Westben

09/02/2026

JANE URQUHART AT WESTBEN.

On Saturday, September 19, acclaimed Canadian author Jane Urquhart joins us for Once Upon a Time, an intimate afternoon of storytelling, music and conversation — with just 40 guests.

Winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Trillium Book Award and France’s prestigious Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger, and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Jane Urquhart is one of Canada’s most celebrated literary voices.

For one afternoon, she’ll share her work and stories in conversation with music by Heidi Elise Bearcroft, Principal Harpist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and pianist Brian Finley.

Set inside the beautifully transformed Westben Schoolhouse, the afternoon will include captivating readings, conversation, live harp and piano, and a curated selection of savoury treats, sweet delights and refreshments.

Once Upon a Time is a fundraiser for Westben — an opportunity to experience something truly special while helping support the place we all love. Westben is a not-for-profit charitable arts organization committed to bringing people together through music in nature.
Charitable #: 86769 1743 RR0001

Only 4 tickets remain: https://www.westben.ca/events/a-fundraising-fete/

09/01/2026

A VERY SPECIAL AFTERNOON WITH TSO PRINCIPAL HARPIST, HEIDI BEARCROFT

There are only 4 tickets remaining for Once Upon a Time: A Fundraiser, and if you love beautiful music, this is one you won’t want to miss.

On Saturday, September 19 at 2 PM, Principal Harpist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Heidi Elise Bearcroft brings the extraordinary sound of the harp to Westben’s intimate Schoolhouse.

Music has been part of Heidi’s life from the very beginning. She began piano at just three years old and harp at seven, later studying at The Juilliard School and building an extraordinary career as one of North America’s leading orchestral harpists.

For this very special afternoon, you’ll experience Heidi in a completely different setting — close, intimate and surrounded by just 40 guests.

And she won’t be alone.

📖 Jane Urquhart — one of Canada’s most celebrated writers — will share stories, readings and conversation.

🎹 Brian Finley — Westben co-founder, pianist and composer — will bring his musical artistry to the afternoon.

🥂 And there will be savoury treats, sweet delights and refreshments to enjoy along the way.

It’s an afternoon about slowing down. Listening. Sharing stories. Being together.

And, importantly, it’s a fundraiser for Westben, helping support the future of the music, artists, programs and experiences we all love.

Saturday, September 19 • 2 PM
Westben Schoolhouse, Campbellford ON
Only 4 tickets remain.

Come spend an afternoon with Heidi, Jane, Brian — and 39 other very lucky guests. Get tickets now: https://www.westben.ca/events/a-fundraising-fete/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC4lZ12Lfd8

Handcarved. Built with more than 2000 moving parts. Held together b...

08/14/2026

Whether you’re 5, 15, 25 or 75+, there’s a place for your voice at Westben this fall.

Our choirs are back and we’re looking for singers of all ages to join us for a season of music, community, and a whole lot of fun.

YOUTH CHORUS
Ages 8–11 | Wednesdays at 5 PM
Starting September 16

TEEN CHORUS
Ages 12–22 | Wednesdays at 5 PM
Starting September 16

FESTIVAL CHORUS
Ages 18+ | Wednesdays at 7 PM
Starting September 16

COOKIE CHOIR
Ages 5–7 | Starting October 7
Limited to 15 singers

No auditions required — except for soloists. And if you’re not quite sure whether choir is your thing, come on September 16 to meet the group, hear about the fall project and give it a try!

And what’s the fall project? 👀
Let’s just say there’s a little Christmas magic in the works with One Night Only.

So warm up those vocal cords, gather your favourite little singer (or big singer!) and come make music with us.

Pre-registration is encouraged.

👉 Register at https://www.westben.ca/sing-with-us/

08/12/2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · 2:00 PM · The Schoolhouse

An intimate afternoon with one of North America’s leading orchestral harpists.

Heidi began piano at just three years old and picked up the harp at seven, studying primarily with her mother before moving to New York to attend the Juilliard School, where she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Still in her teens, she made her debut as a concerto soloist and went on to win several major national competitions.

Today, Heidi is Principal Harp of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held for more than a dozen years, and is regarded as one of the leading orchestral harpists in North America. Her career has also taken her to stages with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Mariinsky Orchestra and Manitoba Chamber Orchestra.

But it is the intimate relationship between musician and instrument that makes Heidi’s playing so compelling. With her fingertips directly touching the strings, she describes the harp as an instrument that allows her to feel the sound “blossoming from the core” of her body. She explores its extraordinary range of colour, texture and emotion, approaching every note with complete attention.

With just 40 guests gathered in the Schoolhouse, audiences will have the opportunity to experience Heidi’s artistry at remarkably close range — not simply hearing the harp, but experiencing the intimacy, physicality and extraordinary sound of one of Canada’s finest orchestral musicians.

Once Upon a Time is Westben’s fall fundraiser, supporting Westben’s work as a charitable, not-for-profit arts organization and its commitment to bringing extraordinary artists and audiences together through music, storytelling and connection.

