25th Anniversary Season

Community Venues

For inquiries concerning specific communities, please use the contact number for the host community for which you require information. These numbers are listed below.

In cases where contact information is only provived for the venue chair, the venue chair also acts as a ticket contact, though tickets can also be purchased or reserved by calling the Musique Royale office at (902) 634 - 9994.

Tickets are available at the door at all venues except Cecilia’s Retreat in Mahone Bay. Ticket prices ($15 - $20); special student price of $5 is available at the door. Cecilia Retreat events are by reservation only and are $40

Amherst

Tantramar Theatre Society is situated in the historic downtown of Amherst, Nova Scotia, located in the Dominion Building on 98 East Victoria Street. Activities entertain and enrich the community with social, educational and cultural events, along with adding to the enjoyment of visitors to the area. Hosting live theatre, dinner theatres and brown bag lunches, the society caters to individuals and businesses as a convention centre as well. The elegant atmosphere makes a great venue for weddings, meetings, seminars or any kind of celebration.

Our venue chairs are Beverley True and Bette Douglas

Tantramar Theatre
98 Victoria St. East
Information: 902-667-7002
www.tantramartheatre.ca

Annapolis Royal

Specially designated the ‘world’s most liveable small community’ (LivCom International Awards – 2004) historic Annapolis Royal offers visitors and residents alike a wonderful mixture of past and present. Founded in 1605, Annapolis Royal is the oldest European settlement in North America. Over 150 stately heritage buildings grace the broad streets of this charming town, including the deGannes-Cosby House, the oldest wooden house in Canada, constructed in 1708. Other major attractions are Fort Saint Anne (Canada’s first National Historic Site), the Historic Gardens with more than 1.5km of pathways winding among lovely displays and theme gardens and a tidal generating station, the only one its kind in North America.

Our venue in beautiful Annapolis Royal is Kings Theatre. King’s Theatre as we know it has been in existence in Annapolis Royal since 1921. It’s roots, however, go back to 1606 when Marc Lescarbot produced “The Theatre of Neptune” as a diversion for the little band of adventurers at Port Royal, to be followed in later years by performances by traveling troupes and roving thespians in this bustling seaport town.

In 1892, the opening of the Academy of Music on St. James Street provided a performing arts venue for touring companies and community productions. Arthur M. King eventually became the sole owner of the property and with the advent of motion pictures the name was changed to the Bijou Dream Theatre. On September 7, 1921 the theatre fell victim to a raging fire, which consumed half the town’s business district.

Ten weeks later, through the determined efforts of A.M. King, the current King’s Theatre was constructed at a new location on lower St. George Street - its present location. After the death of Mr. King, the theatre was operated as a movie house by a series of owners, eventually falling into disrepair and finally became abandoned in the late 1970's. In 1981, the Annapolis Royal Development Commission purchased the building at a sheriff’s sale and on March 11, 1982, a renovated and revitalized King’s Theatre opened its doors to the public.

The Town of Annapolis Royal took over the operation of the theatre in 1987 and in January 1988 the King’s Theatre Society was established with the Society's Board of Directors becoming its initial members. The Society now has complete responsibility for the policy-making, operation and maintenance of King’s Theatre, which continues to be a vital force in the life of the community.

Kings Theatre
209 St. George St.
Business Phone and Fax: 902-532-7704
24 Hour Listings: 902-532-5466
E-mail
www.kingstheatre.ca

Bayfield

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is nestled on the picturesque shores of St. George’s Bay, between Tracadie and Heatherton. The area is comprised of gently rolling farmlands and sandy beaches. The church overlooks Cape Breton and Cape George.

In early 1800’s there was a growing Anglican community in Little River (now Bayfield), under the leadership of T.H. White and Mrs. Luman Atwater. Funds were raised to build a chapel. By 1838 the building was in use.

