THE ISC STORY
Since 1979, the Instrumental Society of Calgary has showcased the best local musicians in Calgary. Our concert selection process is unique and interactive within the musical community. We work with professional musicians in the Calgary area to carefully create a theme and concert programme for the upcoming season.
In order to craft a collection of concert pieces from highly regarded musicians in the Calgary area, we work with these local performers, getting feedback and creating an experience for the audience that is unlike any other.
Operating for 44 years, the Instrumental Society of Calgary continues to create an environment that is supportive of the amazing talent within the Calgary area and provide music-lovers from all walks of life with access to chamber music performances.
Engaging the next generation of concert goers is essential in creating a life long appreciation of music. We also value the importance of emerging musicians who are starting out and strive to include pre-concert performances to showcase those local up-and-coming chamber musicians as well.
MISSION
We support outstanding local musicians and contribute to our community by offering accessible chamber music experiences that inspire and engage.
VISION
Creating community through outstanding performances of chamber music.
OFF STAGE
Off-stage, we provide educational and outreach programs at various schools and other venues to bring music to a broader audience. By sharing our love of chamber music, we aim to engage our audiences, promote a sense of community, and cultivate interest among the young, and the young at heart.
ART & MUSIC FRIENDS
Art & Music Friends is a partnership between the Instrumental Society of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital supporting patients in the hospital's Mental Health Unit. Every other month, the ISC brings professional artists into the Mental Health Unit where they perform an interactive concert, lead group music-making activities, and explore the visual arts through crafts. The program represents an important non-talk therapy support to children and youth at the Alberta Children's Hospital.
Art & Music Friends is made possible through the generous support of the Prosser Charitable Foundation.
HISTORY
Since 1979, the Instrumental Society of Calgary has worked to showcase local musicians, both professionals in the On Stage concerts, and emerging artists in the pre-concert performances. By creating an environment for musicians within the Calgary area, we continue to provide members of the public community with access to these performances. The Instrumental Society of Calgary focuses on attracting a diverse audience and presenting quality performances to help inspire future generations of chamber music enthusiasts.
The vision of the Instrumental Society of Calgary have been shaped by many directors in past years, including Janice Waite and Gianetta Baril. Since taking over as Artistic Director in 2021, Janna Sailor has worked tirelessly to create a programme of musical excellence and engaging concerts for music enthusiasts across the city.
CHAMBER MUSIC
In its origins, the concept of chamber music referred to music that was composed for the home; a smaller, more intimate setting, as opposed to theatrical performances and church services, and consisting of a few instrumentalists. Today, chamber music is commonly defined as music that is written for a small group of musicians in a setting open to music lovers within the community.
The Instrumental Society of Calgary strives to present chamber music in a way that honours the original core values of chamber music in a modern way, providing an environment that cultivates musical talent and shares it with the community.
At the Instrumental Society of Calgary, our goal with our chamber music is to transport the audience to new places, using music as a window into the world, and chamber music as a personal guide.
MEET THE ISC
Our working board consists of 8 board members, which includes Artistic Director, Janna Sailor. We also have a box office coordinator and a volunteer to create and design some of our print materials, both who are not on the board but assist the organization.
We have upwards of ten volunteer high school students during each concert to assist with various tasks.
JANICE WAITE MEMORIAL AWARD
For the past 7 years, the Instrumental Society of Calgary Board has awarded local musicians with the Janice Waite Memorial Award in order to celebrate the dedication of Artistic Director Emeritus Janice Waite. Created in 2010 to honour Janice’s nine-year commitment to our mandate, the annual award of $250 helps the recipient cover musical costs and rehearsal time.
The ideal recipient of the Award is a professional musician who thinks creatively with regard for repertoire, displays a strong consideration for the ordinance of the Instrumental Society of Calgary and demonstrates a long-term commitment to enriching Calgary’s music community.
PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS
David Morrissey (2024)
Gianetta Baril (2017)
Donovan Seidle (2016)
Gwen Klassen (2015)
Edmond Agopian (2014)
Rolf Bertsch (2013)
Steven Lubiarz (2012)
Kirill Kalmkov (2011)
Matt Heller (2010)
THANK YOU!
The Instrumental Society of Calgary would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all those individuals, businesses, foundations, municipalities and government agencies who have generously given us their time, financial support, resources and more. We would not be what we are today without your help.
Support, in any capacity, helps us to provide an exceptional season of chamber music each year and to promote music within the Calgary community. We are truly grateful to those who make a contribution to fostering excellence in performance for emerging professional musicians.
