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Headshot of Léa Flowers Nelson

Léa Flowers Nelson is the recipient of the 2024 Mountain Spirit Award.

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BANFF CENTRE, ALBERTA - The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is thrilled to announce Léa Flowers Nelson as the recipient of this year’s Mountain Spirit Award.

This prestigious award recognizes young individuals, between the ages of 15 to 25, who seek to initiate positive change to celebrate, protect and advocate for the outdoors.

Léa is known in her community for her unwavering passion and commitment, consistently pushing herself to grow and inspire those around her. Since grade 10, she has been an integral member of the Canadian Rockies Youth Network (CRYN), a youth-led organization dedicated to promoting Indigenous perspectives and empowering young people across Alberta to take meaningful action against the climate crisis.

Last summer, Léa participated in the Girls* on Ice Canada Illecillewaet expedition, an experience that deepened her commitment to environmental stewardship. Alongside her expedition work, she plays a vital role in the CRYN administration team and co-leads her school’s environmental club, fostering a culture of sustainability among her peers.

Léa’s dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration to her community and beyond.

To learn more about this year’s finalists and the competition, visit https://www.banffcentre.ca/banff-mountain-spirit-award.

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Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is a globally recognized event and tour celebrating the beauty, adventure, and culture of mountains globally. The nine-day festival will be held from October 26 through to November 3 this year and features over 70 events, bringing films and stories of adventure and exploration from around the world to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta. The festival showcases live events with adventurers, authors, photographers, and filmmakers sharing their inspiring stories.

Online films are available in Canada and the United States from November 6 to 13.

Please visit banffcentre.ca/film-fest for more information.

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Media Contact


Interested in reporting on this or any other Banff Centre story? Members of the media can reach out to communications@banffcentre.ca for more information.

Media Release
1
Description
“Paint gold in the part of me that is broken. Let my faultline shine, these golden precious scars are fine, divine, and mine.”

Joe and his dog Mister lose their home, and facing separation, head into the world for one last grand adventure together. The world seems broken, but Joe sees magic in the mundane, beauty amidst brutality, and life in the lost and lonely. He and Mister encounter Mother Nature, Santa Claus, Jesus and the Tooth Fairy, witness a troupe of homeless players in a cardboard theatre, and show a disenfranchised teen how to jump over the moon in a playground rocket ship. A seemingly simple tale of a simple man, Wonderful Joe is a love letter to imagination, hope, and the art of filling broken hearts with gold.

Ronnie Burkett brings this story to life with his signature style of beautiful puppetry and solo performance, with a glorious score and soundscape by John Alcorn.

"Ronnie Burkett’s solo puppet show about gentrification and aging hit me like a train when I saw it in October. Burkett’s puppets have always been breathtaking, but Wonderful Joe was particularly special for its writing, with piercing allusions to the condo-ification of downtown cores across Canada. The story of Joe and his dog, Mister, will haunt me forever, as will the final scene, in which Joe offers parting advice to a young schoolgirl named Getty. If I had to pick only one favourite piece of theatre from this year, Wonderful Joe was it." – Aisling Murphy, BEST OF 2024: Best theatre of 2024 from Toronto, Stratford and Shaw, The Globe and Mail

Wonderful Joe is, true to its name, wonderful. It’s pure magic from a veteran puppeteer bringing to life some fantastical characters to tell an important story.”  — Edmonton Journal

"The new Ronnie Burkett show Wonderful Joe delights!” —Toronto Star

"A moving puppet extravaganza!" —The Globe and Mail

 

Image of Joe and Mister Wonderful Joe by Ronnie Burkett
Images
Image
Image of Child Joe and Teen Joe
Image
Image of Hershe
Image
Image of Margaret Pinch and Joe Pickle
Image
Image of Mother Nature
Image
Image of Sketch in his “Tyrannosaurus Sketch” mask.
Image
Sunny, Joe and Mister
Page Summary
Ronnie Burkett brings Wonderful Joe to Banff with his signature stunning puppetry, laugh-out-loud humour, and masterful performance.
Exhibition
No
Free
No
Donation
Off
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
This production is intended for adult audiences only, ages 16 and up. Children under the age of 16 will not be admitted.
Performance Date
Date
Audience View Micro Site URL
https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=31C555CB-DCF9-4A36-A8C8-DA43943CF417
Expandable Content
Credits and Creative Team

Credits and Creative Team

WONDERFUL JOE was created with the support of
The Explore and Create Programme of the
Canada Council for the Arts.

