Navigation Block On this page About InspireArts Upcoming Concerts Revisit Last Season Sponsorship Opportunities Contact On this page About InspireArts Upcoming Concerts Revisit Last Season Sponsorship Opportunities Contact Empower Connection Imagine a timeless space where creativity, expression, and mutual appreciation meet to form uplifting memories. This is the vision for InspireArts. With support from the Northwestern Polytechnic Foundation and other generous supporters, this vision is realized as we head into the 2026/27 season with another exciting lineup of talented musicians and artists. From homegrown, Canadian talent to internationally acclaimed performers, this musical array brings the world to our community. There has never been a better time for the arts to strengthen connections by bringing our community together on common musical ground, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to campus. InspireArts Michelle Lynne: A Grande Prairie Homecoming October 10 | 7:30 PM | Collins Recital HallCanadian pianist and singer-songwriter Michelle Lynne returns to Grande Prairie for an intimate homecoming performance. Blending accomplished classical musicianship with contemporary influences and personal storytelling, Michelle creates concert experiences that are warm, expressive and deeply connected to her audiences.Buy Concert Tickets InspireArts Michelle Lynne: Music Business Talk October 10 | 2:00 PM | Collins Recital HallPianist, entrepreneur and educator Michelle Lynne will share practical insights into building a sustainable career in the arts. Drawing on her international performing career, her work teaching entrepreneurship at conservatories in the Netherlands and her experience co-founding The Fearless Artist Mastermind, Michelle will explore entrepreneurship, personal branding, community building and career development for musicians.Registration is required but general admission is free thanks to the generous support of The Backman Family Fund.Register for Tickets More About Michelle Canadian pianist, singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Michelle Lynne has developed a varied international career as a performer, educator and speaker. Based in Europe, she performs classical and crossover programs and teaches entrepreneurship at Conservatorium Maastricht and Codarts Rotterdam. Michelle holds a master’s degree and Artist Diploma in Piano Performance from the Université de Montréal. She is also co-founder of The Fearless Artist Mastermind, through which she helps musicians build sustainable and rewarding careers. Website: michellelynnepianist.comSource biography: About Michelle Lynne Canadian pianist, singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Michelle Lynne has developed a varied international career as a performer, educator and speaker. Based in Europe, she performs classical and crossover programs and teaches entrepreneurship at Conservatorium Maastricht and Codarts Rotterdam. Michelle holds a master’s degree and Artist Diploma in Piano Performance from the Université de Montréal. She is also co-founder of The Fearless Artist Mastermind, through which she helps musicians build sustainable and rewarding careers. Website: michellelynnepianist.comSource biography: About Michelle Lynne Show More add Show Less close InspireArts Wintersong: Celebrating Local Musicians Concert: November 21 | 7:30 PM | Collins Recital HallWintersong celebrates the artistry and creative spirit of our region through an intimate evening featuring local performers. This collaborative concert brings together a range of musical voices and styles, highlighting the exceptional talent found within the Grande Prairie community.Featured artists:Ted SenecalDr. Bob HowieHannah WatsonBreanne Biegle-Wipf Buy Concert Tickets InspireArts Valentine’s Serenade: Claire de Sévigné and Simona Genga in Concert February 12 & 13 | 7:30 PM | Collins Recital HallIndulge in a romantic evening of incredible singing. Acclaimed Canadian soprano Claire de Sévigné and mezzo-soprano Simona Genga join collaborative pianist Frances Armstrong for an exceptional and intimate evening of vocal artistry. Hosted and joined in song by Matthew Dalen.Featured artists:Claire de Sévigné, sopranoSimona Genga, mezzo-sopranoFrances Armstrong, collaborative pianistBuy Concert Tickets More About the Performers Meet the accomplished Canadian performers whose soaring voices and expressive artistry will set the mood and take you on an unforgettable vocal journey. Claire de Sévigné Canadian coloratura soprano Claire de Sévigné has performed with leading opera companies and orchestras in Canada and Europe. Her engagements have included appearances with the Canadian Opera Company, Opernhaus Zürich, Grand Théâtre de Genève, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa and at the Salzburg Festival. Recognized among CBC’s notable Canadian classical musicians, Claire was also nominated for a JUNO Award for her recording of Vivaldi cantatas with the Aradia Ensemble. Website: clairedesevigne.comAdditional biography: Opéra de Rennes Simona Genga Italian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Simona Genga is recognized for a voice of exceptional warmth, range and power. Their operatic and concert appearances have included engagements with the Canadian Opera Company, Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Victoria Symphony and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Simona was a national semifinalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and a grand winner of the International Pavarotti Competition presented by Opera Naples and the Pavarotti Foundation. Website: simonagenga.caSource biography: National Arts Centre Francis Armstrong Canadian collaborative pianist, coach and répétiteur Frances Armstrong is known for her sensitive playing and versatility across operatic and recital repertoire. Originally from Surrey, British Columbia, she holds a master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance with Distinction from the University of Victoria. Frances has worked with organizations including Edmonton Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, City Opera Vancouver, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the