Along with the many special events and festivals that the city offers, there are several standard cultural offerings. Here are a few of them.
To add to this list, or report errors, please contact George Carmichael at (780) 492-9340
Table of contents:
Music
- Cosmopolitan Music Society
The Cosmopolitan Music Society has been a part of the Edmonton music scene for over 40 years. With over 200 members, they offer band and choral programs at all levels under professional instruction as a recreational and educational endeavor.
- Festival City Winds
A non-profit society of over 120 adult musicians in 3 community bands (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced) who perform a variety of concert band music at two main concerts each year. Additional performances include Edmonton City Hall, the Legislative grounds, community league events, care facilities, and schools.
- Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra
A group of amateur musicians who perform popular classical music several times a year, both for the public and for residents of continuing care facilities. The group is made up of over 50 amateur musicians who play for enjoyment and perform for people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear live orchestral music. Some of the members are retired professional musicians. Several have previously played in the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
- LYNNE SINGERS
Men's Chorus and Women's Chorus, each performing, mostly, Rock and Roll music from the 50's and 60's and Swing music from the Big Band era. The group also does special Christmas programmes in Rock and Roll, Swing, and Traditional styles. Membership is open to anyone who loves to sing, is willing to learn, and can carry a tune.
- Edmonton Chamber Music Society
Presents a number of chamber music concerts (not only instrumental but also vocal and other multi-media forms) The groups promote the appreciation and understanding of chamber music in all its historical and contemporary aspects. It strives to promote the development of local and national chamber music groups.
- Trocadero Orchestra
Made up of veteran musicians of the 1950's Edmonton music scene along with the city's hottest young musicians, the 18-piece Trocadero Orchestra keeps the spirit of the big band era alive! Founded in 1991 by several alumni of the original Trocadero Ballroom dance bands of the 1940's and '50's, the group continues to perform to packed ballrooms and private celebrations throughout Northern Alberta. The Trocadero website includes a nostalgic "history" section, with photos and stories that recount the life of local musicians in the 1940's and 50's.
- Cantemus Choirs of Canada
- (780) 488-1081
Classical choirs for various age groups, including children's enrichment choirs.
- Edmonton Youth Choir
Chamber Choir for talented singers, ages 14-20. Performances throughout Alberta and Western Canada, and occasional European Tours.
Professional Opera company. Numerous performances per year. Major performance venue is Jubilee Auditorium.
(780-428-1414)
Numerous performances per year. Offers several "concert series", such as "Light Classical", "Parade of Pops", etc. Major performance venue is new Winspear Centre.
Edmonton Wind Symphonia
Concert Band/Medium-size ensemble, composed mainly from members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. This group performs regularly in outdoor venues during the summer months. Music is mostly light classical or band.Edmonton Barbershop Society & Sweet Adelines
- Large men's and women's choruses, singing barbershop harmonies. a limited number of performances per year.
There are two other sites (charter groups):
- Ekosingers, also known at the Edmonton Kiwanis Singers, is a forty-plus member jazz / swing choir with a bit of soul! A vocal ensemble from swing to jazz and everything in between.
Large, classical ensemble. Used in major annual concerts with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and others.
Edmonton Ragamala Music Society
Sponsors events dealing with the classical music and dance of India
Theatre & Venues
- Chinook Theatre
- Old Strathcona, 10329-83 Ave (780-448-0695)
Eclectic Theatre. Specializes in the "extra-ordinary". This is the "home of the Fringe", the yearly festival of theatre.
- Fringe Theatre Adventures
- Art Barns, Old Strathcona (780-448-9000)
Besides being the major producer of the Edmonton Fringe Festival, it is also the only professional theatre in Edmonton dedicated to creating quality family theatre with it Fringe Theatre for Young People programing. FTA also runs a summer mentoring program for youth.