Co-commissioned by Stanford Lively (Stanford CA, USA),
UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance or CAP UCLA (Los Angeles CA, USA)
and TO Live (Toronto ON, Canada)
With developmental support from Theatre Network (Edmonton AB, Canada)
In collaboration with Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes (Toronto ON Canada).
 

Created and performed by: Ronnie Burkett
Music composition and lyrics: John Alcorn
Lighting design: Kevin Humphrey
Production manager/artistic associate: Terri Gillis
Stage manager/technical director: Crystal Salverda
Associate producer: John Lambert
Marionette and costume design: Ronnie Burkett
Costumes: Kim Crossley
Puppet studio: Alexander Mantia, Aidan Sparks, Angela Talbot, Dina Meschkuleit, with Martin Herbert, Andy Hayward, Shanna Miller, Justin Mezzapelli, and Brigitte Sampogna
Shoes: Camellia Koo
Marionette controls: Greg Ballora (after Luman Coad)
Marionette stringing: Marcus Jamin
Majordomo: Robbie Buttinski
Scenic construction: Shop Dogs, Montreal
Scenic painting: Daniel Barkley
Model and drafting: Aidan Sparks
Music production, arrangements, vocals, keyboards, and digital programming: John Alcorn
Featured vocals: Coco Love Alcorn
Mixing and mastering: Jeff Wolpert, Desert Fish Studios

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes is exclusively represented by John Lambert & Assoc., Montreal, Canada (www.johnlambert.ca).

Biographies

Ronnie Burkett – Creator and Performer

Ronnie Burkett

Ronnie Burkett has been captivated by puppetry since the age of seven and began touring his shows around Alberta at the age of fourteen. Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes was formed in 1986, continuously playing on Canada’s major stages, and as a guest company on numerous tours abroad. Ronnie received the 2009 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, The Herbert Whittaker Drama Bench Award for Outstanding Contribution to Canadian Theatre, a Village Voice OBIE award, and four Citations of Excellence from the American Center of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette. In 2019, Ronnie Burkett was appointed as an Officer of The Order of Canada and in 2024 he was awarded Canada’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement.

John Alcorn – Music Arrangements and Production

John Alcorn

John Alcorn is one of Canada’s premiere jazz vocalists, delivering his distinctive renditions of jazz standards on the most prestigious bandstands and concert stages across Canada. His list of citations and acknowledgements in music and theatre include both Jazz Report (Male Vocalist of the Year) and Dora (Outstanding Music) awards. As composer, lyricist, musical director, arranger and producer, he has collaborated with numerous significant Canadian theatre artists, including Daniel MacIvor, Deanne Taylor, Sky Gilbert, Theresa Tova, and Tomson Highway, and eight collaborations with Theatre of Marionettes.

Crystal Salverda – Stage Manager

Crystal Salverda

With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Crystal has been blessed to work both across the country and internationally stage managing some wonderful productions. She has had the pleasure of working with Ronnie fo the past 11 years. She has also worked with companies such as Blyth Festival, Kidoons Network, Calgary Stampede, Necessary Angel, Soulpepper Theatre, Canadian Stage, Harold Green Jewish Theatre, just to name a few. Other work experience includes Operations for Field of Dreams and Little League Classic (BaAM Productions), Sales Manager (Westsun), Concert Stage Manager (Marquis Entertainment).

Description
“Paint gold in the part of me that is broken. Let my faultline shine, these golden precious scars are fine, divine, and mine.”

Joe and his dog Mister lose their home, and facing separation, head into the world for one last grand adventure together. The world seems broken, but Joe sees magic in the mundane, beauty amidst brutality, and life in the lost and lonely. He and Mister encounter Mother Nature, Santa Claus, Jesus and the Tooth Fairy, witness a troupe of homeless players in a cardboard theatre, and show a disenfranchised teen how to jump over the moon in a playground rocket ship. A seemingly simple tale of a simple man, Wonderful Joe is a love letter to imagination, hope, and the art of filling broken hearts with gold.

