By TONY WORFOLK
The Twin Rivers Music Festival celebrated a major milestone this year, marking its 25th anniversary with a week of performances showcasing the talents of young musicians and speakers from across the region.
Held March 19 to 27 in Martensville and Dalmeny, the festival featured a variety of disciplines including piano, vocal, musical theatre, and speech arts.
Adjudicators praised participants not only for their musical ability, but for their growth, preparation, and confidence on stage. From first-time performers to more experienced competitors, the festival continued its tradition of encouraging excellence while providing constructive feedback in a supportive environment.
The anniversary year carried a special sense of reflection and gratitude, as organizers recognized the many volunteers, teachers, and families who have helped build the festival over the past quarter century. What began as a small local initiative has grown into a well-loved annual event that brings communities together through the arts.
The festival concluded with an awards concert on March 29, highlighting standout performances from the week. As the Twin Rivers Music Festival looks ahead to the future, organizers say their focus remains the same: providing meaningful performance opportunities and fostering a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts.
ON TO PROVINCIALS
The following received recommendations to compete at provincials: Bryce Peters, Eve Worfolk, Madeline Boyes, Zoey Coller, Rachel Glines, Ash Coller, Nyla McGill, Karsten Adrian, Samantha Graham, Bray Wasylenka, Declan McGill, Jillian Fehr, and Arthur Crowe.
The following performers received awards this year:
VOICE AWARDS
Spoken Word Open Scholarships: Bryce Peters, Caleb Peters, Eve Worfolk, Evelyn Hoff
SpeakUp! Award- Evelyn Hoff
Musical Theatre Open Scholarships: Zoey Coller, Rachel Glines
Vocal Open Scholarships: Rachel Glines, Madeline Boyes, Zoey Coller
Dalmeny & Martensville Churches Sacred Music Scholarships: Zoey Coller, Ash Coller
Choral Award: Paul Family
Musical Theatre Outstanding Musicianship: Ash Coller
Outstanding Junior Vocal Award: Rachel Glines
Vocal Musical Distinction Award: Ash Coller
JUNIOR PIANO AWARDS
Junior Piano Open Scholarships: Zachary Boyes, Ephraim Worfolk, Soren Weiseth, Isaiah Bosch, Esther Leyenhorst, Molly Weiseth, Esther Dehaan, Ayala Jeanson, Elsa Ostrander-Webber, Evelyn Hoff, Karsten Adrian, Logan Schlamp, Eliza Blum, Mo Zhou, Vincent McGill, Madeline Boyes
Helga Lutke “I Love Piano” Award: Owen Klein
Saskatchewan Composer Award: Elsa Ostrander-Webber
Dalmeny & Martensville Churches Sacred Music Scholarship: Nyla McGill
Jr Baroque Trophy: Karsten Adrian
Jr Classical Era Trophy: Pax Ewen
Jr Canadian Composer Trophy: Evelyn Hoff
Outstanding Junior Duet: Nyla and Vincent McGill
Outstanding Junior Performer Award: Pax Ewen
SENIOR PIANO AWARDS
Senior Piano Open Scholarship Winners: Zoe Yenkins, Claire Ewen, Jillian Fehr, Elaine Mariano, Samantha Graham, Jack Strunk, Bray Wasylenka
Saskatchewan Composer Award: Elise Kroeker
Dalmeny & Martensville Churches Sacred Music Scholarship: Arthur Crowe
Sr Baroque Trophy: Declan McGill
Sr Classical Trophy: Jillian Fehr
Canadian Composer Trophy: Elaine Mariano
Outstanding Sr Duet: Nyla and Declan McGill
Bergquist Musical Distinction Award: Arthur Crowe
Twin Rivers Music Festival Prestige Award: Aveah Wasylenka
TWIN RIVERS MUSIC FESTIVAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS
Spoken Word: Olivia Peters
Jr Vocal: Madeline Boyes
Sr Vocal: Ash Coller
Jr Piano: Benjamin Griffin
Sr Piano: Lucy Olynick