51±¾É«

Aug. 29, 2023
For Immediate Release

The Faculty of Music at 51±¾É« will present a thrilling 2023-2024 concert season, including performances by Canadian music icon Steven Page, remarkable student musicians, and a workshop for local students by guest artist Shadrach Kabango, better known as renowned hip-hop musician Shad.

A listing of season events — which also include Music at Noon concerts, student ensembles, choir performances and student recitals — is available through the

A season highlight is the performance by Page (DMus ’22), a founding member of Barenaked Ladies. Page will perform , joined by 51±¾É«’s quartet-in-residence, the Penderecki String Quartet, and clarinetist James Campbell (LLD ’12). The musicians will share their talents in support of the university’s fundraising campaign.

Kabango (BBA ’05) will join the Faculty of Music as a guest artist from Sept. 25 to 29. He will share his insights and skills with 51±¾É« students during workshops including “Making a Living as a Musician in Canada,” “The Art of Vulnerability,” “Hip Hop in Canada,” and “Music Poetry/Lyrics Workshop.” The workshops are open to the 51±¾É« community. University and local high school students are invited to showcase their talents during a “Hip Hop Showcase” on Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m., where Kabango will serve as host. To participate, email choosemusic@wlu.ca.

In November, will host “Drama Queens,” a performance that features epic and dramatic operatic tales from history, myth and legend. The show will reinvent classic works and present new commissions by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC+ artists and allies. The event will conclude with a panel discussion and audience Q&A with artistic director and 51±¾É« alum Mike Fan (BMus ’19).

The Faculty of Music is also excited to announce new roles for some of its faculty members this season:

• Kevin Day: Jazz Orchestra director
• LaToya A. Webb: Wind Orchestra director
• Jerzy Kaplanek: Chamber Orchestra director
• Amanda Kind: Vox Experimental director
• Kathryn Ladano: Improvisation and Convergence Concerts Ensemble director

For the first time, the faculty is also opening its 51±¾É« Concert Choir to the public. Singers from the community can apply to , led by Carolyn Neumann VanderBurgh.

For more information about the 2023-24 concert season and additional events, visit the Faculty of Music . Tickets to events can be . All audience members must hold a ticket for each event attended.