Ronnie Burkett brings this story to life with his signature style of beautiful puppetry and solo performance, with a glorious score and soundscape by John Alcorn.

"Ronnie Burkett’s solo puppet show about gentrification and aging hit me like a train when I saw it in October. Burkett’s puppets have always been breathtaking, but Wonderful Joe was particularly special for its writing, with piercing allusions to the condo-ification of downtown cores across Canada. The story of Joe and his dog, Mister, will haunt me forever, as will the final scene, in which Joe offers parting advice to a young schoolgirl named Getty. If I had to pick only one favourite piece of theatre from this year, Wonderful Joe was it." – Aisling Murphy, BEST OF 2024: Best theatre of 2024 from Toronto, Stratford and Shaw, The Globe and Mail

Wonderful Joe is, true to its name, wonderful. It’s pure magic from a veteran puppeteer bringing to life some fantastical characters to tell an important story.”  — Edmonton Journal

"The new Ronnie Burkett show Wonderful Joe delights!” —Toronto Star

"A moving puppet extravaganza!" —The Globe and Mail

 

Image of Joe and Mister Wonderful Joe by Ronnie Burkett
Images
Image
Image of Child Joe and Teen Joe
Image
Image of Hershe
Image
Image of Margaret Pinch and Joe Pickle
Image
Image of Mother Nature
Image
Image of Sketch in his “Tyrannosaurus Sketch” mask.
Image
Sunny, Joe and Mister
Page Summary
Ronnie Burkett brings Wonderful Joe to Banff with his signature stunning puppetry, laugh-out-loud humour, and masterful performance.
Exhibition
No
Free
No
Donation
Off
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
This production is intended for adult audiences only, ages 16 and up. Children under the age of 16 will not be admitted.
Performance Date
Date
Audience View Micro Site URL
https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=689ED410-AE8B-441C-AF96-F249DB00E626
Expandable Content
Credits and Creative Team

Credits and Creative Team

WONDERFUL JOE was created with the support of
The Explore and Create Programme of the
Canada Council for the Arts.

Co-commissioned by Stanford Lively (Stanford CA, USA),
UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance or CAP UCLA (Los Angeles CA, USA)
and TO Live (Toronto ON, Canada)
With developmental support from Theatre Network (Edmonton AB, Canada)
In collaboration with Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes (Toronto ON Canada).
 

Created and performed by: Ronnie Burkett
Music composition and lyrics: John Alcorn
Lighting design: Kevin Humphrey
Production manager/artistic associate: Terri Gillis
Stage manager/technical director: Crystal Salverda
Associate producer: John Lambert
Marionette and costume design: Ronnie Burkett
Costumes: Kim Crossley
Puppet studio: Alexander Mantia, Aidan Sparks, Angela Talbot, Dina Meschkuleit, with Martin Herbert, Andy Hayward, Shanna Miller, Justin Mezzapelli, and Brigitte Sampogna
Shoes: Camellia Koo
Marionette controls: Greg Ballora (after Luman Coad)
Marionette stringing: Marcus Jamin
Majordomo: Robbie Buttinski
Scenic construction: Shop Dogs, Montreal
Scenic painting: Daniel Barkley
Model and drafting: Aidan Sparks
Music production, arrangements, vocals, keyboards, and digital programming: John Alcorn
Featured vocals: Coco Love Alcorn
Mixing and mastering: Jeff Wolpert, Desert Fish Studios

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes is exclusively represented by John Lambert & Assoc., Montreal, Canada (www.johnlambert.ca).

Biographies

Ronnie Burkett – Creator and Performer

Ronnie Burkett

Ronnie Burkett has been captivated by puppetry since the age of seven and began touring his shows around Alberta at the age of fourteen. Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes was formed in 1986, continuously playing on Canada’s major stages, and as a guest company on numerous tours abroad. Ronnie received the 2009 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, The Herbert Whittaker Drama Bench Award for Outstanding Contribution to Canadian Theatre, a Village Voice OBIE award, and four Citations of Excellence from the American Center of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette. In 2019, Ronnie Burkett was appointed as an Officer of The Order of Canada and in 2024 he was awarded Canada’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement.

