Brandon University School of Music

01/29/2025

Wednesday, January 29th @ 7:30 pm
Lorne Watson Recital Hall

Join us for an exciting evening of innovative sound as the Brandon University New Music Ensemble collaborates with the University of Manitoba's XIE (eXperimental Improv Ensemble). The concert blends the precision of contemporary compositions with the spontaneity of experimental improvisation, offering a dynamic exploration of modern sonic landscapes. Additionally, both large and small ensembles from BU’s School of Music will be featured, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles.

Tickets available at the door. Adults $20; BU and Conservatory of Music students attend at no charge.

01/28/2025

Tuesday, January 28th @ 7:30 pm
Lorne Watson Recital Hall

Experience the cutting-edge electro-acoustic and multimedia works of Manitoba composers Gordon Fitzell and Örjan Sandred, performed by Allen Harrington, Laura Loewen, Tori Sparks, and Megumi Masaki.

Known for pushing the boundaries of sound, visuals and technology, Fitzell blends live electronics and acoustic instruments to create transformative textures, while Sandred integrates music with AI, real-time visuals, offering interactive, immersive environments. This concert showcases the innovative works of two of Manitoba’s most forward-thinking composers, redefining the intersection of sound, technology, and art. Don’t miss this thrilling exploration of the intersection between technology, music, and multimedia artistry!

Tickets available at the door. $20 Adults; BU and Conservatory of Music students attend at no charge.

12/02/2024

Out of Bounds: Graduate Students in Bibliography & Research Methods
Kurtis Johnson & Brad Slepicka
Tuesday, December 3rd @ 12:40 pm - 1:30 pm
RD Bell Hall, Rm. 1-57, School of Music

11/29/2024

Saturday, November 30th @ 7:30 pm
Lorne Watson Recital Hall

Immerse yourself in the calming vocal cadences of timeless holiday classics.

Dan Rochegood, countertenor
Scott Reimer, baritone and countertenor
James Magnus-Johnston, tenor
Paul Bruch-Wiens, baritone
Jereme Wall, bass

Brandon University Pro Series is thrilled to host Winnipeg’s premier male a ca****la quintet, Proximus 5, on their Holiday Tour. Renowned for their spine-tingling harmonies and exquisite vocal arrangements, these seasoned singers promise an unforgettable evening. The program will feature a festive mix of traditional carols and contemporary holiday compositions, all beautifully arranged to highlight the ensemble’s dynamic vocal prowess. Proximus will be joined by BU’s brand-new Men’s Chamber Ensemble who will be singing some holiday favourites of their own. Join us for a night of joyous music that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. $20 for adults (no fee for BU and Conservatory of Music students).

For more information about Proximus5, please visit their website at: https://www.prox5.ca/

10/30/2024

Tuesday, October 29th @ 7:30 pm
Lorne Watson Recital Hall

Recognised as one of the most promising voices on the European jazz scene, Carlo Muscat’s reputation as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader has flourished through collaborations with numerous outstanding European musicians including Tony Tixier, Philippe Maniez, Mátyás Szandai, Mauro Gargano and Sandro Zerafa. An inventive improviser overtly embracing freedom of interpretation and a willingness to explore new musical territories, Muscat’s discography now includes seven albums as a leader and numerous contributions as a sideman.
Originally from Malta, Carlo is currently based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and has been the co-owner and director of the music venue and bar Storeroom, located in Ta’ Xbiex (Malta), since 2019. His 7th album, The Body Is Only Light, was recorded in Kyiv in March 2024, and is set to be released on October 25th 2024 on the American label ears&eyes Records.

also featuring Brandon University Music faculty:

Diogo Peixoto – guitar
Marika Galea – bass
Eric Platz – drums

Tickets are $20 for adults (no admission fee for BU and Conservatory students) and are available at the door.

09/27/2024

OUT OF BOUNDS: Poet take up your Lute
Tuesday, October 1st, 12:40-1:30 pm, Rm. 1-57
Everyone welcome to attend, reception and refreshments to follow

09/25/2024

Join us for our annual Open House, October 17-18, 2024. Students in grades 11 and 12 (and graduated students) who are interested in studying music should visit our website to learn more about the Open House and register. (Link in description)

09/12/2024

Thursday, September 12th @ 7:30 pm
Lorne Watson Recital Hall

Join us as we kick off our pro series season with the Homecoming Concert! This year’s Homecoming Concert will feature works by Diogo Peixoto along with a mix of a few beloved standards featuring the following performance artists:

Diogo Peixoto; guitar and voice
Aren Teerhuis, saxophone
Luis Deniz, saxophone
Carter Graham, piano
Marika Galea, bass
Eric Platz, drums

No charge for registered Homecoming Guests. Meet and greet reception to follow. Limited seating.

