MORE JUNOS NODS, AND A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Dear Friends,
Today's note starts with the news of the latest round of Juno Nominations, and Stratford Summer Music artists are to be found in the listings this year in droves!
For Classical Album of the Year (solo), long-time SSM favourite Jan Lisecki is nominated, in competition against Katherine Dowling, who was with us on piano for opening night in 2024! Both of them are up against one of my former students - Marie Nadeau Tremblay, who will one day make it to Stratford, no doubt :)
For Classical Album of the Year (small ensemble), Ensemble Caprice is nominated for their album of Vivaldi music. They were with us two years ago during the summer but will be back with us shortly in early March playing, guess what, Vivaldi!! They're up against the new music group Continuum, who were with us back in 2019. Time to bring them back?
There's much more! For Classical Album of the Year (large ensemble), both Tafelmusik and cellist Stephane Tetreault have been nominated. In the Jazz Album of the Year category (solo), bassist Justin Gray (with us under the moon several years ago) is up for his revolutionary album called Immersed, which is produced by SSM favourite Drew Jurecka. For Jazz Album of the Year (group), last year's closers at the Barge The Shuffle Demons are in the running! For Children's Album of the Year, Chris McKhool's Little Leaf has been nominated. He was with us last in 2023, and will return this summer to SSM on July 25th!
Have I forgotten anyone? It is possible... and for any of you wondering, I didn't have anything to do with adjudicating/listening to submissions this year! Here's a link with the full list:
While there is much to celebrate above, I want to take a moment to celebrate our Executive Director, Crystal Spicer. She came to us at SSM at a time when her skills, enthusiasm, determination and sheer grit were the perfect fit. Indeed, without Crystal we wouldn't be in the positive financial situation we're currently in, which is an enormous accomplishment during this challenging time for arts organizations. She also opened up SSM with new ideas including our performances at Jobsite Brewing Co., the Coffee Chats at revel coffee house, and the revamping of our offerings for children (Al Simmons wouldn't have been with us last summer without Crystal's efforts!), which were more successful than we could have dreamed. Crystal has decided it is time to move on, and while I am sad to see her leave, I feel lucky to have had her expertise, goodwill, and trust during these last years. Here's a note from her to tell you about the decision.
Hello Stratford Summer Music Fans,
I hope you’ve all been staying warm these past few months. If you’re here in Stratford with me, you’re probably more than ready to see the end of all this snow!
I’m writing to share some personal news. After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role as Executive Director of Stratford Summer Music. I will be wrapping up my time with the organization in early April.
It has been a privilege getting to know our audiences over the past two years and sharing so many memorable musical experiences with you. I’m deeply grateful for the warmth, enthusiasm, and support you bring to every concert and event.
Over the coming weeks, the search committee will complete the process of identifying the organization’s next Executive Director, who will share the leadership of Stratford Summer Music as part of a co-leadership model with our Artistic Director. In the meantime, I’m still very much here, and we are deep into planning for the 2026 season, there’s lots to look forward to!
Be sure to keep an eye on our website for upcoming programming announcements. First up is Vivaldi on Fire | Ensemble Caprice on March 11. I hope to see many of you there!
Vivaldi on Fire | Ensemble Caprice
Our very best wishes for the weekend ahead!
Mark and the SSM Team