John Alcorn – Music Arrangements and Production

John Alcorn

John Alcorn is one of Canada’s premiere jazz vocalists, delivering his distinctive renditions of jazz standards on the most prestigious bandstands and concert stages across Canada. His list of citations and acknowledgements in music and theatre include both Jazz Report (Male Vocalist of the Year) and Dora (Outstanding Music) awards. As composer, lyricist, musical director, arranger and producer, he has collaborated with numerous significant Canadian theatre artists, including Daniel MacIvor, Deanne Taylor, Sky Gilbert, Theresa Tova, and Tomson Highway, and eight collaborations with Theatre of Marionettes.

Crystal Salverda – Stage Manager

Crystal Salverda

With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Crystal has been blessed to work both across the country and internationally stage managing some wonderful productions. She has had the pleasure of working with Ronnie fo the past 11 years. She has also worked with companies such as Blyth Festival, Kidoons Network, Calgary Stampede, Necessary Angel, Soulpepper Theatre, Canadian Stage, Harold Green Jewish Theatre, just to name a few. Other work experience includes Operations for Field of Dreams and Little League Classic (BaAM Productions), Sales Manager (Westsun), Concert Stage Manager (Marquis Entertainment).

Description
“Paint gold in the part of me that is broken. Let my faultline shine, these golden precious scars are fine, divine, and mine.”

Joe and his dog Mister lose their home, and facing separation, head into the world for one last grand adventure together. The world seems broken, but Joe sees magic in the mundane, beauty amidst brutality, and life in the lost and lonely. He and Mister encounter Mother Nature, Santa Claus, Jesus and the Tooth Fairy, witness a troupe of homeless players in a cardboard theatre, and show a disenfranchised teen how to jump over the moon in a playground rocket ship. A seemingly simple tale of a simple man, Wonderful Joe is a love letter to imagination, hope, and the art of filling broken hearts with gold.

Ronnie Burkett brings this story to life with his signature style of beautiful puppetry and solo performance, with a glorious score and soundscape by John Alcorn.

"Ronnie Burkett’s solo puppet show about gentrification and aging hit me like a train when I saw it in October. Burkett’s puppets have always been breathtaking, but Wonderful Joe was particularly special for its writing, with piercing allusions to the condo-ification of downtown cores across Canada. The story of Joe and his dog, Mister, will haunt me forever, as will the final scene, in which Joe offers parting advice to a young schoolgirl named Getty. If I had to pick only one favourite piece of theatre from this year, Wonderful Joe was it." – Aisling Murphy, BEST OF 2024: Best theatre of 2024 from Toronto, Stratford and Shaw, The Globe and Mail

Wonderful Joe is, true to its name, wonderful. It’s pure magic from a veteran puppeteer bringing to life some fantastical characters to tell an important story.”  — Edmonton Journal

"The new Ronnie Burkett show Wonderful Joe delights!” —Toronto Star

"A moving puppet extravaganza!" —The Globe and Mail

Image of Joe and Mister Wonderful Joe by Ronnie Burkett
Images
Image
Image of Child Joe and Teen Joe
Image
Image of Hershe
Image
Image of Margaret Pinch and Joe Pickle
Image
Image of Mother Nature
Image
Image of Sketch in his “Tyrannosaurus Sketch” mask.
Image
Sunny, Joe and Mister
Page Summary
Ronnie Burkett brings Wonderful Joe to Banff with his signature stunning puppetry, laugh-out-loud humour, and masterful performance.
Exhibition
No
Free
No
Donation
Off
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
This production is intended for adult audiences only, ages 16 and up. Children under the age of 16 will not be admitted.
Performance Date
Date
Audience View Micro Site URL
https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=A9B28854-6C33-432D-864A-083CE93361C4
Expandable Content
Credits and Creative Team

Credits and Creative Team

WONDERFUL JOE was created with the support of
The Explore and Create Programme of the
Canada Council for the Arts.

Co-commissioned by Stanford Lively (Stanford CA, USA),
UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance or CAP UCLA (Los Angeles CA, USA)
and TO Live (Toronto ON, Canada)
With developmental support from Theatre Network (Edmonton AB, Canada)
In collaboration with Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes (Toronto ON Canada).
 

