Festival
The Board of Directors and the Rotary Clubs in Salmon Arm are pleased to host the Shuswap Music Festival from April 12 to April 30, 2027.
Disciplines will be Piano, Strings, Vocal, Choral and School bands. Registration is online and opens December 1, 2026 and closes January 31, 2027.
At the annual April festival young musicians are encouraged to pursue excellence. They are provided performance opportunities, receive valuable feedback from professional musicians, learn from each other, and are celebrated and awarded for their talent.
Among the many regional participants over the past 25 years are those who have chosen music as their career. Some have become professional musicians, teachers or accomplished performing artists. The Shuswap Music Festival takes pride in being a part of their music journey.
The success of the Festival depends upon the patronage of the three Rotary Clubs of Salmon Arm, private donors, the sponsorship of businesses and organizations, and the hard work of many volunteers. The Society is grateful to all those who contribute. We need your support!
Check out our Festival Video highlighting 25 years of musical excellence
2027 Adjudicators
Heidi Muendel
Heidi Muendel (MMus), Dramatic Soprano has a master’s degree in music, is a trained opera singer, voice teacher and performer for over 25 years, and dynamic workshop leader. Heidi has recently moved from Germany back to her hometown and looks forward to creating a safe and playful space to discover your unique voice.
Heidi works with singers of all genres with careful focus on vocal freedom, technique, performance quality, and vocal health. Her approach includes an honouring of the ‘whole’ singer, and is most effective for singers available to change, discovering their own authenticity, and a bit of silliness.
Heidi has traveled and performed in Canada, United States, Germany, Austria, and Italy. She is the founder of the Life-Sound Studio, Frankfurt where she taught: private voice lessons, singing workshops and ‘Mini Musik’. She was team and workshop leader at the LIGHTHOUSE in Wiesbaden, and is currently providing an annual summer Festival of Singing in Germany, teaching locally in person, and internationally online.
Dr. Roxi Dykstra
November 26, 2024
(Mmus, UdM; Master of Viola, CNSMD Lyon) has been working as a professional musician since 2004. She has performed chamber, orchestral, and solo work across Europe and Canada, including with Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver symphonies, Vetta Music, and the Turning Point Ensemble. Working in Europe, Roxi performed as chamber musician in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Malta, and Turkey. European positions have included assistant principal viola position in the Orquestra do Norte in Portugal, violist with the National Portuguese Orchestra and the National Opera, baroque violist with early music ensemble Divino Sospiro, and researcher with the artistic doctoral school at the University of Performing Arts, Graz, Austria. Now back in Canada, Roxi now holds a position with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and regularly performs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Originally from Smithers, BC, Roxi works hard to promote musical opportunities and musical excellence in BC’s north. Roxi worked extensively Prince George Symphony Orchestra, serving alternately as principal violist and concertmaster. She is the founder and co-director of the Orchestra North Summer Program, and director of its Academy program, which is committed to developing professional development opportunities for northern professionals and emerging artists from across BC. She is artistic director of the Prince George Youth Symphony Orchestra and previously, for 10 years was artistic director of the Spirit of the North Classical Music Festival which brought brings dozens of classical concerts annually in August to Smithers and area.
Roxi has extensive experience as a teacher, director, workshop host and works regularly for the VSO school of Music, the Prince George Conservatory, and the Victoria Conservatory. She has been a Royal Conservatory of Music instructor for over 15 years, adjudicates with the British Columbia Performing Arts Festival Association, and is passionate about sharing in the transformative power of music with musicians of all levels of experience.
Colleen Athparia
November 26, 2024
M.Mus. (with Distinction), B.Mus. (Ed.), Associateship of Music (U. of Western Ontario),
ARCT Gold Medal, Member of ARMTA and APTA
Academy Faculty, Piano
Colleen Athparia, an internationally recognized pianist, has made a career for herself as both a solo and chamber musician, a reputable teacher and as a recording artist with 10 CDs to her name. A member of Mount Royal Conservatory Faculty since 1981, she has toured as a performer and guest instructor from Mexico to Taiwan, Russia, Israel and the Far East. Her background includes a Master of Music degree with distinction from Indiana University, studying under the legendary pedagogue G.Sebok, as well as receiving the gold medal and placing first in the Canadian Music Competition as a student of Margaret Parsons-Poole.
