Our Vision

Connecting artists, presenters and communities through transformative experiences in live concert music. 

Our Mission

To support and facilitate access to innovative, diverse classical music performances by Canadian artists through concerts, education, and outreach across Atlantic Canada.

Our Mandate

1. To forge connections among emerging artists, presenters and communities;
2. To curate an annual roster of emerging Canadian artists and touring programs; when appropriate to include one or more established artists who have previously performed with Debut, or have an exceptional program to offer;
3. To plan and facilitate concert tours and outreach events;
4. To mentor artists in the development and presentation of their programs, and in understanding the nature of the varied communities they will engage; 
5. To develop digital and print materials, tools, resources, and guides to support career development, presenter capacity, and community engagement;
6. To establish, maintain and grow responsive and collaborative relationships with presenters from Atlantic Canadian communities of all sizes through concerts, education and outreach activities;
7. To support Atlantic Canada’s classical music presenting network by ensuring artistic quality, reducing financial risk, and providing guidance and support around programming and audience development;
8. To respond to the evolution of communities and presenters, and to their changing needs;
9. To ensure that artists are compensated at professional rates for their work;
10. To recognize emerging young Atlantic artists through awards and performance opportunities;
11. To increase the amount and visibility of classical music in Atlantic Canada, and build future audiences;
12. To advocate and participate in regional/national conversations around the support and dissemination of innovative and diverse concert music.

Values: 

• Excellence - striving for artistic and management excellence in all that we offer.
• Innovation - showcasing innovation in the programming and presentation of classical music, while also valuing classical traditions and artists, and the ways in which they are evolving.
• Relevance - ensuring that Debut Atlantic’s programming is relevant and meaningful to existing and new audiences across the region.
• Diversity - committing to increasing diversity in programming and at all organizational levels.
• Inclusion - addressing barriers to engagement at all levels from artist application to audience attendance.
• Reciprocity - creating healthy collaborations with artists and community partners.
• Transparency - demonstrating openness in our processes and reporting.
• Sustainability - planning and executing effectively at all levels of the organization.

Debut Atlantic is highly regarded for its long and solid history of successful programming throughout the Atlantic Region. The excellence of the program is recognized by presenters and artists, as well as government and corporate supporters. This places the organization in an excellent position to retain its place as a leader in the Atlantic arts community. Debut has nurtured emerging artists, offering a strong (and often first) touring opportunity, while providing a host of on- and off- stage experiences designed to strengthen their confidence and bolster their careers through this unique Atlantic Canadian experience.

About DEBUT ATLANTIC SOCIETY

Founded in 1979, Debut Atlantic is one of this country’s most dynamic and prestigious musical organizations. In fact, a Debut Atlantic tour has evolved into a much coveted opportunity for Canada’s exceptional emerging classical musicians. The impressive list of artists waiting to be added to the roster is a testament to our success as is the caliber of names which comprise our star-studded compendium of alumni. The list includes some of Canada’s most recognizable artists such as pianists Jon Kimura Parker, Louis Lortie, and Angela Hewitt, cellist Shauna Rolston, Canada’s finest baroque orchestra Tafelmusik, and the world-renowned singers Ben Heppner, Richard Margison, Wendy Nielsen, and Measha Brueggergosman. Despite its enormous success, Debut Atlantic continues to grow and develop new facets that contribute to Atlantic Canada’s cultural and educational environments.