Created and performed by: Ronnie Burkett
Music composition and lyrics: John Alcorn
Lighting design: Kevin Humphrey
Production manager/artistic associate: Terri Gillis
Stage manager/technical director: Crystal Salverda
Associate producer: John Lambert
Marionette and costume design: Ronnie Burkett
Costumes: Kim Crossley
Puppet studio: Alexander Mantia, Aidan Sparks, Angela Talbot, Dina Meschkuleit, with Martin Herbert, Andy Hayward, Shanna Miller, Justin Mezzapelli, and Brigitte Sampogna
Shoes: Camellia Koo
Marionette controls: Greg Ballora (after Luman Coad)
Marionette stringing: Marcus Jamin
Majordomo: Robbie Buttinski
Scenic construction: Shop Dogs, Montreal
Scenic painting: Daniel Barkley
Model and drafting: Aidan Sparks
Music production, arrangements, vocals, keyboards, and digital programming: John Alcorn
Featured vocals: Coco Love Alcorn
Mixing and mastering: Jeff Wolpert, Desert Fish Studios

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes is exclusively represented by John Lambert & Assoc., Montreal, Canada (www.johnlambert.ca).

Biographies

Ronnie Burkett – Creator and Performer

Ronnie Burkett

Ronnie Burkett has been captivated by puppetry since the age of seven and began touring his shows around Alberta at the age of fourteen. Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes was formed in 1986, continuously playing on Canada’s major stages, and as a guest company on numerous tours abroad. Ronnie received the 2009 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, The Herbert Whittaker Drama Bench Award for Outstanding Contribution to Canadian Theatre, a Village Voice OBIE award, and four Citations of Excellence from the American Center of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette. In 2019, Ronnie Burkett was appointed as an Officer of The Order of Canada and in 2024 he was awarded Canada’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement.

John Alcorn – Music Arrangements and Production

John Alcorn

John Alcorn is one of Canada’s premiere jazz vocalists, delivering his distinctive renditions of jazz standards on the most prestigious bandstands and concert stages across Canada. His list of citations and acknowledgements in music and theatre include both Jazz Report (Male Vocalist of the Year) and Dora (Outstanding Music) awards. As composer, lyricist, musical director, arranger and producer, he has collaborated with numerous significant Canadian theatre artists, including Daniel MacIvor, Deanne Taylor, Sky Gilbert, Theresa Tova, and Tomson Highway, and eight collaborations with Theatre of Marionettes.

Crystal Salverda – Stage Manager

Crystal Salverda

With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Crystal has been blessed to work both across the country and internationally stage managing some wonderful productions. She has had the pleasure of working with Ronnie fo the past 11 years. She has also worked with companies such as Blyth Festival, Kidoons Network, Calgary Stampede, Necessary Angel, Soulpepper Theatre, Canadian Stage, Harold Green Jewish Theatre, just to name a few. Other work experience includes Operations for Field of Dreams and Little League Classic (BaAM Productions), Sales Manager (Westsun), Concert Stage Manager (Marquis Entertainment).

Description

Join us for an evening of original creations by Ballet Edmonton’s talented artists. This special performance features the innovative artistry of Ballet Edmonton’s Artistic Director, Kirsten Wicklund, alongside acclaimed choreographers Emilie Leriche and Anne Plamondon. This mixed program highlights the diverse talents and unique perspectives that shape Ballet Edmonton’s original repertoire. Experience contemporary ballet that resonates with creativity and expressive depth.

Image of ballet dancers from Ballet Edmonton's performance of Meteorite.
Page Summary
A showcase of visionary works of Ballet Edmonton’s Artistic Director, Kirsten Wicklund, alongside celebrated choreographers Emilie Leriche and Anne Plamondon.
Exhibition
No
Free
No
Donation
Off
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Event Tags
Performance Date
Date
Audience View Micro Site URL
https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=820EC33A-AB9F-4912-A783-24FF632AC2BB
Expandable Content

Ballet Edmonton

Ballet Edmonton is a contemporary ballet ensemble under the leadership of choreographer and Artistic Director Kirsten Wicklund. Our vision is driven by a passion and curiosity to explore new ideas. As we continue to evolve, we commit ourselves to fostering contemporary dance with a focus on the creation of new work while highlighting a diverse range of artistic voices for audiences across Canada. Our repertoire contains nationally and internationally recognized and emerging choreographers with distinct voices. We contribute to the evolution of ballet in Canada by expressing the unique narratives of the artists whose creations we support and bring to life.