As an experienced teacher, she has adjudicated festivals across Canada including the BC Provincial Finals. Colleen has also been a Senior Examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music since 1980, examining throughout North America and has several former students who are now also examiners. She has been a consultant for the new RCM Licentiate Piano Syllabus and is also co-author of the book, Impressionism: A Resource Guide, and Music Consultant for Adopt a Competitor Program through the Honens International Piano Competition Foundation. Colleen travels extensively to give workshops on such topics as “Creative Practising”, “The Art of Polishing”, “Creative Technique”, and “Transforming the Mundane into Magic”. Her studio in Calgary features some extremely talented students who have won national and international competitions, but most importantly who love music!
Often a guest on CBC radio, she has also been heralded by the National Post as one of the top four Canadian pianists of contemporary music today. In November 2009 Colleen was honoured in Ottawa as one of the top 50 musicians who have contributed significantly to the Canadian music scene.
2027 Adjudicators
Jani Parsons
Praised for her “combination of tenderness and vivacious energy” (San Francisco Chronical) and “sheer virtuosity” (LA Splash), Canadian pianist Jani Parsons has established herself as a musician of warmth, brilliance, versatility, and vivid expression. An active soloist and chamber musician, Jani is a founding member and served as executive/artistic director of Latitude 49 for ten years (2013-2023), a mixed chamber ensemble recently in residence at Princeton University. She is the founder and co-director of the Sound Atlas Festival in Calgary, a dynamic platform for contemporary music. Jani joined the faculty at the University of Calgary as the newly appointed Assistant Professor of Piano and head of the piano program in 2021,and was tenured in 2025. Her vision for the program is to create an inspiring and welcoming space that blends the disciplines of performance, pedagogy, collaboration, and research and prepares students for a thriving career in performing arts in today's changing world.
As an avid performer and supporter of living composers, Jani has worked directly with many composers including Steve Reich, Christopher Cerrone, John Zorn, Stacy Garrop, Marc Mellits, Roshanne Etezady, Augusta Read Thomas, Jared Miller and Shulamit Ran and has premiered upwards of eighty new solo and chamber works. She is especially enthusiastic about featuring a wide array of “classics” and undiscovered masterpieces in her programming that spans from pre-Baroque to newly inked works.
A sought-after chamber musician, Jani has appeared with the Pittsburg New Music Ensemble, members of Bang on a Can All-Stars, Eighth Blackbird, and New Music Detroit as well as members of the Chicago and Detroit Symphony Orchestras. Performances across North America include the Chan Centre for the Arts (Vancouver, British Columbia), the Banff Centre for the Arts, Detroit Symphony Center, Detroit Institute of Arts, the Ravinia Festival and the Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago) and at various educational institutions including the New England Conservatory, Indiana University, and Northwestern University among others. Jani has appeared in 9 professionally released recordings and can be heard on the New Amsterdam label, Tzadik label and Çedille Records among others.
A passionate teacher, Jani has taught many award-winning students and presented a wide array of pedagogical research in various national conferences. Her recent publication of a two-volume book series titled "Technique Through Repertoire" was released in 2022 through Piano Publications Press alongside co-author Dr. Christopher Madden, and together they have presented their research at the MTNA National Conference, the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP) and have given workshops through the Francis Clark Center and various music teacher associations. Jani is passionate about the field of piano pedagogy and is the keynote speaker for the 2025 Alberta Piano Teachers Association conference. She was recognized as an OVPR Rising Star in the first-year teaching at Baylor University for her potential for research and early career development.
Jani studied in Canada with Wendy Guimont (Cranbrook), Allen Reiser (Calgary) and Lorraine Ambrose at the Vancouver Academy of Music and graduated from the University of Michigan under Arthur Greene and John Ellis. She holds an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music and is artist faculty of the IPPA Conero International Piano Festival taking place in Recanati, Italy each Summer. She has served on faculty at the Fresh Inc. Summer festival, the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp and the Piracicaba International Piano Festival in Brazil.
