Sounds Like Alberta

Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra is excited to present the Sounds Like Alberta concert at RockPointe Church in Bearspaw, on February 1, 2026. The RMSO aims to enrich lives through performing world class symphonic music in smaller Alberta communities outside the urban core. The concert will highlight the compositions of Canadian Music Centre composers. The focus is collaborating to deepen artistry, expand cultural understanding, and bridge diverse voices to community, sparking new conversations. Award-winning local Indigenous Artist, Jessica McMann, will provide insights to the orchestra on working with Indigenous artists, providing cultural understanding and tools for respectful, meaningful engagement, centered on her composition “Muskwa Mountain Home”. Donovan Seidle will share his exploration of innovative ways to integrate pop music with orchestral foundations, featuring his edgy electric violin piece "Kashmir". Ashley Seward, an award-winning composer who has written music for multiple orchestras, will also provide a composition for the concert. Finally, the concert will close with a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the “Pastoral Symphony”. RMSO will perform these compositions in concert to celebrate the land, people, voices, and artistry of Alberta through music that is both fresh and deeply rooted.

Sounds Like Alberta will be conducted by Janna Sailor, an accomplished conductor, violinist, and musical innovator known for her collaborative approach and commitment to new Canadian music. Janna currently serves as the Director of the Canadian Music Centre (CMC), Prairie Region. Her involvement brings both national-level leadership in contemporary Canadian composition and a strong track record of mentoring emerging artists. Janna will conduct the Sounds Like Alberta concert supporting participants in shaping the musical interpretation from score to performance.

RMSO has also formalized a 3-year partnership with Calgary Performing Arts Festival (CPAF) and Airdrie Rotary Performing Arts Festival (ARPAF) to engage young emerging artists and festival winners. These young artists will have the opportunity to learn and develop their skills with Sounds Like Alberta’s inspiring group of artists.

This concert will bring together a range of local collaborators whose expertise, leadership, and creative voices will significantly deepen both the artistic and community impact of the project.

Sounds Like Alberta is designed to benefit a wide range of individuals and communities in Alberta. RMSO supports smaller, underserved communities, Indigenous artists, emerging/ up-and-coming artists, local composers, arrangers and musicians, audience members, and the arts culture generally in Southern Alberta. It will enhance cultural understanding, foster professional growth, and contribute to the mental well-being and inclusivity of all participants.

Local Communities and Residents: The concert aims to enrich the lives of residents in smaller Alberta communities outside the urban core by bringing world-class symphonic music to their doorstep. By performing in artistically underserved communities like Bearspaw, the RMSO ensures that high-quality orchestral music is accessible to those who might not typically have the opportunity to experience it. Accessibility is being considered in terms of welcoming, respectful, geographic, physical and financial perspectives.

Indigenous Artists and Communities: The concert will feature award-winning Indigenous artist Jessica McMann, who will provide cultural insights and tools for respectful engagement with Indigenous artists and music. RMSO will invite a Knowledge Keeper to provide a blessing at the beginning of the concert. This collaboration will deepen cultural understanding and foster meaningful connections.

Emerging Artists: RMSO has formalized partnerships with the CPAF and ARPAF to engage young, emerging artists. These artists will benefit from mentorship, performance opportunities, helping them grow and gain exposure.

Local Composers and Musicians: The concert will showcase compositions by local and Canadian Music Centre composers. These local composers will have their works performed, providing them with valuable exposure and recognition.

Audience Members: The concert will offer a diverse and enriching musical experience, featuring a blend of classical, contemporary, and Indigenous music. Audience members will gain a deeper appreciation for these genres and enjoy a sense of community and cultural connection through the performances.

Broader Community Impact: The initiative will strengthen connections across artistic disciplines, age groups, and cultural communities. It will foster professional growth and cultural competence among musicians, expand audience’s appreciation for contemporary and Indigenous classical music, and contribute to a more inclusive and representative artistic ecosystem in Southern Alberta.