Mission
The annual Sackville Festival of Early Music connects acclaimed historically informed performers with local musicians, scholars, learners of all ages, and diverse audience communities in the Tantramar region and beyond.
Through vibrant, accessible performances on period instruments and enriching educational activities centered on Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music, the festival sparks excitement and fosters a deep appreciation for early music and its resonance with the cultural experiences of today.
History
Founded in 2004 by Réjean Poirier to celebrate Acadian, French, and Québécois musicians, the Sackville Festival of Early Music found its permanent home in Sackville in 2007, nestled in the rich red soil and salt marshes of the Tantramar region, supported by the town and Mount Allison University.
Poirier led the festival until his retirement in 2014, when Linda Pearse took over as Artistic Director, alongside Shawn Bostick as General Manager. After a decade of innovative contributions, Linda Pearse transitioned leadership in 2024 to Artistic Director Jimin Shin Dobson, who worked alongside Shawn Bostick to continue the festival’s dynamic legacy. In January 2026 Adam Dillon became the Artistic and Managing Director.
Vision
We envision a community enriched by accessible, world-class historically informed performances showcasing leading Canadian and international artists. Our mandate is to provide outstanding musical experiences to audiences in the Tantramar region and beyond through performance, educational outreach, clinics, and interactive workshops.
We prioritize diverse cultural traditions and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality cultural experiences, supporting the growth of New Brunswick's own artists and fostering a deep appreciation for early music.
People:
Board of Directors
Guiding the Sackville Festival of Early Music is a dedicated Board of Directors: Linda Pearse as Chair of the Board, Bill Costin as Treasurer, Helen Tucker as Secretary, Kathy Hamer, Wendy Burnett, and A.K. Dionne as directors.
Together, they bring a wealth of perspectives and expertise in areas such as entrepreneurship, musicology, law, journalism, and non-profit leadership, ensuring the festival's continued success.
Artistic and Managing Director
Adam Dillon is a performer, administrator, and researcher. He has performed on historical trombones of all shapes and sizes across Canada and the United States with ensembles like L’Harmonie des saisons, Washington Bach Consort, Tenet Vocal Artists, Luminous Voices, Arion Baroque Orchestra, Ensemble Caprice, Ars Lyrica Houston, and Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal.
Adam studied at McGill University, Indiana University, the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, and the University of North Texas. He has presented original research at the International Medieval Renaissance Conference in Uppsala, Sweden, and Munich, Germany.