FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2024

NOVA SCOTIAN PIANIST BRINGS NOCTURNAL MASTERPIECES TO ATLANTIC CANADA STAGES  

K’JIUPUKTUK/HALIFAX, NS – Nova Scotian pianist David Potvin is set to enchant Atlantic Canada with his tour, “Prelude to an Evening,” this September. From September 13 to 22, 2024, Potvin will perform seven concerts in Nova Scotia and one in Prince Edward Island, offering a spellbinding exploration of nocturnal piano music. The program features Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, Chopin’s Nocturnes, and Liszt’s virtuosity, alongside evocative works by Canadian composers Jean Coulthard and Barbara Assiginaak. “Prelude to an Evening” promises a unique musical journey that blends classical and contemporary masterpieces, captivating both seasoned music lovers and newcomers.

The tour will include a new commission by JUNO award-winning composer Derek Charke, commissioned for Potvin’s Debut Atlantic tour. Atlantic Canadian audiences will be the first to enjoy the world premiere of this exciting work titled In the Falling Dark 3.

Debut Atlantic is thrilled to present high-calibre artists to audiences across Atlantic Canada.

The tour kicks off on Friday, September 13th, in Truro, NS, where Potvin will grace the stage of St. Andrew’s United Church, presented by the Marigold Cultural Centre at 7:00pm. The following morning, Saturday, September 14th, he’ll be serenading the scenic beauty of Mahone Bay, NS, with a 11:00am performance at Cecilia’s Retreat. On Sunday, September 15th, Potvin makes his way to the charming Under the Spire Music Festival in Indian River, PEI, for a 3:00pm show. Afterward, he’ll head back to Nova Scotia, bringing his enchanting performance to Yarmouth, NS, with the Hear! Here! Society on Wednesday, September 18th at 7:00pm. The musical journey continues on Thursday, September 19th, in Pictou, NS, where Potvin will perform at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre at 7:30pm as part of their reopening celebrations. The next day, Friday, September 20th, he’ll captivate audiences at The Grace Arts Centre in Tatamagouche, NS. The next stop on his Debut Atlantic tour is Antigonish, NS, where Potvin will perform with the Antigonish Performing Arts Series on Saturday, September 21st at 7:30pm. The grand finale of his Debut Atlantic tour takes place on Sunday, September 22nd at 2:00pm in Wolfville, NS, at Sunday Music in the Garden Centre.

David Potvin’s tour is set to be an unforgettable celebration of music – don’t miss the chance to experience this extraordinary artist live and witness a series of performances that will leave you inspired and enthralled.

In addition to concert engagements, David Potvin will be working with young students through the Debut Goes to School! program. This season, Debut Goes to School offers students throughout Atlantic Canada in-person access to outstanding classical and global music artists. Through this program, students are provided the opportunity to participate in live, interactive learning sessions and other events for various age groups and levels of ability.

Debut Atlantic wants to recognize the partners and sponsors that come together to bring these incredible artists to communities and venues of all sizes across our region. It would not be possible without the generous support of sustaining partners, including the Canada Council for the Arts, Arts Nova Scotia, and the Province of New Brunswick. Debut would also like to thank its educational partner, the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development; and its season partners, including the Halifax Regional Municipality, The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation, Support4Culture, the Craig Foundation, Pink Larkin, Halcraft Printers, and InnVest Hotels (Comfort Inn).

Please see the enclosed list of concert dates and artist biography, and come share in a unique performance, rich with passion and exploration.

 

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As one of Canada’s most prestigious classical music organizations, Debut Atlantic is committed to developing young artists and establishing new initiatives that enhance the cultural life of Atlantic Canada. Since 1979 it has treated Atlantic audiences to Canada’s most promising young musicians. Celebrating 44 years, Debut Atlantic has featured over 400 artists, gracing the stages of venues from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Full details on Debut Atlantic’s concert seasons and educational programs can be found at www.debutatlantic.ca.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Erin Sparks – Executive Director

Debut Atlantic

902-429-6812

erin@debutatlantic.ca

 

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Elizabeth Upson Perez – Program Officer

Debut Atlantic

902-429-6812

elizabeth@debutatlantic.ca

 

 

TOUR SCHEDULE—David Potvin

 

Truro, Nova Scotia

7:00pm, September 13, 2024

St. Andrews United Church

605 Prince St, Truro, NS

902-897-4004

www.marigoldcentre.ca

 

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

11:00am, September 14, 2024

Musique Royale

Cecilia’s Retreat

1199 Oakland Rd, Mahone Bay, NS

musiqueroyale.com

 

Indian River, Prince Edward Island

3:00pm, September 15, 2024

Under the Spire Music Festival

Historic St. Mary’s

1374 Hamilton Rd., Indian River, PE

1-866-856-3733

Underthespire.ca

 

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

7:00pm, September 18, 2024

Hear! Here! Society

Yarmouth County Museum and Archives

22 Collins Street, Yarmouth, NS

902-881-2538

www.hearheresociety.ca

 

Pictou, Nova Scotia

7:30pm, September 19, 2024

deCoste Performing Arts Centre

25B Front St., Pictou, NS

1-800-353-5338

decostecentre.ca

 

Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia

7:00pm, September 20, 2024

The Grace Arts Centre

31 Creamery Rd.

902-657-3500

www.gracejollymore.com

 

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

7:30pm, September 21, 2024

Antigonish Performing Arts Series

Immaculata Hall, St. F.X. University

2360 Notre Dame Ave.

902-867-3909

people.stfx.ca/msteinit/schedule.htm

 

Wolfville, Nova Scotia

2:00pm, September 22, 2024

Sunday Music in the Garden Room

KC Irving Environmental Science Centre

Acadia University

artsacadia.acadiau.ca/Sunday_Music_in_the_Garden_Room.html

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHY—DAVID POTVIN

Hailed by La Scena Musicale as a rising star, pianist David Potvin is known for playing that is “always controlled and beautiful” (Chris Wolf, Classic 107). As the winner of the 2022 Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, he went on a recital tour across Canada, performing programs of all Canadian piano music. He recorded repertoire from that tour on his debut album, Catharsis, which was described as “distinctive and highly accomplished” (Gramophone Magazine). He can also be heard on composer-pianist Edward Enman’s album Breathe In, Breathe Out, performing music for piano duo. His performances have been broadcast on radio stations across Canada, including the CBC.

David is a versatile performer with a wide range of repertoire. His imaginative programs seamlessly combine standard repertoire and contemporary music with a focus on Canadian composers. Recent concert highlights include the American premieres of numerous Canadian works at the University of Arkansas, a recital with violinist Martin Beaver, and a recital in collaboration with the Canadian Music Centre celebrating the works of Quebec composer Jacques Hétu. He has also performed for the Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg, the Regina Musical Club, the Bathurst Chamber Music Festival, and the Scotia Festival of Music. Internationally, David has performed in festivals in the USA, France, Romania, and England. His overseas appearances have been supported by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust.