of Ottawa. First place winners in each discipline compete for the Grand Award on Saturday evening, August 12th. The overall First Place winner of the Grand Award Competition shall win a performance with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in an upcoming season as a featured Guest Artist.
Details of the Prize:
- The winner of the Grand award shall be presented by the SSO in an upcoming season.
- The SSO will dialogue with the emerging artist to determine repertoire for the performance as to best fir the artist, orchestra, and concert; the winning repertoire is not necessarily what will be chosen for the performance.
- The SSO will assist the emerging artist to develop a media kit, including appropriate biographies and other materials as needed, as well as working with the artist to prepare for media interviews and other publicity surrounding the performance.
- The performance should take place in 2018-2019 Season, depending on the availability of the artist/orchestra; if a suitable date for all parties cannot be found in 2018-2019, they will find a performance date in the following season.
Performance Value:
- The in-kind value of the performance is $3600.00; this includes in-kind value of the performance fee, flights to and from the performance, ground transportation, hotel accommodation for the duration of engagement, and time developing media/marketing with the artist.
These organizations acknowledge the uniqueness of this partnership which strives to raise the awareness and career development of an exceptional emerging Canadian artist. The two organizations are national leaders in showcasing the incredible work of young classical musicians in our country.
While this MOU stands for the Grand Award winner of the 2017 FCMF Grand Awards Competition, both organizations acknowledge that this collaboration could be of great benefit in the future. The SSO has featured such FCMF finalists including Godwin Friesen, Bryan Allen, Danika Loren, Spencer McKnight, William Boan, Gerard Weber, Nikki Chooi, Jan Lisiecki, and many more.
Posted June 2017
The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
On June 12, 2017 Mark Turner, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO), and Joy McFarlane-Burton, President of the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals (FCMF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
The advancement of young, emerging Canadian Classical artists is paramount to the endeavours of both the SSO and the FCMF; the FCMF has a long history of nourishing young talent through its country-spanning festival system and its National Music Festival, while the SSO has a passion for celebrating Canadian talent and growing and encouraging the next generation of Canadian artists.
For the 2017 National Music Festival, the SSO and the FCMF are partnering to present a prize that is the first of its kind for this competition. Competitions will take place in Ottawa August 10th and 11th on the campus of the University of Ottawa. First place winners in each discipline compete for the Grand Award on Saturday evening, August 12th. The overall First Place winner of the Grand Award Competition shall win a performance with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in an upcoming season as a featured Guest Artist.
Details of the Prize:
- The winner of the Grand award shall be presented by the SSO in an upcoming season.
- The SSO will dialogue with the emerging artist to determine repertoire for the performance as to best fir the artist, orchestra, and concert; the winning repertoire is not necessarily what will be chosen for the performance.
- The SSO will assist the emerging artist to develop a media kit, including appropriate biographies and other materials as needed, as well as working with the artist to prepare for media interviews and other publicity surrounding the performance.
- The performance should take place in 2018-2019 Season, depending on the availability of the artist/orchestra; if a suitable date for all parties cannot be found in 2018-2019, they will find a performance date in the following season.
Performance Value:
- The in-kind value of the performance is $3600.00; this includes in-kind value of the performance fee, flights to and from the performance, ground transportation, hotel accommodation for the duration of engagement, and time developing media/marketing with the artist.
These organizations acknowledge the uniqueness of this partnership which strives to raise the awareness and career development of an exceptional emerging Canadian artist. The two organizations are national leaders in showcasing the incredible work of young classical musicians in our country.
While this MOU stands for the Grand Award winner of the 2017 FCMF Grand Awards Competition, both organizations acknowledge that this collaboration could be of great benefit in the future. The SSO has featured such FCMF finalists including Godwin Friesen, Bryan Allen, Danika Loren, Spencer McKnight, William Boan, Gerard Weber, Nikki Chooi, Jan Lisiecki, and many more.
Posted June 2017
Our new Executive Director - Barbara Long
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals is pleased to introduce our new Executive Director, Barbara Long.
Barbara has an understanding of music festivals from all perspectives - competitor, parent, teacher, local organizer, provincial administrator, donor, fund raiser, national director and host coordinator.
Barbara is an experienced arts administrator having served in different roles within the festival movement and the New Brunswick and Canadian Registered Music Teachers’ Associations. In 2009, the Canadian Music Teachers’ Association honored her with the Hugheen Ferguson Distinguished Teacher Award in recognition of outstanding contribution to music education in Canada. Barbara is a member the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators’ Association.
Barbara was born and raised in Toronto, then moved to Charlottetown for a few years before marrying and settling in New Brunswick. She and her husband live on the family farm near Hartland where she has operated a private piano studio for over 30 years. Wayne and Barbara are parents to three grown children and have seven grandchildren.
Posted November 2016
Gloria Nickell Receives Life Membership
The Federation of Canadian Music Festivals (FCMF) is pleased to bestow Gloria Nickell with an Honorary Life membership. The presentation was made to Gloria in Edmonton during the 2016 National Music Festival.
Gloria has a long history in the music festival system in Canada. She is a Past-President of the Rosetown Music Festival, a Past-President of the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association (2007-2008), and served from 2010-2015 on the FCMF Executive Committee.
Gloria is appreciated for her attention to detail, proof-reading, and record-keeping. She has also worked on the FCMF Policy and Procedures Manual Committee. She has assisted as Adjudicator Liaison for the Grand Awards, as well as the follow-up of the Grand Awards, and Choral Awards.
Congratulations, Gloria, on the receiving of this distinction. Your work for the FCMF is recognized and applauded!
November 2016
Founder of the Federation Designation Awarded to Dianne Johnstone
At the 2016 National Music Festival, Dianne Johnstone was awarded the honour of being named as a ‘Founder of the Federation’. This is an honour given to outstanding festival leaders who have committed themselves to the Music Festival movement in Canada. By their service to the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals and the National Music Festival, they have enriched the lives of countless young musicians.
Individuals worthy of this honour are recommended to Federation members by the Executive of the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals, and are ratified by the delegates at the Annual General meeting. Their names are forever listed annually in the Digest.
Dianne Johnstone began her involvement in the festival movement in 1987 with the Provost Music Festival. She sat on the Alberta Music Festival Board for many years and through her involvement with Alberta she became involved with the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals. It was at this time her passion grew even more for the Festival Movement in Canada and the young musicians of Canada! In 2002 she was asked to raise funds to host the National Music Festival in Lloydminster and thus began her position as Fundraiser for the National Music Festival. Over the years 2002 – 2016 she brought in over a $1,000,000. She cherished, most of all, getting to know many of the young musicians, working with donors and the friendships she built over the years.
Dianne began as Fundraiser at a time when FCMF was transitioning from corporate sponsorship and needing to find a new model of support. Her work and commitment helped shape FCMF into the organization it is today. As Dianne retires, we say a huge “Thank you!” and wish her well in the next stage of life.
Posted November 2016