University of British Columbia. Professional biography: Edmonton Opera Meet the accomplished Canadian performers whose soaring voices and expressive artistry will set the mood and take you on an unforgettable vocal journey. Claire de Sévigné Canadian coloratura soprano Claire de Sévigné has performed with leading opera companies and orchestras in Canada and Europe. Her engagements have included appearances with the Canadian Opera Company, Opernhaus Zürich, Grand Théâtre de Genève, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa and at the Salzburg Festival. Recognized among CBC’s notable Canadian classical musicians, Claire was also nominated for a JUNO Award for her recording of Vivaldi cantatas with the Aradia Ensemble. Website: clairedesevigne.comAdditional biography: Opéra de Rennes Simona Genga Italian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Simona Genga is recognized for a voice of exceptional warmth, range and power. Their operatic and concert appearances have included engagements with the Canadian Opera Company, Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Victoria Symphony and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Simona was a national semifinalist in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and a grand winner of the International Pavarotti Competition presented by Opera Naples and the Pavarotti Foundation. Website: simonagenga.caSource biography: National Arts Centre Francis Armstrong Canadian collaborative pianist, coach and répétiteur Frances Armstrong is known for her sensitive playing and versatility across operatic and recital repertoire. Originally from Surrey, British Columbia, she holds a master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Toronto and a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance with Distinction from the University of Victoria. Frances has worked with organizations including Edmonton Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, City Opera Vancouver, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the University of British Columbia. Professional biography: Edmonton Opera Show More add Show Less close InspireArts Noémie Raymond & Zhenni Li-Cohen in Concert March 20 | 7:30 PM | Collins Recital HallCellist Noémie Raymond and pianist Zhenni Li-Cohen bring their compelling musical partnership to InspireArts. Known for performances marked by warmth, virtuosity and an intuitive artistic connection, the duo invites audiences into an intimate conversation between cello and piano. With careers that have taken both artists to some of the world's greatest venues, and with some of the most incredible ensembles, these artists will propel the InspireARTS concert series into a new echelon. Buy Concert Tickets More About the Performers Meet the internationally acclaimed artists whose virtuosity and passion have brought the cello and piano to life on some of the world’s most celebrated stages. Noémie Raymond Acclaimed Canadian cellist Noémie Raymond enjoys an international career as a soloist, chamber musician and educator. Her performances have taken her to venues including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie and London’s Royal Albert Hall. She has collaborated with artists including Midori, Pinchas Zukerman, Jan Lisiecki and Timothy Chooi, and has appeared as a soloist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and several Canadian and international orchestras. A former CBC “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” selection, Noémie holds a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music. Website: noemieraymond.comSource biography: Biography of Noémie Raymond Zhenni Li-Cohen Pianist Zhenni Li-Cohen has earned international recognition as a soloist, chamber musician and recording artist. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, the Smithsonian Museum and concert venues throughout North America and Europe. Her orchestral engagements have included performances with the Bergen Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and numerous North American orchestras. A Steinway Artist, Zhenni is co-founder and artistic director of Opus 71 Concerts and serves as Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Alberta. Website and biography: zhennili.com Meet the internationally acclaimed artists whose virtuosity and passion have brought the cello and piano to life on some of the world’s most celebrated stages. Noémie Raymond Acclaimed Canadian cellist Noémie Raymond enjoys an international career as a soloist, chamber musician and educator. Her performances have taken her to venues including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie and London’s Royal Albert Hall. She has collaborated with artists including Midori, Pinchas Zukerman, Jan Lisiecki and Timothy Chooi, and has appeared as a soloist with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and several Canadian and international orchestras. A former CBC “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” selection, Noémie holds a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music. Website: noemieraymond.comSource biography: Biography of Noémie Raymond Zhenni Li-Cohen Pianist Zhenni Li-Cohen has earned international recognition as a soloist, chamber musician and recording artist. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, the Smithsonian Museum and concert venues throughout North America and Europe. Her orchestral engagements have included performances with the Bergen Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and numerous North American orchestras. A Steinway Artist, Zhenni is co-founder and artistic director of Opus 71 Concerts and serves as Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Alberta. Website and biography: zhennili.com Show More add Show Less close InspireArts Ember Ensemble in Concert April 23 | 7:30 PM | Collins Recital HallMontreal-based Ember Ensemble reimagines concert-hall classics for intimate spaces. Featuring soprano Elizabeth Polese, violinist Katelyn Emery, French hornist Florence Rousseau and pianist Christopher Gaudreault, the quartet brings together an uncommon combination of instruments distinguished by colour, warmth and expressive range.Featured artists:Elizabeth Polese, sopranoKatelyn Emery, violinFlorence Rousseau, French hornChristopher Gaudreault, pianoBuy Concert Tickets More About the Performers Meet the outstanding Canadian artists whose work spans opera, orchestral performance, chamber music and conducting, each bringing exceptional talent, artistry and experience to all stages nationwide. Elizabeth Polese Canadian soprano Elizabeth Polese is an acclaimed operatic and concert artist and the founder of Ember Ensemble. She has been a young artist with Detroit Opera, l’Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and the Tanglewood Music Center. Her performances have included engagements with Vancouver Opera, Opéra de Montréal, Edmonton Opera, Festival de Lanaudière and orchestras across Canada. Elizabeth is a recipient of the Sullivan Foundation’s Gail Robinson Award for Soprano and the Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Award for Classical Voice. Website and biography: elizabethpolese.ca Katelyn Emery Canadian violinist Katelyn Emery is an orchestral and chamber musician based in the Montréal and Greater Toronto areas. She has performed with the Montréal and Toronto symphony orchestras and has appeared with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, National Academy Orchestra of Canada, National Youth Orchestra of Canada and Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra. Katelyn holds degrees from McGill University, an Advanced Certificate in Performance from the University of Toronto and an ARCT Performance Diploma. Professional biography: National Arts Centre Florence Rousseau Montréal-born horn player Florence Rousseau was appointed Third Horn of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal in 2022 and also holds a position with the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières. She has appeared as a guest with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Orchestre Métropolitain, Orchestre symphonique de Québec and Les Violons du Roy. Florence studied orchestral performance at London’s Royal College of Music before completing graduate and artist-diploma studies at McGill University and the Université de Montréal. Professional profile: Orchestre symphonique de MontréalExtended biography: NYO Canada Christopher Gaudreault Canadian conductor, collaborative pianist and vocal coach Christopher Gaudreault works across operatic, orchestral and choral repertoire. He made his Opéra de Montréal conducting debut with La Traviata and has worked as a coach, pianist and assistant conductor with numerous Canadian arts organizations. A two-time finalist at the Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors, Christopher holds a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. Website and biography: christophergaudreault.com Meet the outstanding Canadian artists whose work spans opera, orchestral performance, chamber music and conducting, each bringing exceptional talent, artistry and experience to all stages nationwide. Elizabeth Polese Canadian soprano Elizabeth Polese is an acclaimed operatic and concert artist and the founder of Ember Ensemble. She has been a young artist with Detroit Opera, l’Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and the Tanglewood Music Center. Her performances have included engagements with Vancouver Opera, Opéra de Montréal, Edmonton Opera, Festival de Lanaudière and orchestras across Canada. Elizabeth is a recipient of the Sullivan Foundation’s Gail Robinson Award for Soprano and the Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Award for Classical Voice. Website and biography: elizabethpolese.ca Katelyn Emery Canadian violinist Katelyn Emery is an orchestral and chamber musician based in the Montréal and Greater Toronto areas. She has performed with the Montréal and Toronto symphony orchestras and has appeared with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, National Academy Orchestra of Canada, National Youth Orchestra of Canada and Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra. Katelyn holds degrees from McGill University, an Advanced Certificate in Performance from the University of Toronto and an ARCT Performance Diploma. Professional biography: National Arts Centre Florence Rousseau Montréal-born horn player Florence Rousseau was appointed Third Horn of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal in 2022 and also holds a position with the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières. She has appeared as a guest with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Orchestre Métropolitain, Orchestre symphonique de Québec and Les Violons du Roy. Florence studied orchestral performance at London’s Royal College of Music before completing graduate and artist-diploma studies at McGill University and the Université de Montréal. Professional profile: Orchestre symphonique de MontréalExtended biography: NYO Canada Christopher Gaudreault Canadian conductor, collaborative pianist and vocal coach Christopher Gaudreault works across operatic, orchestral and choral repertoire. He made his Opéra de Montréal conducting debut with La Traviata and has worked as a coach, pianist and assistant conductor with numerous Canadian arts organizations. A two-time finalist at the Besançon International Competition for Young Conductors, Christopher holds a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. Website and biography: christophergaudreault.com Show More add Show Less close Revisit the 2025/26 Season Dr. Michael Bridge Dr. Roger Admiral Fedorova & Takser Valentines Serenade Wintersong Springtime Sonata Sponsorship Opportunities Together, we Inspire Arts by creating opportunities for local businesses and arts champions to make a meaningful contribution to northern Alberta's arts scene. We trust there is an Inspire Arts offering that aligns with your needs and priorities for giving back to this great community. Our team is here to discuss opportunities for a rewarding partnership at your earliest convenience. Together we can spark connections that resonate far beyond the stage. Email Us Get in Touch Be part of an inspiring arts movement. Get involved and contact our team at @email.