Talented youth recently came together to showcase their talent in front of a packed audience filled with performing arts fans.
The Quesnel Festival of the Performing Arts (QFPA) hosted its “Celebration of Stars” on Sunday, June 5, at the Chuck Mobley Theatre.
A total of 21 youth performed in a variety of disciplines including dance, vocal/choral, speech/dramatic arts and piano in front of family, friends, instructors, community volunteers and supporters.
“It has been two long years since we have been able to host this event, so we were sure to include all of our local 2020 and 2021 provincial performers,” Predan said, adding she cannot express how fortunate they are to live in a community that supports the performing arts.
“This is our annual gala and awards ceremony to celebrate all of the provincial delegates from our festival season. During our annual festival, these delegates were all selected by their discipline adjudicator to represent Quesnel at a provincial level.”
Performing at the Celebration of Stars in dance were Elledae Armstrong, Mai Nygaard-Cook, Emily Nelson, Alexis Mackenzie, Rhonna Smetaniuk, Gizelle McDonald, Layne Fuerstenberg, Averie Lentz, Cyra Klotz, Emily Milliken-Heape, Katrina Milliken-Heape, Brianna Aaslie and Sienna Gryschuk-McLeod.
Andrew Nordgren performed in piano.
Performing in speech was Felicia Barry, with Myah Steeves and Mackenzie Brautigam in dramatic arts. Olivia Williams, Rae Sherstan, Mattias Anderton and Harrison Fillion performed in vocal.
The evening concluded with a performer from each discipline awarded a $500 scholarship from the Rotary Club of Quesnel. This year’s recipients were Rhonna Smetaniuk, Harrison Fillion, Felicia Barry and Andrew Nordgren.
“All of our performers were outstanding and really need to be commended,” Predan said. “During all of the difficulty and unpredictability, these students were able to continue practicing and doing what they love. Sharing their passion and dedication is a really great reminder of everything good! This really was a positive and heartwarming way to end our festival season.”
Biographies of each of the performers can be found on the QFPA’s Facebook page.
Predan said planning is already underway for their 40th annual Festival of Performing Arts.
Read More: Quesnel Festival of the Arts celebrating performers after event cancelled
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