By the 1850’s, there was work on a new and larger church on the site of what would become the present Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Bayfield. This building would serve the community for some forty years until it was destroyed by fire in the late 1890’s.  Work began on a new church to replace the destroyed church, and the present Church of St. Mary the Virgin was born.  The building was completed around the turn of the century and was consecrated by Bishop Courtney on September 3rd, 1902.

St Mary the Virgin remained the parish church from 1856 to 1966, when the rectory was moved back to Antigonish. The Church of St Mary the Virgin has continued as a community church. Built with a wooden gothic design, it is an architectural gem with a wooden interior that provides warmth and intimacy as well as a wonderful acoustic.

St. Mary-the-Virgin Anglican Church
1496 Summerside Rd,
Bayfield, Nova Scotia
E-mail
Advance tickets: are available at Lyghtesome Gallery (902-863-5804, 166 Main St., Antigonish) or through members of the Bayfield Book Club at 902-386-2150 or 902-386-2481

Chester

St. Stephen's Anglican Church is found in the heart of beautiful and charming Chester.

The presence of the Church of England in Chester dates from the mid-1760s, and prospered through the next thirty years. By 1794, the foundation stones for the church building had been dressed and cut. In 1825 a steeple was added, to house the bell, donated by Mr. G. Miller. He further donated the first Vestry book and the Royal Coat of Arms. The Royal Arms, unfortunately, have since been lost. The original bell was removed when the new church was built and was last known to be in use in South America.  St. Stephen's was part of Lunenburg parish until 1800, when bounds of the parish were laid out.   

On January 1st, 1836, a Vestry meeting was held when it was unanimously passed that a new and more ‘commodious’ church be build to accommodate the prosperous and ever-growing congregation.  This led to the present church, built in 1840. When enough revenue had been raised to undertake the work, Chester Anglicans proceeded with a speed and precision far in advance of their time.  The church was erected on a hill in the centre of town, with a view of the beautiful bay and its numerous islands.

The interior of the second church, of which exact plans of the ground floor and the gallery are in the church records, was laid out with the old time enclosed pews. There was no chancel in the building at first (this was later added in 1873): the altar was placed against the east wall, with the minister’s desk and the pulpit in front. These were later moved to the north and south sides of the church.  The present bell, weighing almost 450 pounds, was purchased in London in 1845.  The new church was consecrated on June 5th 1842 by Bishop John Inglis, and has remained a beautiful and spiritual place ever since.

A recent initiative at St. Stephen’s is the replacement of the former church hall, originally a school, with the building of a new Community Centre. This new facility will be a major asset to the town.

St. Stephen’s Anglican Church
60 Regent Street,
Chester, Nova Scotia
venue chair: David Major - (902) 275-4806 or (902) 634-9994
E-mail
www.saintstephenschester.ca
For tickets: Chester Pharmasave or Fulton's Pharmasave, Lunenburg.

Dartmouth

Christ Church was the first building in Dartmouth to be built solely for church purposes. Built in 1817, it was originally a simple rectangular building with box pews. In 2008 the parish undertook a visionary process to build and nurture its multigenerational community while continuing to develop diverse liturgies. The modern day parish emphasizes programs of compassionate outreach and justice building. Our venue chair is Yvonne Delo

Christ Church Anglican
Corner of Wentworth and Octerloney Streets
Information: 466-4270
Advance ticket sales are available at the church office
www.christchurchdartmouth.ns.ca

Georgeville

St George’s Church is situated in a quiet setting along Highway #337 on the Gulf Shore of Antigonish County. The first Catholic chapel in Georgeville district was built at Morar about 1830. Remnants of that building were incorporated into the present day vestry of St George’s Church whose construction was completed in 1871. This vernacular style church features architectural elements include a symmetrical façade, a truncated central tower and Gothic windows. A cornerstone laid in 1860 contains a sealed bottle with coins and a document identifying members of the construction team including Peter MacKenzie, architect; John Smith, framer; and Thomas Brown, mason.

