The Indian River Festival

Prince Edward Island

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Artistic Director

Robert Kortgaard – Artistic Director

Pianist Robert Kortgaard was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and grew up in Calgary, Alberta. He completed his Bachelor and Master’s degrees at the Juilliard School in New York City. As a recipient of arts awards from the Canada Council, he furthered his musical studies in Italy and England. Mr. Kortgaard has performed as a soloist with major Canadian orchestras and has given recitals throughout Canada and the United States, as well as in England, Finland, Portugal, Italy, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, China and Japan.

He is a favourite collaborator of many of Canada’s finest instrumental soloists, vocalists and chamber groups. His performances are frequently heard on CBC Radio, and he has recorded for the Centrediscs, Marquis Classics/EMI, CBC Records, Teldec and ATMA Classique labels.

Mr. Kortgaard is Artistic Director of the Indian River Festival on Prince Edward Island (has been nominated “Event of the Year” by the East Coast Music Awards), and the Leith Summer Music Festival in Ontario. He was musician-in-residence at the University of New Brunswick from 1993-1998 and has given piano masterclasses at Universities and festivals in Canada, Indonesia and China and served as an adjudicator at many national music competitions. Mr. Kortgaard has performed with sopranos Isabel Bayrakdarian, Sumi Jo, Jane Archibald, Adrianne Pieczonka and Erin Wall, mezzo soprano Susan Platts, violinist Joshua Bell, and with prima ballerina Veronica Tennant on a production entitled “Invitation to the Dance”. He has recorded French and German Cabaret programmes with mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell for CBC Records.

His CD with soprano Wendy Nielsen was nominated for both Juno and East Coast Music Awards. Mr. Kortgaard tours with flutist Susan Hoeppner, cabaret artist Patricia O’Callaghan. baritone Brett Polegato, mezzo soprano Julie Nesrallah, renowned music theatre actress/singer Rebecca Caine and with piano duo partner Peter Tiefenbach. A CD of the music of Olivier Messiaen, recorded with soprano Suzie LeBlanc, was released on the ATMA Classiques label and has received an Opus Award for best recording of 20th century music.

Robert is celebrating his 20th year with the Festival this year!

Testimonials

I really enjoyed Matt Anderson’s show. His performance at Indian River is powerful, resonating, and yet intimate. It is a feeling like no other at any other venue I have been to. It should be on everyone’s ‘to do’ list. Thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Ruth, Patron
I had the pleasure of performing at the church in Indian River as part of the 2015 Indian River Festival. It is such a magical venue with beautiful acoustics and for a musician an absolute dream venue. Thank you so much for inviting us to play!
Erin Costelo, singer-songwriter
I visited PEI a couple years ago with my sister. We attended Matt Anderson’s show at St. Mary’s church and we were blown away by the musician and the acoustics of such a majestic building. One of my best memories now.
Bernadette Morris, Patron
I have yet to attend a performance at the Indian River Festival that I haven’t enjoyed. No matter if it is classical or jazz, folk or rock, I choose any concert from the eclectic offerings and won’t be disappointed. The acoustics in this church are so good that they enhance any performance. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but when pushed I’ll choose two: Matt Anderson and Meesha. Their voices just fill this hall with glory.
Anne Putnam, Patron and Volunteer
“Hard to pick one moment; it was another great season. The Men of the Deeps was certainly one of those special events; I had the opportunity to speak briefly with one of the men who confirmed that much of their emotional depth came from their own experiences in the mines. The venue itself is unmatched for beauty and for the acoustics. I always enjoy the concerts and am always wondering what the line-up will be for the next season – each year you bring such a broad spectrum of musicians it is tru…
Margaret Munro, patron
Even before a performance begins, you are instantly transported into a world of beauty and serenity when you walk into St. Mary’s Church. And once the music starts, you will be spellbound until it is regretfully time to go home. The variety in the program schedule is unsurpassed; there’s truly something for everyone. The Indian River Festival is one of a kind and has been the highlight of our summers for many years. I can’t wait for this season!
Elizabeth Leighton, Patron
We want to say thank you to the Indian River Festival. It was the highlight of our trip to PEI. The beautiful Church with the ambience of the rolling countryside and the weekend of World Beat Music was magic.
J. Ramsay, San Francisco, CA
Coming to Indian River each Summer for the last decade has been a highlight of our PEI experience each year. Too many wonderful artists to focus on anyone, or any ensemble, in particular. The venue is World Class and gets better each year as the stewards of this wonderful facility do their very best to make it more enjoyable for both residents and visitors.
Frank Falzett, patron
“The Rebecca Caine concert was magnificent. It was my best musical experience of the summer — complete with tingles down my spine. The IRF continues to be my favourite concert venue, because it features world-class artists like Caine, who we can’t hear anywhere else on the Island.”
Joan Sinclair, patron and volunteer
We always enjoy the concerts here – great music and evening out.
G. Barlow, New Hampshire

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