Steven Turner has been a props and scenic designer and builder for more than 45 years. He started his career at home in Nova Scotia working summers at the Festival on the Bay. Later he worked at the Neptune theater in Halifax and then went on to New York, Las Vegas, Macau and then the rest of the world. His career has taken him around the globe designing and building props, sets, and illusions for dozens of major companies like, Cirque du Soleil, DreamWorks, Audi, Harley Davidson, Mattel, Second City, Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Catz, Venetian Macau Resort, Guinness Book of Records, and most recently Stephen Kings - The Institute (TV show), and many others.

Anne Larlee has worked as a répétiteur and coach at the Frankfurt Opera since 2016. The Canadian pianist has also given numerous recitals, including performances with Tamara Wilson, Bianca Andrew, Jonathan Abernethy, Louise Alder, Paula Murrihy and Anthony Robin Schneider. Previously, she was a répétiteur and vocal coach at the Komische Oper Berlin and the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto, where she regularly returns. The multi-award-winning
musician has performed in recitals at renowned venues in North America and Europe – including St. John’s Smith Square in London and La Maison de la Radio in Paris. The sought-after pianist has also performed at festivals such as Glyndebourne, Aldeburgh and Bregenz, as well as at Calgary Opera, San Francisco Opera, the Opera Theatre in St. Louis, and the Tyroler Festspiele Erl. In addition, she has accompanied masterclasses led by Sir Thomas Allen, Brigitte Fassbaender, Martin Isepp, Dame Felicity Lott and Carlo Rizzi. She is regularly engaged as a collaborator and coach for the Neue Stimmen Masterclasses of the
Bertelsmann Foundation in Gütersloh.

Photo: Phil Crozier, Photophilcro

Described as a “scintillating player,” pianist and Coach, Tina Chang, is currently on the music staff at Vancouver Opera, and has been involved with international organizations such as Wexford Festival Opera in Ireland, Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, soundSCAPE New Music Festival in Italy. Locally, she works with organizations such as Chor Leoni, Arts Club Theatre, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Sound the Alarm Music Theatre, and Vancouver Bach Choir.  She maintains her own private studio, and has been on the adjunct faculty at the University of British Columbia, and Dalhousie University. Find out more about Tina at www.TinaChangPiano.ca. 

Elly Grant (she/her) is a dynamic arts administrator, program coordinator, and multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges creative practice and community engagement. A graduate of Quest University Canada with a Master’s in Art Education from NSCAD University, Elly brings a thoughtful, experimental approach to arts programming and cultural production. Her curatorial and project management experience spans a range of institutions and initiatives, including Temporary Collection, Guelph Arts Council, Nelson Museum Archives and Gallery, Parks Canada, the Junction Artist-in-Residence Program, Ed Video Media Arts Centre, Textile Museum of Canada, and the University of Guelph. Elly also runs Double Dipped, an upcycled clothing venture where she designs and handcrafts custom garments, merging sustainability with style. Elly is passionate about reimagining arts programming and administration as a form of creative inquiry, as she actively explores the intersections of art, collaboration, and place-making through innovative, community-rooted projects

Jennifer Qu (she/her) is an artist and arts administrator with a background in events and communications. With roots in Toronto, she is now based in Banff, where she works as a Program Delivery Specialist with the Leadership team at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She holds a BFA in Photography and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management. Most recently, she worked with The Bentway Conservancy, supporting the production of community events and large-scale arts programs. With over five years of experience in Canada’s not-for-profit arts sector, Jennifer is passionate about supporting artists and building community through an accessible lens.

Wil Fraser (he/him) is the Program Associate and Elders/Knowledge Keepers/Participant Support for Indigenous Leadership and Cultural Leadership Programs at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. In this multifaceted role, Wil provides holistic care and cultural support to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, faculty, and participants, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment throughout each program.  With a deep commitment to Indigenous ways of knowing and community-building, Wil plays a vital role in ensuring participants feel safe, supported, and empowered during their time on campus and works closely with Leadership team to uphold the integrity and spirit of the programs.  Wil is also currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University, further deepening his knowledge and expanding his capacity to serve through education and leadership. His work is grounded in respect, relationality, and the belief that meaningful cultural exchange, informed by wise practices and right relations, can transform individuals and communities alike.