FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2024

2025/26 DEBUT ATLANTIC ARTISTS ANNOUNCED!

K’JIUPUKTUK/HALIFAX, NS – Debut Atlantic is pleased to announce another impressive line-up of artists for the 2025/26 Season! Partnering with presenters throughout Atlantic Canada, these extraordinary artists will tour communities throughout the region.

Jelica Mijanović, Guitar (September 12-28, 2025)

A dazzling force in classical guitar! Jelica Mijanović, an instructor at Mohawk College and a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto, commands the stage with her multicultural repertoire. Fluent in six languages, she’s triumphed in eleven international competitions, has appeared in over 30 festivals, and premiered groundbreaking works. Don’t miss her electrifying performances!

Ensemble Callinos, Flute, Cello, Piano (October 10-25, 2025)

Ensemble Callinos is a lyrical powerhouse that blends flute, cello, and piano into a spellbinding trio. Named after Calliope, the muse of poetry, and Linos, the lyre master, this dynamic group brings major works and inventive transcriptions to life. Since 2022, they’ve captivated audiences with performances for diverse communities, and have partnered with organizations like Share the Warmth and le Chaînon.

Buzz Brass, Brass Quintet (November 7-23, 2025)

Get ready to be awed by Buzz Brass! Since 2002, this acclaimed Canadian quintet has thrilled over 500,000 music lovers with nearly 2,000 concerts worldwide. Celebrated for their innovative programs and award-winning performances, including collaborations with top Canadian symphonies, Buzz Brass continues to shine with eight albums and dynamic new projects. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of Canada’s most renowned brass ensembles in action!

Tong Wang, Piano (February 6-22, 2026)

Canadian pianist Tong Wang is a dynamic force in the music world, blending creativity with social impact. Celebrated with awards like the International Chopin Golden Ring, she has thrilled across the globe. Tong’s recent electrifying multicultural recital tour, “我们 Us,” showcased her boundary-pushing performances. Tong’s innovative multimedia projects promise to connect and inspire audiences across Atlantic Canada.

Thalea String Quartet (March 6-22, 2026)

The Thalea String Quartet dazzles with their vibrant, emotionally charged performances, celebrating diverse musical traditions and shaping the future of the string quartet repertoire. With acclaimed appearances at Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and Massey Hall, they have been lauded as a group that “never fails to deliver a stirring performance” (Calgary Herald).

In addition to concerts, Debut Atlantic is committed to educational and community outreach, with a focus on connecting with and engaging community members outside of the concert hall. School performances, workshops, masterclasses, and live-streamed video conferencing sessions form the core of this pursuit. The offerings are rounded out by pop-up performances and partnerships with community organizations.

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).

Full details on Debut Atlantic’s concert season and education programs can be found at www.debutatlantic.ca. Please see enclosed artist biographies for Debut Atlantic’s 2025/26 Artists.

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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, featuring 40-50 concerts through the four Atlantic Provinces each season. 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.

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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

 

2025/26 Season Artist Biographies

Classical guitarist Jelica Mijanović serves as a guitar and ensemble instructor at Mohawk College while pursuing a doctoral degree in music performance at the University of Toronto. Fluent in multiple languages, Jelica leverages her cultural insights to enrich her teaching and performances. Her debut album, “Meridians,” showcases rare guitar music from across six continents. A distinguished performer, Jelica has won eleven international guitar competitions and appeared as a soloist at over 30 international festivals. Notably, she premiered Bogdanovic’s guitar concerto in Europe and became the first guitarist to win the University of Toronto Doctoral Recital Competition in 2024. She also received the Newcomer Artist Award from the Toronto Arts Foundation this year. She has taught at various Swiss conservatories and contributed significantly to guitar repertoire, including editing and arranging notable works inspired by Montenegrin folklore. (Touring September 12-28, 2025)

Ensemble Callinos, founded in 2022, celebrates the lyrical synergy of flute, cello, and piano. The name Callinos merges Calliope, muse of poetry, and Linos, master of the lyre, reflecting the ensemble’s dedication to poetic and harmonious performances. The group, comprising Edyelwys Silva (flute), Thomas Chartré (cello), and Jeanne Frenette (piano), performs major works and original transcriptions for this distinctive combination. They are committed to social engagement, partnering with organizations such as Share the Warmth and le Chaînon to support vulnerable communities. Edyelwys Silva, a Brazilian-born flutist based in Montreal, boasts awards including first prize at the Eleazar de Carvalho Festival and has studied at Université de Montréal. Thomas Chartré, a cellist recognized by CBC for his performances, has appeared globally and studied at prestigious institutions including the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. Jeanne Frenette, a dedicated pianist, is completing her doctoral studies at Université de Montréal, having already performed with notable orchestras and participated in international workshops. (Touring October 10-25, 2025)

The Canadian quintet Buzz Brass has been travelling the world and captivating classical music lovers since 2002. Whether alone or with guest musicians, Buzz Brass’s highly original performances consistently make a strong impression. The ensemble has given over 1,950 concerts and won over more than 500,000 music lovers across North America, Europe and China. Over the years, Buzz Brass has earned numerous awards and honours—including Canada’s OPUS, ADISQ, and Trille Or prizes—in recognition of the quality and renown of its performances. With its innovative programs, acclaimed recordings, unique repertoire and broad appeal, the group has become one of Canada’s most reputable brass quintets. Recent projects include partnerships with recognized Canadian symphony orchestras such as those in Quebec, Winnipeg, or Sherbrooke, as well as with Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra. The quintet has eight albums to its credit and continues working on new repertoire to record. (Touring November 7-23, 2025)

Canadian artist Tong Wang is a dynamic concert pianist and creative force, renowned for her diverse musical endeavors and community outreach. She has performed with orchestras such as the Edmonton Symphony and the Red Deer Symphony and has earned accolades including the International Chopin Golden Ring and the Canada Graduate Scholarship. Tong has been involved in various social and entrepreneurial initiatives including the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Music for Food, New England Conservatory’s Community Partnerships and Performances Program, and In Concert for Cambodia. In 2016 and 2017, she led Zenkora Studios, creating multimedia orchestra concerts. Tong’s 2021 debut with TAG Duo explored Chinese-Canadian identity, and she continues to investigate themes of identity and culture in her doctoral research on aesthetics in Studio Ghibli music. Using diverse mediums, Tong aims to share the power of art to reach across time, languages, borders, and cultures to connect people and kindle a shared understanding. (Touring February 6-22, 2026)

The Thalea String Quartet is celebrated for its vibrant, emotionally compelling performances that traverse classical and contemporary repertoire. With acclaimed appearances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Massey Hall, the quartet has captivated audiences around the world. Their collaborations include renowned artists like Caroline Shaw, Mahogany Jones, and the acclaimed Canadian band BADBADNOTGOOD. Thalea’s excellence has been recognized with the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award and top prizes at the 2018 Fischoff Competition and Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition. Their commitment to expanding the string quartet repertoire is evident in their numerous premieres and commissions from leading composers such as Osvaldo Golijov and Paola Prestini. As a dynamic force in the global music scene, Thalea continues to push musical boundaries and foster deep connections through their artistry. (Touring March 6-22, 2026)