ESTEVAN — The Estevan and District Music Festival wrapped up its 2025 season with an afternoon of celebration on April 13, showcasing talent from across the community at Trinity Lutheran Church.
The awards and highlights concerts featured standout performances and recognized excellence across a variety of disciplines, including band, spoken word, instrumental, vocal, musical theatre, strings and piano.
Festival president Alisha Mann welcomed attendees and shared gratitude for the community’s ongoing support, noting the festival’s proud legacy.
“Last year we celebrated our 60th anniversary of the festival in this community,” Mann said. “The success of an organization can be measured in years, but more than that, celebrating this milestone achievement was possible because of the years of dedicated supporters.”
The week-long festival saw performers ranging in age from four to 18, along with a few adult talents — including a grandparent.
The highlight of the awards ceremony was the presentation of the Murray GM Multidiscipline Award, given to a student aged 15 to 18 who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and skill across multiple categories. This year’s recipient was Jacob Pyra, who entered 13 classes, and performed 10 solos and three duets in five disciplines — spoken word, voice, brass, strings and piano — and played with the ECS band.
“It is my pleasure to present this award to Jacob Pyra,” said Mann, noting the award’s rigorous points system and high standards.
Pyra, a Grade 12 student, plans to remain in Estevan to begin an apprenticeship with Nelson Motors and Equipment as an agricultural mechanical technician, Mann noted in her speech.
Runner-up honours went to Sarah Pyra, who received the Dwight Thompson Memorial Award sponsored by Hall Funeral Services Inc., for her work across three disciplines with six solo entries.
Another notable award was presented to Lucas Schott, who will represent Estevan for the first time in the spoken word category at the Saskatchewan Music Festival in Regina from May 29-June 1. Schott received $100 for best individual performance (17 and under) and a $100 travel bursary.
Throughout the afternoon, awards were interspersed with live performances.
In closing, Mann thanked the board and volunteers who keep the festival running and encouraged community members to get involved.
“Many hands make light work,” she said. “We have a busy two weeks while the festival is on, but a relatively quiet rest of the year.”