Many of the early grantees to the area were of Highland Scottish extraction including families with the surname McInnis, McLean, McNeil, McPherson and Gillis. Historically fishing and farming have played an important part in local economy. The community invites you to enjoy a visit to our wharf at Livingstone’s Cove and explore our beaches!

St. George’s Roman Catholic Church
Route 337, 17 miles from Antigonish
near Cape George, Georgeville
venue chair: Nancy Layden- (902) 863-3015
E-mail
Advance tickets: are available at Lyghtesome Gallery (902-863-5804, 166 Main St., Antigonish)

Information: 902- 863-3015

Halifax - Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

The Lilian Piercey Concert Hall has been a Halifax home to Musique Royale for many years. It is housed in the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts campus in Halifax, the former Chebucto School, built in 1910. Recent renovations have produced a beautiful performance venue with sloping audience floor, natural ventilation, modern lighting and lively acoustics.

The Conservatory's excellent Dowd harpsichord is heard at many of our concerts, through our mutual desire to have the instrument played in quality performances. We are grateful to the Conservatory for our continued use of the harpsichord and for its shared residence at St. John's Anglican Church in Lunenburg.

www.maritimeconservatory.com

Dive into Atlantic Canada's maritime history at Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in the heart of the historic Halifax waterfront. Experience the life of a sailor, learn of the province's ship-building heritage or uncover the meaning behind colourful ship flags. With exhibits and galleries about North Atlantic Convoys, Titanic, the Halifax Explosion, the Days of Sail, the Age of Steam, Nova Scotian Small Craft, and even the restored ship chandlery of William Robertson and Son, a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the best way to experience life at sea in comfortable surroundings.

www.museum.gov.ns.ca/mma

The Cathedral Church of All Saints was built in 1910 following a decision to erect a stone cathedral on Tower Road. It replaced the former St. Luke’s Pro-Cathedral which had been destroyed by fire. The structure stands as a great display of gothic-architecture. The church is known for its stained-glass windows, the beautiful woodcarvings of its pulpit and chancel, and hand-done needlework on the kneelers and bishop's stall. The Cathedral Church of All Saints suffered considerable damage as a result of the 1917 Halifax explosion. Much worse was destruction caused by Hurricane Juan in 2003 which resulted in major renovations to this beautiful facility. The year 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the cathedral and the 300th anniversary of the diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI.

www.cathedralchurchofallsaints.com

Built in 1800, St. George’s Round Church is a masterpiece in the style of 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio. The Palladian style, which signaled a return to classical Greek and Roman architecture, was favoured by St. George’s patron, Edward Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria, who was military governor of Halifax at the time. Dr. Elizabeth Pacey, author of Georgian Halifax, states that “The great beauty and individuality of the church ensure it highest status in the annals of North American architecture.”

The Halifax Explosion of 1917 badly damaged St. George’s “Round Church”, but it was repaired and reopened for service in 1919. Calamity beset the Round Church again in 1994, when it was badly damaged by fire, but a magnificent restoration project followed which received considerable assistance from throughout the province, nationally and around the world.

www.roundchurch.ca

Musique Royale is gratefully supported in Halifax by the Early Music Society of Nova Scotia (http://earlymusic.chebucto.org) and the St. Cecilia Concert Society (www.stcecilia.ca).

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
1675 Lower Water Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
www.museum.gov.ns.ca/mma

St. George’s Anglican Church
2222 Brunswick St.
Information: 902-423-0143

Iona

The Highland Village Museum is a 43 acre living history museum and cultural centre that interprets, presents and celebrates Nova Scotia's Gaelic language and culture. Overlooking the world famous Bras d'Or Lakes, costumed staff in 10 period buildings take visitors on a journey through 140 years of cultural evolution in Scotland and Nova Scotia, including emigration, immigration, pioneering and community building. Eleven historic buildings with costumed staff give testimony to the energy, strength of character, and love of family among the Gaels. From a Hebridean style Black House to a 1920's school, the story of the Gaels is related in their homes, artifacts, songs and music. In addition to the museum, the site also features Gaelic programming, special cultural events, Roots Cape Breton Genealogy & Family History Centre, a music research centre and outdoor amphitheatre. The inclusion of a church on the Highland Village Museum has been a dream fulfilled for many people in the area.