Heidi Muendel
Heidi Muendel (MMus), Dramatic Soprano has a master’s degree in music, is a trained opera singer, voice teacher and performer for over 25 years, and dynamic workshop leader. Heidi has recently moved from Germany back to her hometown and looks forward to creating a safe and playful space to discover your unique voice.
Heidi works with singers of all genres with careful focus on vocal freedom, technique, performance quality, and vocal health. Her approach includes an honouring of the ‘whole’ singer, and is most effective for singers available to change, discovering their own authenticity, and a bit of silliness.
Heidi has traveled and performed in Canada, United States, Germany, Austria, and Italy. She is the founder of the Life-Sound Studio, Frankfurt where she taught: private voice lessons, singing workshops and ‘Mini Musik’. She was team and workshop leader at the LIGHTHOUSE in Wiesbaden, and is currently providing an annual summer Festival of Singing in Germany, teaching locally in person, and internationally online.
TBD
Violinist Simon MacDonald began his musical studies in Victoria in 1980. He decided to pursue music seriously after playing with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in 1990 and 1991, and in the fall of 1991 was playing regularly with the Victoria Symphony. In 1992, he left for school in Boston (NEC, BMus 96), and followed that with school in Montreal (McGill, MMus 96). Following the completion of his Master's Degree, Simon pursued numerous musical adventures in Boston, Montreal, New Orleans, Miami, as well as Australia, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and Russia, Before returning permanently to BC in 2017, Simon's home base was the Canadian Prairies, where he performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (first violin), the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (principal 2nd violin), and the Regina Symphony Orchestra (concertmaster). Simon loves playing anything put in front of him; he has premiered numerous new works after 17 years at the Winnipeg New Music Festival, initiated the first ever Beethoven Quartet Cycle in the city of Regina with the Regina Symphony Chamber Players, and has enjoyed playing in everything from Baroque orchestras to touring Broadway Productions. From 2017-2024 he was the Victoria Conservatory of Music String Faculty Department Head, and the Artistic Director of the Young Artists Collegium at the VCM, following in the footsteps of his one of his early teachers, Sydney Humphreys. He now maintains a private studio in Victoria, and performs as a freelance musician all over British Columbia, he is grateful to be a part of the amazing community of musicians who live out here in BC.
Sean Irvine
Winnipeg-based musician Sean Irvine has rapidly gained recognition as a top-tier performer, composer, and woodwind expert. Although his primary focus is on the saxophone, Irvine is also recognized as a flautist, clarinetist, and oboist.
A highly sought-after educator, Irvine is regularly engaged by ensembles and students as an adjudicator, leader, and mentor. His teaching experience includes serving as Lecturer and Professor of Saxophone Studies at Canadian Mennonite University, as well as former Sessional Lecturer at the University of Toronto and band director in the Louis Riel School Division. He has also served as Director of Woodwinds for the Winnipeg El Sistema music outreach program in collaboration with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
Irvine is the Director of the Winnipeg Jazz Education Collective, an organization dedicated to fostering additional performance and educational opportunities for aspiring young musicians across Manitoba.
Awards/ Scholarships
LEVEL SCHOLARSHIPS:
To be eligible for LEVEL scholarships, students must be under 22 years or younger as of Dec 31st of the previous year and have entered a minimum of three solo classes in their Discipline. Open, concerto and concert classes do not qualify for these scholarships. Level scholarships are determined by marks. Amounts are determined by funds received.
BLAIR BORDEN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is in memory of Blair Borden, a teacher and avid music supporter. To be eligible, a student must be a senior student from Level 9 – ARCT. The scholarship is intended to support further music study. Must have entered 3 solo classes with the equivalent of three golds.
KLEIN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
This award, sponsored by the Klein family, supports further music study at an advanced level, 9 to ARCT. Preference will be given to students of promise at Level 10 and A.R.C.T. Candidates must have entered three solo classes and achieved the equivalent of three golds.
