Canada Music Week celebration at MHPL will honour local musicians, composers

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on November 18, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Medicine Hat Public Library and the local Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association chapter have partnered for a celebration of Canadian music and talent this Saturday.

This year marks the 65th year of Canada Music Week, which aims to highlight the works of artists and composers from around the country.

“With all of the political upheaval that was going on, we felt it important to have a community-based event that showcased the unity of Canadians,” said ARMTA chapter president Sheryl Schnare. “The whole idea behind Canada Music Week is to feature Canadian music and Canadian composers, because we have a lot of really great composers that people just aren’t aware of.”

Starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, those interested are encouraged to come down to the library for an open house, where there will be information on various composers, both living and deceased, as well as talk with registered music teachers. Outside the theatre there will be an art display with a musical theme, and in the Honor Currie Room there will be tables spotlighting local music history, original compositions by Canadian composers and the ARMTA.

At 2 p.m. in the theatre, there will be a free concert for everyone interested featuring more than 30 different local musicians, including a nine-year-old provincial award-winning composer.

“I’ve played in festivals before but not really a concert, and it’s good to see other musicians singing and performing,” said pianist Rebecca Zhou.

The performances will include two choirs – the Medicine Hat College Girls’ Choir and the TarTones.

“We’re really appreciative of the fact that so many organizations and businesses in the community are coming alongside this with us,” said Schnare, who says there will also be a draw for gift cards provided by Evangelos Music. “We wanted to have an event to celebrate Canada and celebrate Canadian music and, really, celebrate community.”

A brief reception will follow the concert with some refreshments provided.

11
-10