Ballet Edmonton has commissioned new creations by Canadian and International choreographers, including Gioconda Barbuto, Joshua Beamish, Serge Bennathan, Ethan Colangelo, James Gregg, Shay Kuebler, Emilie Leriche, Rachel Meyer, Andrea Peña, Anne Plamondon, Diego Ramalho, Ihsan Rustem, Anya Saugstad, Dorotea Saykaly, Kirsten Wicklund, and Wen Wei Wang.

Description


Deaf public speaker, Nathan Jesper, has arrived at his venue desperately late. As he launches into his speech, he soon realizes that things are not what they seem. 

Written and performed by Deaf actor Chris Dodd, Deafy is a tragicomedy that blends ASL, the spoken word and surtitles, while leading you on an unexpected journey of what it really means to belong.

 

"(Nathan) is droll, wry, a master of the eye roll/shrug combo, a guy who’s in touch with the absurdities of his world. – Liz Nicholls, 12th Night

A play that reaches out to be more than just the sum of its parts.” – Beer Tent Reviews

…visceral, compelling and instructive. – Edmonton Journal
 

Image of Chris Dodd from his play Deafy.
Page Summary
Written and performed by Deaf actor Chris Dodd, Deafy is a tragicomedy that blends ASL, the spoken word and surtitles while leading you on an unexpected journey
Exhibition
No
Free
No
Donation
Off
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Strong adult language, themes of bullying and self-harm. Recommended for ages 14+.
Event Tags
Performance Date
Date
Audience View Micro Site URL
https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=6979E391-20AD-45B6-8455-F1232E01CDB2
Expandable Content

Chris Dodd

Chris Dodd is a Treaty 6 based (Edmonton) award-winning Deaf actor, playwright, accessibility advocate and Governor General Innovation Award finalist. He is the founder and artistic director of SOUND OFF, Canada’s national festival devoted to Deaf performance. Chris holds a degree from the University of Alberta’s Drama program and has been working within Edmonton’s theatre community, and across Canada, for over 25 years. His play, Deafy, has been touring across Canada since 2021 and recently had its first international performance in the Netherlands in October. The play has been published by Playwrights Canada Press as part of the anthology, “Interdependent Magic: Disability Performance in Canada”. Notable performances include the role of Alphonse in Ultrasound at Theatre Passe Muraille. Recent film credits include the role of Odin in the feature film, Finality of Dusk. In 2019 he was the recipient of the Guy Laliberté Prize for innovation and creative leadership by the Canada Council for the Arts.

About Deafy

Deafy was created with support from the Edmonton Arts Council and developmental support from Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre (Edmonton, AB), in collaboration with Follow the Signs Theatre (Edmonton, AB).

Written and performed by: Chris Dodd
Director: Ashley Wright
Stage Manager: Jessy Ardern
Lighting Designer: Sarah Karpyshin
Associate Lighting Designer / Surtitles: Rory Turner
Sound Designer: Dave Clarke
Movement Coach: Ainsley Hillyard
Vocal Coach: Joshua Meredith
ASL Coach: Amorena Bartlett

Body
Image
The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is proud to announce two recipients of this year’s Mountain Image Book Award: Sauvage! by Monica Dalmasso and The Art of Climbing by Simon Carter.
Paragraph Text

BANFF CENTRE, ALBERTA - The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is proud to announce two recipients of this year’s Mountain Image Book Award: Sauvage! by Monica Dalmasso and The Art of Climbing by Simon Carter. The second award was presented following the original selection of Sauvage! The jury decided to award two prizes after a review of the rules and regulations found a discrepancy in this year’s qualifications.  


This renowned international event celebrates mountain literature in all its diverse forms, including photography. Each year, the competition awards $29,000 in cash prizes across eight categories: Mountain Literature (Non-Fiction), Mountain Fiction and Poetry, Environmental Literature, Adventure Travel, Mountain Image, Guidebook, Mountain Article, and Climbing Literature.


