Desautels Concert Hall

William Prince approaches the big questions with humility and curiosity, and his songwriting is a masterclass in skillful simplicity. Since his JUNO Award win in 2017, Prince’s momentum has continued to build, with each new album adding depth and dimension to an exceptional body of work that has received international acclaim. With additional JUNO wins in 2021 and 2024, national network television appearances, top tier media coverage and performances at major international festivals, William Prince has become one of the country’s most respected and celebrated songwriters. UM is proud to call Prince an alum, he graduated from UM’s Faculty of Science in 2018.

The Borealis Piano Trio is comprised of three brilliant musicians who teach at the Desautels Faculty of Music. Russian-born Violinist Oleg Pokhanovski, Cellist Minna Rose Chung, and Pianist Judy Kehler Siebert bring sparkling virtuosity and a deep musical understanding to all their music-making as chamber musicians and soloists. A versatile musician, Oleg’s skills as a violinist are equalled by his piano skills, allowing him to accompany himself on his many innovative recording projects. Director of Brazil’s Project Rio, Minna brings International performing and teaching experience to her many performance across the world. Judy is a leading collaborative pianist who has performed on three continents, premiering countless new works. The trio’s most recent program of dance-based music was a highlight of the Virtuosi Concert Series.

The Desautels Jazz Faculty Sextet is made of some of Canada’s leading jazz musicians and jazz educators. Each of these artists, many of whom are Juno Award winners, has years of international touring and recording to their credit, having worked with many of the world’s foremost jazz artists. Will Bonness (Piano – 2022 Juno Award Winner), Jon Gordon (Alto Saxophone – 2022 Juno Nominee), Jon Challoner (Trumpet – 2011 Juno Award Winner), Fabio Ragnelli (Drums – 2016 Juno Award Winner), Karl Kohut (Bass), and Karly Epp (Vocals) are a formidable force, whether performing or passing on their wisdom to the next generation of jazz musicians. Passionate and innovative, they are as likely to appear in Toronto or New York as they are in Winnipeg.

Soprano Tracy Dahl has been Canada’s most beloved Coloratura Soprano for decades. This Order of Canada Member has performed in all the biggest opera houses in the world and is known everywhere for her quicksilver voice and inimitable acting skills. These days, along with her singing, Tracy has become one of Canada’s most in-demand voice teachers. Besides her stellar teaching at the Desautels Faculty of Music, she regularly works with the Young Artists at the Canadian Opera Company and Calgary Opera, sharing her ears and experience with the opera singers of the future.

Tracy will be joined by Desautels Alumna Andriana Chuchman [BMus(Perf)/04], fresh off an exciting 2023/24 season, in which she debuted three new roles as well as singing in the world premiere of Jory Talbot’s “The Diving Bell and Butterfly” with Dallas Opera. A proud Ukrainian/Canadian, Andriana is one of Canada’s busiest singers, sharing her warm voice and sparkling personality with opera and concert audiences around the world. Here at home, she and Tracy are well-known for their appearances with Manitoba Opera and their duet concerts with Manitoba Chamber Orchestra.

Accompanying Tracy and Andriana is collaborative Pianist Laura Loewen, who is one of Canada’s busiest collaborative pianists. Whether collaborating with leading singers like Tracy Dahl or Colin Ainsworth, or tearing up the classical saxophone repertoire with duo partner Allen Harrington, Laura brings a rare passion and insight into her playing. She has premiered numerous vocal and instrumental new music works as well as taking on all the standard art song and operatic repertoire. Laura brings the same passion to her teaching and administrating work, always trying to solve problems creatively and collaboratively. Her inspiring lecture on diction for singers, titled “Passionate Diction” has made its way across the country to the many universities and summer programs that have had the privilege of having Laura as a guest instructor.