The Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts is the East Coast Center for Contemporary Showcase Festivals Canada.
The Contemporary Showcase Festival was initiated by the Alliance for Canadian Music Projects and is held every year across our country during Canada Music Week.
It is the only festival of its kind in Canada, devoted entirely to music by Canadian composers. It is non-competitive in that no marks are awarded, no ranking given and the adjudications take place in a master class atmosphere designed to be informative and supportive. Outstanding performers are further encouraged through scholarship recognition. Many scholarship recipients of the past festivals have gone on to make their mark in the music world. Notables include Jean Stillwell, Scott St. John, Measha Brueggergosman, Lara St. John, and Stewart Goodyear.
No other organization continues to promote the performance, composition and study of Canadian Contemporary Music. On recommendation of the adjudicators, the Concert Committee will select from the many participants, a selection of students to perform at the Showcase Concert. Outstanding performances may be nominated for ACNMP’s National Performance Awards.
About the Showcase Festival
There are no age restrictions in any of the classes. Many classes are structured to accommodate differences between conservatories. (Eg.: Class 103, Grades 3-4) In most classes, students may enter up to two pieces per class; however students may choose to only enter one piece. If there is a piece a student wishes to play that’s not listed in the syllabus, consult your Centre Coordinator or contact the ACNMP Office.
Pieces do not need to be memorized nor completely perfected; however students should have a good understanding of the piece.
Written and verbal adjudication is given along with further demonstration or hands-on work with students according to time allowance. The focus of the festival is to provide helpful commentary about the performance of the music and the composers. Adjudication focuses mainly on the presentation of the music, interpretation, understanding of the music and musicianship.
Centres may choose to award scholarships on the adjudicators’ recommendations and present these at the Showcase Concert.
The Contemporary Showcase Festival Maritimes is held during Canada Music Week in November.
Check our calendar for the exact Festival date and the October registration date.