Mountain Image Award (Sponsored by Mountain Life) Jury Quotes:


Monica Dalmasso: Sauvage! (France, 2023)
It is fascinating to see how each person interprets art differently. Are we meant to take in a book from cover to cover, or do individual images resonate more when absorbed gradually over time? Is simplicity or complexity more important? That's the nature of art—it gets us all talking. Sauvage! was chosen as this year’s Mountain Image winner for its diverse portrayal of mountain life—showcasing everything from the presence of humanity within its landscapes to the absence of it, as well as the macro details that define these elevated terrains. Although the text was not meant to be weighed as heavily as the imagery, I personally found the words in Sauvage! perfectly complemented the visuals in a way that enhanced and added depth to the imagery, making me continually want to turn pages. In the end, we all agreed: this book inspired us to want to go out, explore the world, and create a few images of our own. And if that's not the purpose of mountain imagery, then what is? 
– Irene Yee, 2024 Photo Competition Jury


Simon Carter: The Art of Climbing (USA, 2024)
The Art of Climbing, quite simply, is a love letter to the sport of technical rock climbing. The 250+ page book denotes the visual history of Simon Carter as he takes his photography to bold frontiers and truly awe-inspiring scenes. Whisked away to lines all over the globe, The Art of Climbing serves both populations of climbers and non-climbers alike. Regardless of your affinity to the sport, as you put down the book after each session, you feel a little lighter, a little more excited for new-to-you places. As a reader, you are left with the conclusion that this book does one task quite well - it pushes you to get outside. 
- Jojo Das, Jury Member


To learn more about this year’s finalists and the competition, visit https://www.banffcentre.ca/banff-mountain-book-competition
 

Paragraph Text

Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is a globally recognized event and tour celebrating the beauty, adventure, and culture of mountains globally. The nine-day festival will be held from October 26 through to November 3 this year and features over 70 events, bringing films and stories of adventure and exploration from around the world to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta. The festival showcases live events with adventurers, authors, photographers, and filmmakers sharing their inspiring stories.

Online films are available in Canada and the United States from November 6 to 13.

Please visit banffcentre.ca/film-fest for more information.
 

Paragraph Text

Media Contact


Interested in reporting on this or any other Banff Centre story? Members of the media can reach out to communications@banffcentre.ca for more information.
 

Media Release
1

Submitted by Dolson Rhona on
English

fullwidth padding

Principal flute of the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra since 2003, Magali Mosnier is one of the most sought-after flutists on the international scene. Swinging happily from the Baroque to the Contemporary, she divides her career between concerts with her prestigious orchestra and solo projects throughout the world.

Having won the Jean-Pierre Rampal international competition in Paris (2001) and the ARD Competition in Munich (2004), she was named "Instrumental Soloist Revelation" at the Echo Klassik 2006 and nominated in the "Instrumental Soloist" category at the Victoires de la Musique Classique 2016 and 2020.

Magali has recorded four albums for Sony Classical: Fantaisie, Bach, Mozart and Mozart's Concerto for flute and harp with Xavier de Maistre. She has also collaborated on numerous chamber music recordings with works by Ravel, Dutilleux, Lenot, Lefrancois, and recently Debussy's flute, viola and harp Sonata with Antoine Tamestit and Xavier de Maistre for Harmonia Mundi.

This season she will appearing at the Klosters Festival with Arabella Steinbacher and Kammerakademie Potsdam, at the Moritzburg Festival, on tour in Germany with Eric Le Sage, with Anneleen Lenaerts and Nils Mönkemeyer at the Mecklenburg Vorpommern Festival, in Alexandre Desplat's concerto with the Wiener Symphoniker and Alexandre Desplat at the MusikVerein.

Magali is represented by Konzertdirektion Dr. Rudolf Goette, Hamburg. In addition to her activities as a performer, Magali Mosnier has always privileged teaching and transmission. After two years at the HEMU in Lausanne, she has been a professor at the CRR and the Pôle Supérieur de Paris for the past five years. Magali also regularly gives masterclasses in France and abroad.

Dolson Rhona
Flute

Submitted by Dolson Rhona on
English

fullwidth padding

In the earlier days of the COVID pandemic, after a series of outdoor concerts, the Garneau String Quartet was formed and recently became Ensemble-in-Residence at MacEwan University Conservatory of Music in Edmonton, Alberta. The quartet is comprised of members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra - violinists Robert Uchida and Laura Veeze, violist Keith Hamm, and cellist Julie Hereish.