During the fall of 2003, the Malagwatch United Church was moved from its site near the shores of the River Denys Basin to the beautiful hills overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes at the Highland Village Museum in Iona. The spectacular journey involved travel over land and water, and was just another chapter in the church's rich history.

Long inhabited by First Nations people, Malagawatch takes its name from a Mi’kmaq word said to mean “lake of full islands”. The community of Malagawatch is one of the oldest Presbyterian communities in Cape Breton.  Gaelic speaking settlers, from the Hebridian islands of Coll, Tyree, Mull and Skye, came to the area between 1810 and 1820.  The first minister, Rev. Donald MacDonald, came to the area in 1824 and held services in Gaelic on his property until he left in 1826.  When Rev. John MacLennan visited later that year, he advised them to build a church. They built a building 40 feet long and 30 feet wide to hold the congregation.  This was the third Presbyterian Church built in Cape Breton.

By 1874, the congregation had grown and the “new church” was built across the road.  This new building used much of the lumber from the old one and was opened on Aug. 8, 1874.  It was said that the church could hold 400 people.  It was given the name Malagawatch Union Church to indicate that several different groups of Presbyterians agreed to co-operate and establish this congregation. Services continued to be held in Gaelic and English well into the 20th century.

The church building has a blending of architectural styles.  It demonstrates Federal style in the squared-off windows; the tall spire, encouraging us to look towards the heavens, is Gothic; the front door has a taste of Greek Revival.  The inside of the church is very plain in keeping with Presbyterian tradition.  No musical instruments were used for singing until a pump organ was purchased in the 1940's.

Out migration and dwindling numbers of family farms reduced the population of Malagawatch.  In 2002 the River & Lakeside Pastoral Charge, with the consent of the last surviving member of the congregation, gave the church to the Highland Village, continuing the church's historic and cultural legacy. 

Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach
4119 Highway 223
Iona, Nova Scotia
venue chair:Rodney Chaisson, Director
Office - (902) 725-2272
www.museum.gov.ns.ca/hv
E-Mail

Lunenburg

Old Town Lunenburg, founded in 1753, was officially designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in August, 1996. At the centre of the town is St. John’s Anglican Church, Canada’s second oldest Protestant church. It is undeniably one of the country’s most outstanding examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture. On November 1, 2001, a devastating fire struck St. John’s. The restoration project that followed is a testimonial to the power of faith which has motivated and inspired many people in the community and all over the world. St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg is the home base for Musique Royale as well as the south shore home for the St. Cecilia Concert Society with Symphony on the Shore among many presentations between September and May each year. Boxwood Festival and Workshop events are held at St. John’s during the final week of July.

St. John’s Anglican Church
81 Cumberland Street
PO Box 238
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Information: (902) 634-9994
E-mail
Advance tickets: available at Fulton’s Pharmacy on Lincoln St.
www.stjohnslunenburg.org

For Boxwood Festival and Workshop visit www.boxwood.org

Mahone Bay

Take exit 10 or 11 from Route 3 to find the scenic beauty and coastal charm of this unique area. The three waterfront churches, Classic Boat Festival, Scarecrow and Father Christmas Festivals are among popular highlights in a town that is full of interesting studios, galleries and specialty crafts.

Cecilia’s Retreat, RR#2 in Mahone Bay, is a private residence where music and hospitality are enjoyed while overlooking a spectacular view of Mader’s Cove.