03/08/2024

pro series: James Campbell, clarinet and Futaba Niekawa, piano
Saturday, March 9th @ 7:30 pm
Lorne Watson Recital Hall

Tickets available at the door:
$20 Adults & Seniors
BU students and Conservatory of Music Students, no charge.

James Campbell has been called “Canada’s pre-eminent clarinetist and wind soloist” by the Toronto Star. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in over 35 countries with over 65 orchestras, including the Boston Pops, the London Symphony, the Spanish Radio Orchestra and the Montreal Symphony. He has collaborated with Glenn Gould and Aaron Copland, toured with over 35 string quartets, has been named Canada’s Artist of the Year, awarded the Queen’s Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medal, an Honourary Doctor of Laws, and Canada’s highest honour, the Order of Canada.

Known for her verve and sensitivity, Japanese pianist Futaba Niekawa pushes the boundaries of her artistry as a soloist and collaborative pianist across genres and disciplines. She has performed throughout the United States, Canada, England, Spain, Taiwan, and Japan and to date has released five recordings (PARMA Recordings, Petrichor Records) and her live performances have been recorded for radio broadcast.

03/08/2024

Saturday, March 9 - Sunday, March 10th
BU School of Music

Don’t miss the 2024 Brandon University Clarinet Festival this weekend! Guests and performers include: Michelle Anderson, James Campbell, Catherine Wood, Kerry DuWors, Futaba Niekawa, Justine Burke, Madeline Hildebrand, Vanessa Klassen, and Christian Ilagan.

See you there!

03/05/2024

Come experience the BU Big Band with special guests on the Westman stage! 2 nights and 4 concerts of incredible performances featuring some of the best jazz musicians from across the continent alongside BU music students.

The 6:30 pm Thursday show is already SOLD OUT so be sure to get your tickets quick!

Tickets available at the WMCA box office or online wmca.ca.

Special thanks to Brandon University, Long & McQuade, and our other corporate and private donors for making the festival possible.

03/01/2024

Please join Alexander Tselyakov, Megumi Masaki, Dianna Neufeld and Daniel Tselyakov for a performance showcasing the brilliance of BU School of Music’s newest Steinway Concert D grand piano. The new piano was made possible through the generous donation of Mrs. Mary Louise Perkins in memory of her late husband Dr. Harold J. Perkins, former BU President. Revel in the magic of four to eight hands performing repertoire that celebrates the exquisite tones and colours of both our new Steinway Concert D pianos.

Tickets available at the door:

$20 Adults & Seniors

BU students and Conservatory of Music students attend at no charge

Join us for a reception immediately following the concert.

01/25/2024

We are excited to welcome Luis Deniz as a new member of the School of Music faculty!

Luis Deniz has joined the School of Music as an Assistant Professor of Jazz. Deniz has an exemplary record as a musician and an educator.

01/24/2024

Wednesday, January 24th @ 7:00 pm
Lorne Watson Recital Hall

Nora Wilson, trombone & Danielle Guina, piano will present an evening of trombone standards and arrangements culminating in the world premier performance of Arcadia Trombonica by Kenley Kristofferson.

The recital is free, but we will be accepting donations for the Brandon Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC).

01/12/2024

Visit the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba this Saturday, January 13 from 5:04-10:00 pm for the Wheat City Nuit Blanche Sunset Edition. Returning for the first time since 2019, this event will feature students from the BU School of Music and IshKaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg plus local professionals in live drawing, projections, interactive art, electronic music, and other unique performances. FREE ADMISSION!

12/04/2023

Join us Tuesday, December 5th at 7:00 pm in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall as the Brandon University Big Band presents a short concert featuring part of the repertoire that the band has been working on.

Also performing are two BU Small Jazz Ensembles:
Church and Geese?
Jeremy & the 4 Non Blondes

The program includes works by Count Basie, Don Menza, Bob Mintzer, Bob Brookmeyer, and Bill Holman.

No Admission Charge.

11/22/2023

Sunday, November 26th @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Nôtinikêw  (going to war)
Award-winning Cree composer Andrew Balfour brings his Truth & Reconciliation project, Nôtinikêw, to BU as Artist-in-Residence November 20-26, 2023.
The performance at Brandon City Hall will feature BU Chorale, directed by Dr. Andrée Dagenais with special guests:Dr. Leanne Zacharias, cellist; Cory Campbell, songkeeper; Nolan Kehler, tenor; Brandon Conservatory Chorale, directed by Marla Fontaine narrated by Andrew Balfour

OPEN REHEARSALS OF NOTINIKEW:
Monday, November 20 from 4:00 – 5:40 p.m. at Lorne Watson Recital Hall, BU School of Music
Wednesday, November 20 from 4;20 – 5:40 p.m. at Lorne Watson Recital Hall, BU School of Music
Saturday, November 25 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Brandon City Hall