This year,
let's pay tribute
to our  founder, 
Roberta Stephen.

Calgary's Contemporary Showcase was founded in 1990 by composer 

Roberta Mae Stephen

(April 17th, 1931 - June 19th, 2021). 

The festival has been held every single year since, bringing contemporary Canadian Classical music to thousands of students since its inception.

This year, let's make a special effort to showcase the music of Roberta Stephen, and celebrate her life in artistry

The Roberta Stephen Award.

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The Association of Canadian Women Composers has started a scholarship in Roberta's honor called The Roberta Stephen Award, valued at $500 in 2021. The award offers support to a Canadian woman composer aged 36 or older for professional development such as further studies, conferences, or workshops, or composers’ festivals.

​OUR MISSION 

As part of the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects (ACNMP), Contemporary Showcase is hosted in centres around the nation, drawing on a wide range of sponsors to sponsor awards at the local and national levels. 

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Contemporary Showcase is the only festival of its kind in that it is devoted entirely to music by Canadian composers. It is non-competitive in that no marks are awarded nor are there rankings given. All adjudications take place in a masterclass atmosphere designed to be supportive and informative.

Outstanding performers are further encouraged through scholarship recognition. Many scholarship recipients of the past festivals have gone on to make their mark in the music world. Notables include Jean Stillwell, Scott St. John, Measha Brueggergosman, Lara St. John, and Stewart Goodyear.

Contemporary Showcase continues to grow and be recognized as a vehicle for Canadian students to become performers, composers and to be a loyal listener in our future audiences. No other organization continues to promote the performance, composition and study of Canadian Contemporary Music.

OUR BOARD