Cecilia’s Retreat
1199 Oakland Road, RR#2 in Mahone Bay
Reservations: barbara.butler@ns.sympatico.ca
Information: 902-624-0506

Margaretsville

Evergreen Theatre
1941 Stronach Mtn. Rd., East Margaretsville
evergreentheatre@gmail.com
www.evergreentheatre.ca

Merigomish

Merigomish (Exit 27, off Highway 104) is located on the south shore of Merigomish Harbour. Its name is probably a variation of the Micmac name Malegomich, “the merrymaking place”. The area seems to have been one of the larger Indian camping grounds and Merigomish Harbour is believed to be a site significant for its archeological remnants. Settlement by Loyalist refugees from the American Revolutionary War began here in the area about 1784. Fishing and farming are the basic industries in the area and the scenery along the Sunrise Trail is among the most beautiful in the province.

The Merigomish United Church, located in the community of Merigomish, was built in 1927. In 1925, a committee met to consider forming a pastoral charge of the United Church of Canada in Merigomish.  This committee included representatives from Merigomish, French River, Barney’s River and Glenbard.  After holding services in a community hall for more than a year, construction on a church building began, with all four communities co-operating and working together.  The fellowship and community spirit which enabled the building of this church continues to this day.

Merigomish United Church
Exit 27, off Highway 104
1587 Shore Rd
Merigomish, Nova Scotia
venue chairs: Vickie MacDonald - (902) 926-2556, Jennifer Grout - (902) 755-1902
Advance tickets: are available at Lyghtesome Gallery (902-863-5804, 166 Main St., Antigonish)
E-mail

Parrsboro

Parrsboro is admired for its elegant houses and estates, many of which were built during the 1800’s, and the breathtaking scenic view it affords of the extraordinary tides of the Minas Basin. Construction of Ottawa House by the Sea was begun in the 1770’s on the site of an Acadian trading fort, overlooking the rocky cliffs of nearby Partridge Island. In 1836, the Ottawa House was inherited by Thomas Ratchford from his father, James Ratchford, an influential citizen of Parrsboro.  The house stayed in the Ratchford family for nearly twenty years, until it was purchased by the famous Charles Tupper, a Father of Confederation.

The building then passed into the hands of the Cumberland Railway and Coal Company.  Under the ownership of J.R. Cowans, the house was outfitted with indoor plumbing and bathrooms. After a brief period of possession by the Dominion Steel Company, the Ottawa House was purchased by Captain Carl Merriam.   Captain Merriam chose to operate the building as an inn, and built a large Dance Pavilion across the road from the Ottawa House.  After Merriam’s death, the Seaman family continued operating the house as an Inn.  They laid hardwood floors on the bedrooms and dining room.  It was also during this time that the Ottawa House was visited by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands during her tour of Nova Scotia.

In 1948, Jim and Lottie Wheaton purchased the building.  While maintaining the house as an inn, the Wheatons promoted and maintained the historic character of the house.  Lottie later became part of the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society.  Since then, the Ottawa House has changed from an inn to a museum which educates visitors about the history of the house, Partridge Island, the Parrsborough Shore, and Parrsboro itself.

The museum offers information on the complete history of Parrsboro, beginning with the original natives of the area, and moving through time, covering the Acadians, seafaring, lumbering, and shipbuilding, as well as the lives of the owners of the house.  The house is also home to a wealth of genealogical information, including more than twelve hundred Parrsboro and area school registers, as well as many local family files.

In addition to being a Musique Royale venue for musical performances, the museum also features Sunday speakers, children’s activities, family gatherings, and wedding parties.  The museum is currently undergoing renovation and restoration to maintain the beauty and history of the house.  There is no doubt that the museum serves not only as an important tourist attraction and economic resource to Parrsboro, but also is an important snapshot of Nova Scotia’s rich culture and history.

