Westben Arts Festival Theatre, Inc.
Conceived in 1991, Westben Arts Festival Theatre Inc. grew out of the meeting between its co-founders soprano Donna Bennett and pianist Brian Finley and an immensely talented and energetic community. Bringing a wealth of international performance experience to Campbellford, Donna and Brian began presenting and performing classical music professionally at a variety of local venues, and teaching advanced level music students. In 1997, they led a fully staged production of Jesus Christ Superstar, a hugely successful community effort that ignited the entire area with an excitement and a sense of cultural awakening. In an effort to coordinate and perpetuate all of these activities, they founded the Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Westben was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1999 and received charitable status in 2000. In July 2000, Westben presented its debut season of Concerts at The Barn in its brand new, 400-seat timber-frame theatre-barn built specifically for this usage. Community participants joined 70 acclaimed Canadian artists in 10 concerts over five weekends. Now concluding its 16th season, Westben remains committed to presenting world-class live music, community-based musical events and forums for music education for all levels and generations of learners.
Mission
The Westben Arts Festival Theatre is committed to nurturing communities of artists, audiences and learners through exceptional musical experiences.
The Westben Arts Festival Theatre Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit organization. Recent Success in Our Charitable Work
First opening its doors on July 1, 2000, Westben is soon to enter its 17th season presenting "world class music in wide open countryside." Since 2000 Westben has presented over 350 concerts featuring several hundred artists, selling close to 80,000 tickets, and serving more than 8,000 learners. We have welcomed artists and audiences from across the country and internationally. In partnership with the Municipality of Trent Hills, Westben has also grown to include a second, year-round facility in downtown Campbellford: the Clock Tower Cultural Centre. With this recent move of its box office, administration and shoulder-season events into this historic building, Westben has greatly increased its year-round activity. By engaging and enriching its community, Westben seeks to nurture community vibrancy & promote the development of cultural tourism in the area.