Debut Atlantic

05/27/2026

Congratulations, Adam and Steve!

05/22/2026

Congratulations to these fantastic nominees!

05/19/2026

A devastating loss. Cris Derksen was a powerful artistic voice whose impact on contemporary music and the Indigenous arts community will be felt for generations.

On behalf of the CMC team, I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Cris Derksen yesterday in a car accident that has also left her wife Bobby in critical condition. We hope for Bobby’s safe recovery. My heart goes out to Cris’ family, friends and all those who worked with her.

I want to acknowledge the tremendous impact Cris has on contemporary music, through her compositions and performances. She was a composer, a cellist, a mentor, a collaborator and a strong voice from the Indigenous classical community… inspiring and so much more. It felt like her career was soaring with varying opportunities, such as a performance at Carnegie Hall of her work “Controlled Burn” performed by l’Orchestre Métropolitan de Montréal.

Soar onwards, Cris!

To learn more about Cris https://www.crisderksen.com

05/15/2026

Halifax! Come hear our 2026 Award for Musical Excellence Winner, Alex Yang! Performing with Cecilia Concerts this Saturday.

Winner of the 2026 Cecilia Concerts Developing Musician Award, Halifax pianist Alex Yang brings extraordinary poise, depth, and command to a demanding and wide-ranging solo program. Still only 17, Alex has already earned national and international attention for playing marked by clarity, sensitivity...

05/12/2026

News from Debut Atlantic! - https://mailchi.mp/debutatlantic/spring2026

05/08/2026

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Les Barocudas, our September 2026 touring artists, are performing in Wolfville with Acadia Performing Arts Series on September 19! We can't wait!

05/04/2026

We’re excited to collaborate with guitarist Ben Diamond on Debut Atlantic’s 2026 Educational Residency!

This year’s residency, "Voyage Goes to School" is adapted from Ben Diamond’s 2024 concert project Voyage, a program featuring works by Atlantic Canadian composers - many from Newfoundland and Labrador - which was nominated for Electronic Release of the Year by both the ECMAs and MusicNL.

A sincere thank you to Ben Diamond and all of the participating schools for hosting this residency:
St. Matthews Elementary - St. John's, NL
St. Paul's Junior High - St. John's, NL
St. Peter's Elementary - Paradise, NL
Exploits Valley High School - Grand Falls - Windsor, NL
Pearson Academy - Wesleyville, NL
Phoenix Academy - Carmanville, NL
Pasadena Academy - Pasadena, NL
Xavier Junior High School - Deer Lake, NL
St. Thomas Aquinas - Port au Port, NL
Stephenville Elementary - Stephenville, NL
J.J. Curling Elementary - Corner Brook, NL
Corner Brook Regional High - Corner Brook, NL

We’re grateful to continue building meaningful arts experiences for students and communities throughout Atlantic Canada!

05/01/2026

🎉 The 2027/28 Debut Atlantic Season Line-Up is Here!

We’re thrilled to unveil an exciting roster of artists bringing dynamic, inspiring performances to stages across Atlantic Canada!

✨ 2027/28 Season Line-Up:
Nick & Friends - available all season (guitar, jazz piano, and percussion)

Elinor Frey — touring Sept 9–19, 2027 (baroque cello & viola da gamba)

Frédéric Lambert & Chloé Dumoulin - touring Nov 5–21, 2027 (viola & piano)

Duo Aster — touring Feb 4–20, 2028 (saxophone & piano)

Callisto Quartet — touring Mar 3–19, 2028 (string quartet)

From baroque brilliance to contemporary collaborations and electrifying chamber music, this season promises unforgettable performances for communities across the region.

Stay tuned for more details!

To learn more, visit: https://www.debutatlantic.ca/season/2027-28
halley.9 Chris Donnelly | Elinor Frey Cello | | Duo Aster .aster | Callisto Quartet