Nelson Music Festival Association Highlights Concert

We are thrilled to welcome you to the 2024 Kootenay Festival of the Arts. To all participants, parents, teachers, friends and volunteers, a very warm welcome.
     Since its inception in 1930, beginning at the Nelson Opera House, ours is one of the longest-running festivals in the province. Throughout the years, it has maintained a high level of excellence. Many of our participants, buoyed by their performance experiences and supportive adjudications, have gone on to pursue higher studies and successful careers in the arts.
     Our adjudicators are committed professionals who have graciously devoted their valuable time, stepping away from their accomplished performing and teaching careers to journey to Nelson to generously impart their expertise and wisdom to our students. We are truly grateful for their valuable insights and adept adjudication, which provide our students with helpful and motivating feedback.
      These are entirely live performances by our participants, shared only by those lucky enough to witness the unique, artistic interpretations. We cherish every moment of each performance and recognize the courage it takes to perform live!
      Our festival exists only with the incredible generosity of our volunteers and financial donors. From the festival board, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the individuals, businesses and organizations who have donated. We greatly appreciate the support of the Columbia Basin Trust, the City of Nelson, the Nelson and District Credit Union, the Osprey Foundation, and our many other donors. We also extend our deep appreciation to the teachers and parents of the performers for their endless encouragement and support. Each and every student is here today, experiencing the joy of performance, thanks to your expert guidance and continuous support.
       Finally, we would like to acknowledge the student performers of all ages, in all disciplines, from far and wide, who have worked so hard to prepare and who have chosen to share their performances with us. We will all be enriched and inspired by experiencing your performances.
           Thank you for supporting young people in the arts and participating in this festival! Your attendance is greatly appreciated!