40 guests. One extraordinary harpist. An afternoon of music, words and connection.

08/11/2026

YOU CAN SING WITH WESTBEN THIS FALL!

Love to sing? There’s a place for you at Westben.

Our Youth Chorus, Teen Choir and Festival Chorus return this fall, bringing singers together to learn, connect and make music... no auditions required (except for soloists!).

Starting Wednesday, September 16

🎤 Youth Chorus | Ages 8–11 | 5 PM
🎤 Teen Choir | Ages 12–21 | 5 PM
🎤 Festival Chorus | Ages 18+ | 7 PM

Not sure if it’s for you? Come September 16, hear about the fall project, meet the group and try it out!

Pre-registration is encouraged.
👉 Register at https://www.westben.ca/sing-with-us/

Come sing with us!

Sing with Us! Westben Festival, Teen and Youth Choruses new sessions begin September 16 at The Barn. Cookie Choir begins October 7 at The Schoolhouse If you love to sing, dance, act, play instruments, compose music – let us know! Everyone is welcome! Westben Festival Chorus Starts September 16, 20...

08/11/2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · 2:00 PM · The Schoolhouse

An intimate afternoon with one of Canada’s most celebrated writers.

Westben is delighted to welcome Jane Urquhart to the Schoolhouse for a rare and intimate afternoon of storytelling, reading and conversation.

One of Canada’s best-loved writers, Jane Urquhart was born in Little Longlac, Ontario, and grew up in Northumberland County and Toronto. Her deep connection to landscape, memory, history and place has become a defining thread throughout her remarkable literary career.

The author of seven internationally acclaimed novels, including The Whirlpool, Away, The Underpainter, The Stone Carvers and A Map of Glass, Urquhart’s work has captivated readers around the world and been translated into numerous languages. Her many honours include the Governor General’s Award, the Trillium Award, the Marian Engel Award and the Harbourfront Festival Prize. She has been a finalist for both the Giller Prize and Booker Prize, and in 2005 was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. She has also received ten honorary doctorates from Canadian universities and was recently named a Banff Distinguished Writer.

But for this special afternoon, Jane comes home to Northumberland County, where she now lives, to share her words and stories in a setting that is intimate, personal and distinctly Westben.

Her storytelling is just one part of the day, you will also experience the exquisite sounds of Heidi Elise Bearcroft, Principal Harpist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and pianist Brian Finley, creating an afternoon where literature and music meet in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Guests will also enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of savoury treats, sweet delights and refreshments throughout the afternoon.

Once Upon a Time is Westben’s fall fundraiser, offering a very special opportunity to experience an extraordinary Canadian literary voice while supporting Westben’s work as a charitable, not-for-profit arts organization.

08/10/2026

ONLY 10 TICKETS LEFT!

One intimate afternoon. One beautiful room. Just 40 guests.

Join us for Upon a Time — A Fundraiser on September 19 at the Westben Schoolhouse, featuring acclaimed author Jane Urquhart, TSO Principal Harpist Heidi Elise Bearcroft, and pianist Brian Finley.

Storytelling. Music. Conversation. Delicious treats. And a very special Westben afternoon.

Saturday, September 19 | 2 PM
The Schoolhouse, Campbellford

Come be part of the story. Follow the link: https://www.westben.ca/events/a-fundraising-fete/?eventId=8401ACDNQDNDVRQCTJQRQPHVTKLNTCVJH

08/07/2026

After packing and serving more than 100 Capers Gourmet Picnics this season, our Westben team thought it was finally time to enjoy one ourselves.

A simple afternoon to slow down, share a meal, and spend a little time together before the season carries on.

It was also our chance to wish Hallie and April all the best as their summer contracts come to a close. Thank you both for everything you’ve brought to Westben—we’ll miss you.

08/05/2026

WHAT. A. SUMMER.

We’re still smiling!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who joined us at Westben this summer... whether you danced in the meadow, clapped along in The Barn, packed a picnic, discovered a new favourite artist, or simply soaked up a little music in nature. You helped make this season unforgettable.

But now… we need your help. 👀

If you could wave a magic wand and bring ANY artist to Westben in 2027, who would it be?

Drop your dream performer in the comments below! 👇
(We’re always listening… 😉)

08/02/2026

Some days look grey, but somehow feel brighter than sunshine.

Today was one of those days.

Umbrellas were up, the rain never really let up, and not for one second did it slow down the joy. You showed up anyway. You reminded us that the best days aren’t made by the weather, they’re made by the people.

The band was ¡en fuego! 🔥 The silent auction had everyone buzzing. The 50/50 kept us guessing. The wine raffle was a hit. And to the lucky couple heading home with 2027 Season Passes… we already can’t wait to share next summer with you.

To every single person who came, volunteered, donated, bid, bought a ticket, or spent part of your day with us…

THANK YOU!

You made today feel like we won the lottery.

We’ll be smiling about this one for a long, long time.