Operating out of Walterdale Playhouse, Walterdale Theatre Associates is Western Canada's longest running community theatre society, now approaching its 44th season. Known for its variety of shows and low ticket prices, Walterdale not only produces seven remarkable productions each season, but also gives budding theatre artists and non-professional theatre artists the opportunity to be involved in large-scale performances.
St. Albert (780-459-1542)
The Arden is a world-class facility that has gained an international reputation for excellence since opening its doors in 1984. Often referred to as "an entertaining home away from home", The Arden is well known for its cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Downtown 9828-101A Ave (780-426-4811)
Produces several world class plays and musicals each year. Three theatres of varying sizes. Professional quality productions.
University of Alberta (780-492-2273)
The brand new home for The University of Alberta's Drama Department, with an impressive new 350-seat facility.
University 11455-87 Ave (780-451-8000)
As Edmonton's largest facility, the Jubilee plays home to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, as well as providing a location for popular Broadway productions, such as Cats, Camelot, and Joseph. A seating plan is available.
The Francis Winspear Centre for the Performing Arts
#4 Sir Winston Churchill Square (Corner of 99 th Street and 102 Ave) phone (780) 429-1992
Edmonton's New Concert Hall.
Dinner Theatre
- Mayfield Dinner Theatre
West End 16615-109 Ave (780-483-4051)
Dinner theatre specializing in two-month production runs featuring TV and Broadway stars.
Dance
Glenora PO BOX 53092
Edmonton , Alberta T5N 4A8
Phone: 780.452.3282
The Brian Webb Dance Company is a producer and presenter of contemporary dance. The BWDC is a community-minded, dynamic, artistic builder: a team builder; we build our work through collaboration - the democratic exchange of ideas to create something new.
- Alberta Ballet
Classical ballet company. Several productions per year.
phone: (780) 454-3739 fax: (780) 454-3436
vinok@vinokworldance.ab.ca
A professional company with a repertoire of dances from over 40 countries from around the world, complete with live music and fabulous costumes.
Art & Exhibitions
- Provincial Museum
- West End,12845-102 Ave (780-453-9131)
Museum exhibits include Alberta Heritage, Earth Sciences, Native Alberta, and children's exhibits.
- Vanderleelie Gallery
- Old Glenora -- 10344-134 Street Phone: (780) 452-0286
The Vanderleelie Gallery stable includes Canadian and European painters and sculptors at various stages of their professional development, from emerging to mid-career and well-established individuals.Muttart Conservatory
South Side River Valley,9626-96A str (780-496-8755)
The "pyramids" in the river valley. Each pod showcases plants and flora from different climates - temperate, arid, tropical, as well as a seasonal showcase. Private functions are offered.
Edmonton Art Gallery
Downton, Winston Churchill Square (780-422-6223)
Holds a varied collection of art, and hosts several travelling exhibits per year.
Odyssium (aka Edmonton Space & Science Centre)
11211-142 Street (780-452-9100)
The feature draw at this centre is the IMAX THEATRE, which shows popular and scientific productions on a very large screen. Science exhibits surround the theatre.
Fox Dr. & Whitemud Dr. (780-496-8787)
Authentic replica of Fort Edmonton, as well as re-creations of streets from various time periods in Alberta's history, including the years 1885, 1905, and 1920. A steam locomotive takes you from the parking lot to the exhibits.
Fox Dr. & Whitemud Dr. (780-428-7900)
Used as a starting point for many nature walks, cross-country and hiking trails along the river valley. The centre has many educational exhibits, and offers family activies on weekends.
Highway 60 North of Devon, West of Edmonton (780-987-3054)
40 landscaped acres showcasing Alberta-native plants, a Japanese garden, and several nature trails.
11410 Kingsway Avenue (One of the Hangars at the Municipal Airport) (780-453-1078)
The Alberta Aviation Museum Association exists to collect, preserve, restore, research, and display the history of aviation in Alberta and the City of Edmonton.
Meetings: Tuesday nights 7:30 PM to whenever at Fort Edmonton Park (780)436-2480
These pages describe model railroading activity in and around Edmonton.
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