About VPAN
Visual & Performing Arts Newmarket is a community-based, not-for-profit organization with the goal of promoting a variety of professional classical music performances and exhibitions of fine art in York Region.Who we are and what we do
Visual & Performing Arts Newmarket is comprised of volunteers, who manage all aspects of the VPAN Not-for-Profit Organization, to bring uplifting, entertaining and brilliant performances to the Newmarket area, thereby contributing to the cultural growth of the Region of York.
Visual & Performing Arts Newmarket
Margaret Barkman - President, Artist Selection, Treasurer
Erika Kerwin - Concert Committee Chair, Advertising
Linda J Condy - Past President
Marg Nauman - Past Vice President
Marcia Sinclair - Past Concert Committee Chair
Mary Lou Stanton & Judy Craig - Honorary Members
Irene Ilic - Board Member
VPAN Operating Board
Erika Kerwin
Margaret Barkman
Marcia Sinclair
Irene Ilic
What We Do
Subscriptions: Mary Wilson
Brochure Distribution: VPAN Board
Front Cover Design: Maryann Vigliotta
Web Content: Margaret Barkman, Barrie Braiden
Graphic Design: Maryann Vigliotta V8CR8ive
Advertising: Erika Kerwin
Mailing List: Marg Nauman
Master of Ceremonies: Irene Ilic
Artists' Coordinator: Margaret Barkman
Young Artists' Showcase Coordinator: Sheila Vandikas
VPAN Archives: Marcia Sinclair
THREE FOR THE SHOW
Our THREE FOR THE SHOW series presented outstanding professional classical music performances for over 25 years. Appearances by celebrated artists such as Gryphon Trio, Quartetto Gelato, Take Five, The Bach Children's Chorus, Maureen Forrester, Rivka Golani, Adi Braun and many others.York Region Classical Music Festival
In September 2025 VPAN branched out and presented a festival of 3 concerts which took placed in Richmond Hill at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, in East Gwillimbury at the Sharon Temple and at Newmarket's Old Town Hall.Young Artists' Showcase
Each year, under the direction of Sheila Vandikas, young musicians perform on our Young Artists' Showcase. Some of these have gone on to carve out their own careers of distinction.History of VPAN
Since the formation, the group has accomplished the following:
- In 1990, commissioned a study of theatre facilities in the area and presented it to the Town of Newmarket.
- Between 1989 and 1994, sponsored three concerts featuring The Canadian Brass, The Yale Glee Club and The Hungarian Children's Choir to assess the response of a Newmarket audience to live classical music performance.
- In 1997, with the opening of the Newmarket Theatre, instituted "Three for the Show," a Sunday afternoon concert series, featuring professional and acclaimed artists.
- In 1998, staged an exhibition of art by well-known artist and Newmarket resident, Frederick Hagan.
- In 2000, introduced a "Young Artists' Showcase" featuring local performers, who hope to make music their careers.
- In 2002, established an "artists in residence" program sponsoring the Avalon Trio, a professional piano trio (violin, cello & piano). They gave educational programs and a full concert under the auspices of VPAN.
- In 2006, VPAN celebrated its 10th Anniversary of presenting concerts with a reception and recital for subscribers and advertisers.
- In 2007, VPAN sponsored "Shoestring Opera" performances in four Newmarket elementary schools.
- In 2009, VPAN helped promote the first annual Newmarket Studio Tour.
- From 2011 to 2013, VPAN donated one $100.00 scholarship to deserving young musicians at the Newmarket Lions Music Festival, and one $100.00 scholarship to the Newmarket Voice Festival.
- In 2012, VPAN celebrated its 15th year of “Three for the Show” concerts with a musical afternoon at Madsen’s featuring the Li’l Rascals Horn Trio. The proceeds from this afternoon resulted in a $1000.00 scholarship for a music student selected by ORMTA (Ontario Music Teachers Association) in Mary Lou Stanton’s name.
- In 2013, with the help of a grant from Newmarket Celebrates the Arts, VPAN again hired the Shoestring Opera to perform “The Schoolyard Carmen” in two public schools in Newmarket.
- On May 1, 2016, VPAN, in partnership with ORMTA, sponsored a Master Class for Duets taught by Janelle Fung and Phil Chiu; five pairs of local piano students participated.
- VPAN celebrated our 25th "Three for the Show" series anniversary during the 2022-2023 season.
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