Empower Connection
Imagine a timeless space, where creativity, expression, and mutual appreciation meet to form uplifting memories. This is the vision for Northwestern Polytechnic’s newest artistic venture - Inspire Arts: Cultivating Culture for a Vibrant Community.
Established in 2024, with the support of the Northwestern Polytechnic Foundation, this concert series seeks to galvanize connection to performing arts within the Peace Region while piquing interest from world-class performers and appreciative audiences.
There has never been a better time for the arts community to come together and flourish with the benefit of collaboration. Through carefully curated compositions and dynamic performances, we will kindle unparalleled artistic connection, on common musical ground.
Leave an Imprint in Hearts
Celebrate love and the sway of music at Northwestern Polytechnic’s inaugural Inspire Arts concert series event, Valentine’s Serenade.
Event Details
This exclusive evening will feature world-class performances by operatic soprano Vanessa Croome, pianist Frances Armstrong , and local cellist Katherine Pernal.
It will truly be a Valentine’s Day to remember with champagne, charcuterie, melodic poetry in music, and our arts community gathered to usher in a new era in artistry, elegance, and enrichment.
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Be Part of an Inspiring Arts Movement
Get involved and contact our team at Engage@NWPolyech.ca.
Meet the Artists
Raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Katherine Pernal is a dedicated cellist and music educator whose work enriches both the local community and global audiences. Her journey in music began at the age of four, sparking a lifelong passion that has grown into a career defined by excellence, creativity, and accessibility.
Katherine holds an ARCT Cello Performance Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Music and French from the University of Alberta. She also earned a degree in Secondary Education from The King’s University and has completed Level 1 and 2 Kodály certifications. Katherine has furthered her expertise internationally, participating in the International Kodály Seminar at the Franz Liszt Academy in Hungary. As a Suzuki-trained teacher, she has taken two levels of registered cello teacher training with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Currently, Katherine serves as a music specialist at École St-Gérard, teaching music and band to students from grades 2 to 9. She also conducts the Junior Choir of the Grande Prairie Boys’ Choir, sharing her passion for music with young singers. An active performer, Katherine regularly plays cello in the Grande Prairie community, bringing world-class artistry to local stages.
In addition to her teaching and performing roles, Katherine is part of a celebrated trio on YouTube, where her performances have garnered millions of views. As a passionate advocate for accessible classical music, Katherine continues to inspire her community by connecting audiences to the beauty of music both online and in person.
Vanessa Croome is a critically acclaimed soprano celebrated for her versatility and artistry across contemporary, classical, and baroque repertoire. With her commanding stage presence and exceptional vocal technique, Vanessa has captivated audiences worldwide, earning accolades for her innovative approach to classical music and her commitment to accessibility and excellence in the arts.
A graduate of the prestigious artist residency programs at the Santa Fe Opera, Opéra de Montréal, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Vanessa is recognized as a performer of extraordinary depth and range. Her recent engagements include standout performances as Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute (Jacksonville Symphony) and Kosky’s Die Zauberflöte (l’Opéra de Montréal), as well as her role as the soloist in the world premiere of M. Butterfly at the Santa Fe Opera. She has also appeared as La Folie in Platée with Orchestre de L’Agora and made concert debuts with l’Orchestre Métropolitain and l’Orchestre Symphonique de Drummondville.
Vanessa’s recital debut at the Chapelle Historique du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal and her international performance at the L’Association des Arts et Culture dans les Hautes Vosges were met with critical acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a world-class artist.
Frances Armstrong is an acclaimed collaborative pianist and opera coach based in Edmonton, Alberta, where she serves as the Head Coach and Repetiteur for Edmonton Opera. Known for her exceptional artistry and collaborative expertise, Frances plays a vital role in shaping productions and supporting talented performers.
Frances holds a Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Toronto, where she studied with Steven Philcox, and a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Victoria, graduating with distinction. She further honed her skills through intensive programs such as the Franz Schubert Institute, Opera NUOVA, and Toronto Summer Music, earning scholarships for her artistic and academic excellence.
Her professional experience includes serving as an apprentice coach at the Atelier Lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and two years with the Canadian Opera Company’s prestigious Ensemble Studio (2020–2022). A career highlight was serving as music director and orchestral pianist for the 2022 world premiere of Ian Cusson’s opera Fantasma. Frances’s international recognition grew when she was one of five pianists selected for the renowned Music Academy of the West summer festival in Santa Barbara, California.
In addition to her role at Edmonton Opera, Frances is a faculty coach at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Highlands Opera Studio, where she mentors young musicians and singers, helping them refine their craft.