As part of their residency, the quartet performs a series of concerts throughout the season. They also coach young artists in the Chamber Music Academy Program who work with guest artists, and participate in performance classes and recitals.

The GSQ has toured the province of Alberta and has collaborated with artists such as Tom Allen, Lori Gemmel, Philip Chiu, Desmond Hoebig, Jessica Linnebach, and the Rosebud String Quartet.

The quartet gratefully acknowledges the support of the descendants of Eleanor and Laurent Garneau, for whom music and music making was, and is, a great source of inspiration and expression.

Robert Uchida (Violin): Robert joined the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) as concertmaster in 2013, having held the same position with Symphony Nova Scotia for seven years. A passionate teacher, Robert serves on the faculty at the University of Alberta and has held teaching positions at Acadia University, the Manhattan School of Music and the National Arts Centre of Canada’s Young Artists Program.

Laura Veeze (Violin): Dutch violinist and violist Laura Veeze has reached audiences on three continents as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. She has held principal second violin positions with the Radio Chamber Philharmonic in the Netherlands and with Symphony Nova Scotia. In addition to her position with the first violins of the ESO, she is concertmaster of the Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton, and principal second violin of the Alberta Baroque Ensemble.

Keith Hamm (Viola): Keith joined the ESO in September 2019 as principal violist, a position he held with the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra for eight seasons. A native of Rosebud, Alberta, Keith received his training at the Glenn Gould School of Music under the instruction of Steven Dann, and at the Mount Royal Conservatory with Nicholas Pulos. Keith is founder and artistic director of the Rosebud Chamber Music Festival in Rosebud, Alberta. He is also co-founder and violist of the Rosebud String Quartet.

Julie Hereish (Cello): Julie Hereish joined the ESO as assistant principal cello in 2019. She previously held the same position with the Québec Symphony Orchestra. Born in Montreal, Julie pursued her studies in her hometown, and then in Vienna, Austria. Julie is a co-founder and member of the Edmonton-based High Level Trio, comprised of members of the ESO. Alongside her husband, Keith Hamm, she founded The New Cohort at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The duet went on tour in the Maritimes with Debut Atlantic in September 2022.

Dolson Rhona

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Trombonist Lee Allen has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Diego Symphony. As acting principal trombone of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, he has performed with the Santa Monica Symphony, Riverside Symphony, San Bernardino Symphony, Long Beach Opera, Burbank Philharmonic, and Los Angeles Jewish Symphony . Allen toured as a member of award-winning smooth jazz artist Brian Culbertson’s band in 2008 and also performed with Adele at the Academy Awards in 2013. Allen has worked on numerous recording projects including a project at The Bridge Recording in L.A. with Jay Friedman. He is a founding member of the critically acclaimed MOMUS trombone quartet, and a member of the Pacific Trombone Project, which comprises some of the leading players in Thailand, South Korea, China, and Australia.

A dedicated and sought-after teacher, Allen currently serves as trombone faculty and chair of brass and percussion at The Tianjin Juilliard School. There he is also a member of the Tianjin Juilliard Ensemble, an all-faculty ensemble performing chamber concerts throughout Asia. Allen is a member of the summer faculty at RondoFest in Penang, Malaysia. He has taught at the Oberlin Conservatory, University of Southern California, and Colburn School for the Performing Arts. During his tenure as assistant professor of trombone at the Oberlin Conservatory from 2013 - 2019, Allen was soloist with many large ensembles. He performed the US premiere of Christopher Starks’ Nanokonzert for solo trombone and contemporary ensemble in 2015. He also led the Oberlin Brass Quintet on a month-long tour of China and took students to Uganda, Africa as part of a collaboration with Brass for Africa. Allen has presented master classes throughout the United States, South Korea, and China.

Allen earned a DMA and MM in trombone performance from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music, and a bachelor’s of music education from the

University of Kentucky. His primary mentors have included Terry Cravens, Dale Warren, Bill Watrous, and Per Brevig.

Lee Allen is a Shires Performing Artist.

Dolson Rhona
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