Nebula Summer MusicFest 2025

Nebula Performances is proud of the success of our Summer MusicFest and absolutely thrilled to present our upcoming production: La Tragédie de Carmen!

Make sure to purchase your tickets today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1505230257219?aff=oddtdtcreator

Nebula Performances was thrilled to host this summer's MusicFest -- a dynamic and immersive 12-day festival, dedicated to musical excellence, professional development, and meaningful connection!

It was a huge success! We were honoured to host a wide range of musicians -- each with immense talent and passion. During these 12 days, participants and faculty worked together to create three concerts, five masterclasses, and four workshops.

We kicked off our festival with an unforgettable evening of chamber music and vocal chamber works performed by our stellar MusicFest faculty. This dynamic program blended classical elegance with the rich textures of contemporary jazz. It showcased the lyrical intimacy of Mozart, the fiery brilliance of Beethoven's iconic violin and piano sonatas, and the lush romanticism of art songs by Liszt and Barvinsky. The evening concluded with a fresh, bold burst of energy in a set of jazz-infused contemporary works.

Participants had the opportunity to take part in five different masterclasses, each instructed by our distinguished faculty. Our first masterclass was led by Nebula's Artistic Director and pianist, Wenwen Du. In this masterclass, pianists had the chance to dive deep into interpretation, technique, and collaborative artistry.

Artistic Director Wenwen Du with participant Tashi Mou

Artistic Director Wenwen Du with participant Alicja Rokita

In our second masterclass, participants received invaluable insight and mentorship from conductor Gordon Gerrard. It was a transformative experience for all involved.

Conductor Gordon Gerrard and participant Kevin Liu

Conductor Gordon Gerrard and Artistic Director Wenwen Du with masterclass participants

Artist-in-Residence and baritone, Anton Belov, led a beautiful masterclass focusing on vocal technique, artistic expression, and musical growth.

Baritone Anton Belov, Artistic Director Wenwen Du, and enthusiastic audience members from ECU visual artists

Tenor David Meek led an incredible vocal masterclass filled with artistry and powerful storytelling.

Tenor David Meek with tenor masterclass participants

Our final masterclass was led by conductor Jacques Lacombe, who challenged participants to connect authentically and deepen their musical interpretation.

Conductor Jacques Lacombe with participant Kevin Liu; Gabriel Moss at piano

Maestro Jacques Lacombe with President Alice Chee

Maestro Jacques Lacombe with participant Zhilun Liu; Yanis Hong at piano

During the festival, participants were also involved in a series of workshops. These workshops were designed to offer musicians a supportive, stress-free environment to refine their musicianship, build connections with colleagues and friends, and grow artistically through valuable feedback. MusicFest was proud to present four separate workshops, including a workshop for instruments and voices on finding common ground, a Slavic diction workshop, a Chinese Art Song workshop, and a collaborative musician workshop.

MusicFest participants had the chance to work with Artistic Director Wenwen Du in a workshop focusing on the lyrical poetry and musical nuances of Chinese Art Song.

MusicFest faculty Janelle Nadeau (harpist), Tamar Simon (soprano), Geoffrey Schellenberg (baritone), and Jeremy Berkman (trombonist)

Janelle Nadeau (harpist) and Jeremy Berkman (trombonist) during Instruments and Voices...Finding our Common Ground Workshop

Participants got to work closely with Artist-in-Residence and baritone, Geoffrey Schellenberg, Artist-in-Residence and soprano, Tamar Simon, and pianist Richard Epp in a piano-vocal collaboration workshop. This workshop focuses on a deep understanding of vocal technique and musical expression while simultaneously offering participants the chance to deepen their musical partnership.

Artist-in-Residence and baritone Geoffrey Schellenberg with participant Cissy Su

Artist-in-Residence and soprano Tamar Simon, Artist-in-Residence and baritone Geoffrey Schellenberg, and pianist Richard Epp

Participants had the opportunity to work on four-hands repertoire with pianist and coach Richard Epp, in a workshop that highlighted the art of true collaboration.

Pianist Richard Epp with participants Alicja Rokita and Yanis Hong

Pianist Richard Epp with participant Melinda Liu

Pianist Richard Epp with participant Gabriel Moss

Our final workshop was a chamber music session led by two exceptional violinists, Jason Ho and Deniz Tahberer. Each participant brought their unique voice to the ensemble, shaped by insightful and collaborative coaching.

MusicFest faculty Deniz Tahberer and Wenwen Du with participants Zihlun Liu, Kevin Liu, Gabriel Moss, Yanis Hong, and Alicja Rokita

MusicFest faculty Jason Ho and Wenwen Du

Violinist Jason Ho with participants Karen Hamada, Joon Jeong, and Gabriel Moss

Violinist Deniz Tahberer with participants Yunhan Liu and Alicja Rokita

Finally, in only twelve days, MusicFest participants presented two fantastic concerts! These performances featured a diverse range of musical genres -- from chamber music and art song to solo piano and opera. Nebula Hall was alive with talent, passion, and incredible connection.

Nebula Performances was incredibly proud of all its talented participants. It was a joy to witness each artist shine and grow throughout the program. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the participants, faculty, and supporters who made this journey possible!

We'd especially like to thank President Alice Chee and Director Lynol Amero for their unwavering support and dedication, which made this year's MusicFest possible.