Debut Atlantic Information

Debut Atlantic is one of this country’s most dynamic and prestigious musical organizations. In fact, the Debut Atlantic tour has evolved into a much coveted opportunity for Canada’s up-and-coming talented classical musicians. The impressive list of artists waiting to be added to the roster is a testament to our success as is the caliber of names which comprise our star-studded compendium of alumni. The list includes some of Canada’s most recognizable artists such as pianists Jon Kimura Parker, Louis Lortie, and Angela Hewitt, cellist Shauna Rolston, Canada’s finest baroque orchestra Tafelmusik, and the world-renowned singers Ben Heppner, Richard Margison, Wendy Nielsen, and Measha Brueggergosman. Debut Atlantic continues to grow and develop new facets that contribute to Atlantic Canada’s cultural environment. A decade ago, Debut began its Encore series, featuring some of our most celebrated alumni. In 1998, Debut began pairing award-winning authors with Encore artists in its Words and Music series, featuring literary giants such as Mordecai Richler, Michael Ondaatje, Wayne Johnston, and David Adams Richards. In 1999, the Debut Atlantic Award for Musical Excellence was inaugurated and continues to award annual $1,000 scholarships to high school music students from all over the Atlantic Region. In the fall of 2001, New Brunswick composer Alasdair MacLean was appointed Composer-in-Residence to Debut Atlantic making it the first touring organization in Canada to host a resident composer. 2002/03 saw the start of the Classical Musics of the World series - which to date has hosted George Gao, Liu Fang, Aditya Verma, and Vineet Vyas, to name a few. 2007 saw the introduction of Debut’s Encore in the Summer series, featuring pianist Angela Cheng - one of Canada’s most gifted artists. Debut is proud to celebrate more than 30 years of bringing musicianship of exceptional quality to communities big and small throughout all four Atlantic Provinces.