The 39th Annual Norfolk Musical Arts Festival is in full swing this week. The festival brings a week of music, drama, and talent to the community. Held across multiple venues, the festival features vocal and piano performances, bands, choirs, speech arts, and more. The festival has grown over the years and Vicky Lachine, the festival’s secretary tells explains it reaches a lot of people.
Throughout the week, audiences can enjoy performances from students, school bands, community choirs, and solo musicians. Highlights include a night of choirs at St. James United Church and a special strings performance featuring the Grand River Suzuki School. In addition, there are categories for contemporary musical theatre, folk songs, allowing performers of all ages and skill levels to participate. A complete schedule is available here.
There are also categories for English and French speech arts and Lachine explains the types of performances these artists bring.
She went on to add that Young Theatre Players recently did an interesting production of Beetlejuice, so maybe something from the Netherworld will arrive.
If you can only make it out for one event at the festival, Lachine strongly recommends the Instrumental Arts and Vocal Arts Cup Competition on Thursday at St James United Church. Top senior performers will be competing for two $1,000 awards.
The festival concludes with the Highlights and Awards Ceremony on March 4th, celebrating participants with scholarships and trophies. Lachine tells us more.
Admission is by donation, with proceeds supporting the festival’s ongoing success. The Norfolk Musical Arts Festival continues to provide a platform for local talent to grow and thrive. For more details, visit nmaf.ca.
Written by Jeremy Hall