Ottawa House Museum
1155 Whitehall Road
Parrsboro, Nova Scotia
Venue chair: Susan Clarke (902) 254-2376
www.ottawahouse.org

Port Hood

Port Hood marks the beginning of the Mabou Highlands on Cape Breton Island. The village’s scenic beauty is enhanced by a magnificent view of Port Hood Island, just offshore. Our venue is St. Steven's United Church. St. Stephen's has its roots in two traditions - Presbyterian and Methodist. St. Stephen's Presbyterian roots go back to the Protestant families who settled around Port Hood and Mabou after 1786 when Captain David Smith and his family came from Cape Cod and settled on Port Hood Island.  These families kept their religious faith alive through home worship as they had no minister or church.

In 1818, Rev. James McGregor, a Presbyterian missionary came to the area and preached to these people in their homes. Inspired by his visit, fifty three people from Port Hood and Mabou joined together as a Presbyterian Congregation in 1821 and called the Rev. William Millar to be their minister.

The Methodist roots of St. Steven's can be traced back to the influence of Ann Ross who married

John Smith in 1839 and lived on Port Hood Island. The Methodist minister on the Port Hood circuit made his headquarters at their home.

Four Protestant denominations joined together to put up the Protestant Union Church in 1874.

Anglican’s, Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists all worshipped in this church until 1886 when the Methodists built their own St. Stephen's Church (the present St. Stephen's United Church). The

Presbyterians continued to worship in the Protestant Union Church until 1913 when they could no longer afford an ordained minister, then choosing to worship at St. Stephen's with the Methodists. Shortly before the official union of the Methodists, Congregationalists and some of the

Presbyterians in June 1925, the Methodists and Presbyterians of Port Hood voted to unite their congregations and join the new United Church of Canada.

Through the difficulties of finding ministers during World War Two, the United Church congregations of Mabou-Hillsborough, Port Hood and Port Hood Island were served by one minister. This arrangement continued until 1953 when the three congregations officially became one pastoral charge.

In 1962, five churches, St. Matthew's, St. John's, Mabou-Hillsborough, St. Stephen's, and Jubilee were amalgamated into the St. John's Pastoral Charge as we know it today.  Through all these changes, St. Steven's, Port Hood, has maintained its identity and faith for 184 years.

St. Steven’s Church
Main Street
Port Hood, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Venue Chairs: Mike Little – (902) 787-3008
E-mail

Port Williams

The history of the Parish of Cornwallis dates back to 1761, a few short years after the deportment of the Acadians. The Parish of Cornwallis will celebrate two milestones in 2010—the 250th Anniversary of the establishment of the Parish by Royal Mandate; and the 200th anniversary of the erection of the ‘new’, second St. John’s Church.

 The Parish of Cornwallis was the progenitor of Anglican churches in Canning, Kingsport, Hantsport, Wolfville, Kentville, Berwick, Kingston, Auburn, Wilmot and Middleton.  Its early rectors also ministered to Anglicans in Colchester and Pictou Counties. 

Construction of St. John's Anglican Church in Port Williams began in 1804 but because of lack of funds at the time the interior wasn't completed until 1812. The ‘new’ St. John’s is one of the oldest, continuously operating Anglican Churches in Nova Scotia.  Details of its construction have been well documented, and additional information is found in publications of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia and in the Provincial Archives. It replaced the ‘old’ first St. John’s, erected in 1772, which remains in active use today as a garden house on property adjacent to the ‘new’ church. 

Over the years various additions and repairs have been made including an extension of the chancel and a change of seating in 1888 to create a third aisle of pews.  The stained glass windows are outstanding with a number of memorials gracing its walls. The beauty of the sanctuary, the warmth of wood and wonderful acoustic make this church a unique setting for Musique Royale performances.

