Arts Exchanges

The Exchange Returns to Canmore | October 2026

Luka Coetzee smiling, holding a cello, against a textured blue background.

As part of the Canmore-Sedona Sister Cities Association, pianist Susanne Ruberg-Gordon is thrilled to host this extraordinary concert featuring Rising Stars Alumna Luka Coetzee.

Internationally acclaimed powerhouse cellist Luka Coetzee joins three fantastic young musicians, local Canmore pianists Vasylisa Nikolenko and Rowan Dial, and Arizona-based violinist Jayden Yoneyama, for an unforgettable concert experience.

In the fall of 2025, Rising Stars was invited to Sedona, AZ as part of an arts exchange, subsequently winning a prestigious award from Sister Cities International in Washington. Susanne hosted the concert, which featured Vasylisa Nikolenko along with Alumni violinist Jacques Forestier and two wonderful string players from Arizona.

Now it’s Canmore’s turn to host! Join us in celebrating these young musicians.

-artsPlace Canmore

Rising Stars to Sedona | September 2025

One after one, young classical musicians from Alberta and Arizona took to the stage at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. After each performance, audience members leapt to their feet with a thunderous standing ovation. This was the inaugural Canmore-Sedona Sister Cities Arts Exchange, showcasing extraordinary young classical music talent from both Sister City communities, and providing a performance opportunity on an international stage.

The concert featured sixteen-year-old Canmore-Ukrainian pianist Vasylisa Nikolenko, 20-year old Alberta violinist and budding international star, Jacques Forestier. From Arizona, 14-year old violinist Jayden Yoneyama, and 16 year-old cellist Justin King. Accompanying on piano was Canmore’s own Susanne Ruberg-Gordon, one of Alberta’s highly respected musicians and a mentor to many of Canada’s brightest young talents through the Rising Stars program. Susanne’s passion for nurturing young musicians and creating meaningful cultural connections shaped every aspect of the exchange.

Audience members described the entire concert as “spellbinding” and “unforgettable.” The evening’s warm reception reflected both the power of the musical talent and the growing bond between Canmore and Sedona through cultural exchange.

In July 2026, this exchange was recognized on the international stage, receiving the 2026 Innovation in Arts & Culture Award from Sister Cities International for communities with populations under 25,000. The award was presented during Sister Cities International's 70th Anniversary Gala and Annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., where communities from around the world were recognized for exemplary international partnerships and innovative programs that foster global understanding.

Jayden Yoneyama

Young man playing a violin on stage with a woman sitting at a piano beside him.

Jacques Forestier

Justin Kang

Young girl playing a grand piano on stage during a performance.

Vasylisa Nikolenko

Group of five people on stage after a musical performance, holding bouquets of flowers. The group includes four young performers and an adult woman, likely a teacher or conductor, standing next to a piano.