GEORGINA LAZZAROTTO VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP
This award is sponsored by the Shuswap Music Festival in memory of Georgina Lazzarotto, a vocal teacher and avid supporter and board member of the festival. This award goes to two students, who have the best gold vocal performance in a foreign language in the Junior/Intermediate level, Level 8 and under.
MARY FOWLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This substantial scholarship is in memory of Mary Fowler and is to be awarded to a young performer for excellence in classical voice, as evidenced by receiving “gold” or “distinction” when adjudicated. The performers must be aged 14 to 19 at the time of registration and must perform at least three separate classical voice entries in the festival. The performer must be competing at Level 7 RCM or CC level or higher. The amount of the award is determined on an annual basis.
If there is no suitable student that fits these criteria:
The scholarship may be awarded to a young performer for excellence in classical voice and/or musical theatre, as evidenced by receiving “Gold” or “Distinction” overall when adjudicated. The performer must perform at least three separate classical entries and/or two musical theatre entries in the festival. The performer can be under 14 and below Level 7.
NANCY LEATHERDALE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is sponsored by the Leatherdale family in memory of Nancy Leatherdale who was a well-known piano and vocal teacher in Salmon Arm and avid supporter of the festival. This scholarship is intended to support further music study at the level of 8 to A.R.C.T. Candidates must have entered three solo classes and achieved the equivalent of three golds in piano or voice. The scholarship amount is determined on an annual basis
2027 Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous Sponsors and Donors whose contribution make the Music Festival possible each year. Your continued support nurtures young musicians, enriches our community and helps keep the spirit of music alive. We deeply appreciate your commitment, and generosity.
Thank you to our donors
- Nancy Leatherdale Memorial
- First Community/NEXUS
- Klein Family Endowment
- Prestige Hotel & Resorts
- Kevin & Suzanne Beckner
- Lorne Lazzaroto
- Blair Borden Endowment
- Fowler/Gomme Family
- Colin Molnar Memorial Endowment
- Landers Family Legacy
- Mickey Petersen Endowment
- Geoff and Judith Benson Family Endowment
SHUSWAP MUSIC FESTIVAL SCHOLARSHIP LIST
Performers are eligible to win only one scholarship/award in each discipline entered with exception of specific awards such as listed below, concert, ensemble, composition, and memorial.
LEVEL SCHOLARSHIPS:
To be eligible for LEVEL scholarships, students must be under 28 years or younger as of Dec 31st of the previous year and have entered a minimum of three solo classes in their Discipline. Open, concerto and concert classes do not qualify for these scholarships. Level scholarships are determined by marks. Amounts are determined by funds received.
BLAIR BORDEN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is in memory of Blair Borden, a teacher and avid music supporter. To be eligible, a student must be a senior student from Level 9 – ARCT. The amount of $500.00 is intended to support further music study. Must have entered 3 solo classes with the equivalent of three golds.
KLEIN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
This award, sponsored by the Klein family, supports further music study at an advanced level, 9 to ARCT. Preference will be given to students of promise at Level 10 and A.R.C.T. Candidates must have entered three solo classes and achieved the equivalent of three golds. The award amount is $1,000.00.
GEORGINA LAZZAROTTO VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP
This award is sponsored by the Shuswap Music Festival in memory of Georgina Lazzarotto, a vocal teacher and avid supporter and board member of the festival. This award goes to two students, who have the best gold vocal performance in a foreign language in the Junior/Intermediate level, Level 8 and under. Two scholarships of $50.00.
MARY FOWLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This substantial scholarship is in memory of Mary Fowler and is to be awarded to a young performer for excellence in classical voice, as evidenced by receiving “gold” or “distinction” when adjudicated. The performers must be aged 14 to 19 at the time of registration and must perform at least three separate classical voice entries in the festival. The performer must be competing at Level 7 RCM or CC level or higher. The amount of the award is determined on an annual basis.
If there is no suitable student that fits these criteria:
A Scholarship of $500.00 may be awarded to a young performer for excellence in classical voice and/or musical theatre, as evidenced by receiving “Gold” or “Distinction” overall when adjudicated. The performer must perform at least three separate classical entries and/or two musical theatre entries in the festival. The performer can be under 14 and below Level 7.