St. John’s Anglican Church
1105 Church Street
St. John’s Cornwallis Church
Port Williams, Nova Scotia
Venue Chairs: Diana Shelley (902) 542-5300, Colleen Mansfield - (902) 582-1736
E-mail
www.parishofcornwallis.ca

Quinan

Located in the interior of the county of Yarmouth, the village and parish of Quinan perpetuate the name of Rev. John Quinan, a pioneer priest who served the area in the mid 19th century. The Church of St. Agnes was completed in 1883 and enlarged in 1918. The origins of many of the parishes along the shores of Yarmouth and Digby Counties can be traced to the dedicated work of Father Jean-Mande Sigogne, known as the apostle to the Acadians. Our venue chair is Joan Semple

Saint Agnes Church, Quinan, Yarmouth County
Information: 902-742-8765

Shelburne

Located along the famous Lighthouse Route, Shelburne is situated on one of the world’s finest natural harbours. Shelburne was settled in 1783 by British Empire Loyalists. It became an instant boomtown, swelling to over 10,000 inhabitants in just a few years, making it the fourth largest settlement in North America. The boom faded as Loyalists moved on to other communities, but the incredible sense of history was left behind. The waterfront Heritage District retains an aura of the 18th century.

The Osprey Arts Centre, at 107 Water St., resides in the rejuvenated historic “Dorothy & Gail” building on the waterfront. The Centre began as a building in the Muir Cox Shipyard, found on the waterfront of Shelburne.  In the spring of 2001 David Huddleston, a resident of Shelburne, Nova Scotia approached members of the arts community and the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club (SHYC) with the idea of jointly developing an unused building in the former shipyard. Under the leadership of David Huddleston, members of the community, including people from the arts and yachting communities, came together to plan and design this project. The first phase was completed by May 1, 2003.  As planned, in November 2002, the arts community and the Yacht Club members formed two individual boards, The Osprey Arts Centre Association to develop and run an Arts Centre called The Osprey (named for a famous sailing ship built in Shelburne in the 19th Century) in the rear two-thirds of the building and SHYC to operate the waterfront one third of the building as a yacht club and marina. The Osprey Arts Centre opened May 10, 2003 and has operated full time since that date.

The Osprey includes the performance space and the Coastline Gallery in the lobby. The gallery presents curated solo exhibitions by visual artists from the local area. The performance space is home to around 60 shows a year, including music, both popular and classical, dance, theatre and literary readings. The theatre is open year-round.

In addition to concerts presented by Musique Royale, The Osprey Arts Centre is also a venue for a number of other series: the Nautilus Music and Dance Series (including traveling performances from Musique Royale), the Theatre Series, Bringin’ It Home (sponsored by Music Nova Scotia), the Shelburne Writers Festival, Children’s Theatre Series, and Hometown Music. The Osprey is a member of Atlantic Presenters Association and participates in block-booking of internationally renowned artists in all fields.

Locally The Osprey is home to amateur theatre groups and presents local musical events. It reaches out to the community in a number of ways. It works with the schools to provide workshops and shows for elementary and high school students. Through its youth committee, it sponsors local youth musical events. It also offers youth summer camps in drama, music and visual art. It is a member of the national eyeGO to the arts program which provides inexpensive tickets to youth for all of its shows.  The Osprey Arts Centre is not only an architectural gem, but also a hub of learning, art, and creativity.

Osprey Arts Centre
107 Water Street
PO Box 193
Shelburne, Nova Scotia
Tickets available at The Whirligig Bookshop (902-875-1117)
Venue Chair: Susan Hoover -  (902) 875-2359
www.ospreyartscentre.com
E-mail

Tatamagouche

Sharon United Church, Tatamagouche
Information: 902-257-2519
Advance tickets are available at Village Florist in Tatamagouche and the Chatterbox Café in Pugwash

Truro

Constructed of freestone, St. John’s Anglican Church is a very good example of the 19th century revival of the English Gothic style in ecclesiastical architecture. The steeply pitched roof, flying buttresses, pointed arches and tracery are identifying elements. The crenelated tower was a later addition. The actual work on the church was started in 1873, and was finally completed in 1881. Our venue chair is Bill Canning

St. John’s Anglican Church
23 Church Street
Information: 902-895-5902
www.stjohnstruro.ca

Wolfville

Wolfville is a town of elegance and charm set amid natural wonders. Stately elms, manicured lawns and the rich architecture of its century old homes gives Wolfville a historic grace and unprecedented charm. Home of Acadia University, one of Canada’s finest undergraduate schools, Wolfville is considered the academic and cultural centre of the Annapolis Valley. The Manning Memorial Chapel is found nestled in the beautiful campus of Acadia University.

