The Morden Festival of the Arts had a successful first month of sessions and now continues on to the next ones this month.
March included the strings session, which attracted 109 entries.
“They were successful and an encouraging opportunity for the entrants,” said co-ordinator Robyn Epp. “The adjudicator Karen Barg was a supportive and positive person who offered a very encouraging experience for the performers.”
There were also 100 entries in the piano sessions, and co-ordinator Rosemary Klaassen noted the participants had an equally impressive experience with adjudicator Daniel Tselyakov, who performed a piece by Maurice Ravel at the end of one session.
“Originally an orchestral work, he emulated an entire orchestra on the piano with a spectrum of colour, emotional intensity and mesmerizing energy,” said Klassen. “He also demonstrated practice techniques and musical additions over the two days to aid the students in their piano studies.
Next up for the festival is the vocal session Monday, April 8 at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Morden Mennonite Church. There are 35 entries from students in Kindergarten to Gr. 12 in solo, duet, and trio categories across a range of genres.
The adjudicator for this session is Loretta Thorleifson, who has taught choral music extensively at the junior and high school level.
Following that will be the choral sessions on Tuesday, April 9 at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Morden Mennonite Church. Performing will be choirs from École Morden Middle School, Minnewasta School, Maple Leaf School, Northlands Parkway Collegiate, and Morden Collegiate .
Adjudicating the session is Avonlea Armstrong-Green, who has been teaching music in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg for 20 years at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
There is a break, then, until the English and French speech arts sessions throughout the day and evening April 23-25 at St. Paul’s United Church.
Session adjudicator Lori Neufeld is a life-long educator, performer, and accomplished musical entertainer who performs extensively as “Lulu” in the bilingual children’s entertainment group LuLu and the TomCat.
The festival’s final session will feature performances from local bands on April 30 at Morden Collegiate. It will be adjudicated by accomplished Winnipeg band and jazz band instructor Kathy Byrne. Her bands have consistently been given superior achievement awards in the Manitoba Band Association’s family of festivals as well as invitations to perform at the national band festival.
The festival also includes its highlights concert Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at the Westside Community Church. It showcases performances that have been recommended by the adjudicators of each discipline featured throughout the festival season. Awards, including the 2024 Loreena McKennitt Award for musical excellence, will also be presented.
All festival sessions are open to the public, and organizers encourage everyone to come out and support the youth as they showcase their talents.
Festival programs featuring the complete schedule and class categories are available for $5 at the Morden Library and Pharmasave. Digital copies are also available for $4 by e-transfer to mordenfestivalofthearts@gmail.com. Admission to the various sessions is free for children and $2 for adults.