Acadia has always had spiritual growth as the core of the life and work of the University.  In 1838, it was founded by the Baptist Churches, which retain their role through appointees to the University’s Board of Governors.  The role of the church is continued today through the Manning Memorial Chapel and its Chaplain.  In 1990, a campaign for $1 million was begun to endow the University Chaplaincy including programs, personnel, and chapel maintenance.  Today, the fund stands at $612, 000.  The new millennium phase must see it through to its $1 million objective.

The stained glass windows in the Manning Memorial Chapel present the same pattern to worshippers whether light is behind them or shining upon them.  Changing light changes colour and value in the jewel toned glass.  This beauty was the result of careful planning by the master craftsman Henry Lee Willet.  His artistry and dedication to making the windows beautiful in any circumstance illustrates the desire to enrich the lives of those who enter the chapel that has guided the chapel since it was first built almost forty years ago.

The 20-stop classical organ was built by Casavant Freres of Québec, and was dedicated to the University’s War Dead on August 16, 1963.  The 28.5 inch cast swinging bell, was cast by Taylor Company in England, and its stunning sound can be heard two miles away.  The church spire, with a six-foot cross covered with gold leaf, towers 198 feet above sea level.  The interior millwork of the chapel is native birch with walnut handrails.  The Chipman Tapestry brickwork is laid in Flemish Bond and the ornamental plaster was created by Joseph Corbo of Montréal, one of the few remaining plaster craftsmen in Canada.

All the details have been chosen with loving care.  They have been made possible through the generosity of the Manning family over the years.  The Acadia Chaplaincy, similarly supported through magnanimous gifts, has guided and supported thousands of Acadia students and staff members since 1963 when the Chapel was opened and dedicated in memory to the late Fred C. Manning.

Owing to the activities of many students, the Acadia chapel has become one of the busiest spots on campus.  It is a place where students and staff go for services, quiet contemplation, counselling, and a myriad of other activities.  The doors are quite literally always open.

The chapel itself is open for services every day of the week, as well as a Roman Catholic mass on Saturdays and a University service on Sundays.  There is an annual Passion Play in which many students take part.  There are also bible studies, banquets, and of course concerts such as those of Musique Royale.  Attendance has been increasing every year for regular services and special services and events sometime leave standing room only.

Manning Memorial Chapel
Acadia University,
Wolfville, NS
Venue Chair: Nancy Burbidge- (902) 582-3933
www.acadiau.ca/chaplain/chapel.htm

Yarmouth

The spiritual and historical evolution of St. Ambrose began in 1845. A converted carpenter shop on lower Barnard Street became the first place of worship. In 1860, the growth of the Catholic community necessitated the expansion on the “carpenter shop” church. The larger building was called All Saints Church. Land on Albert Street was purchased in 1889 for the construction of the current church. All Saints was renamed Saint Ambrose and doubled in size to its present capacity in 1908. When the diocese of Yarmouth was formed in 1953, Saint Ambrose was designated the cathedral church. Upon entering the cathedral, one is instantly surrounded by the beauty of the architecture and enveloped by the radiant light of magnificent stained glass windows. The domed window, crafted in Germany, was installed in 1927. The remaining windows, gifts to the church by parishioners, were placed between 1937 and 1953. Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, presides over the choir loft. Our venue chair is Joan Semple.

Saint Ambrose Cathedral
Albert St., Yarmouth
Information: 902-742-8765