Singer McBurney backed by Trust

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Erica McBurney has received another feather in her musical cap.

The up and coming singing sensation has recently been awarded a $1,200 bursary from the Nova Scotia Talent Trust. She was notified last month by a letter that was sent to her parents’ home in Middleton.

"We called and woke her up to ask if we could open the letter," said her mother, Mary McBurney.

These days, Erica is living in Montreal and is set to begin her third year of study at McGill University, where she is working towards a four-year program in Vocal Performance.

This is the second bursary McBurney has received. A few years ago, she was awarded a $750 scholarship. She was also a member of the prestigious National Youth Choir in 2005.

McBurney will be coming back to Middleton for a visit in early August and is scheduled to perform in the ‘Mussel Shell Cafe,’ at Christ Church in Morden on August 5.

"It’s reminiscent of CBC’s Vinyl Cafe," said Erica, via telephone. "Evelyn Keddy will accompany on piano; and John DeCoste and Jim Bennett are also featured."

McBurney said she enjoys performing selections from the romantic period, including pieces by Schubert and Brahms.

She added that while she hasn’t had many opportunities to perform outside of school these past few months, she is having fun at McGill and she enjoys her classes.

"I am working towards going to England and possibly going to Guild Hall, or the Royal Academy in London," she said.

The Nova Scotia Talent Trust provides scholarships to Nova Scotians who demonstrate exceptional potential and commitment to become established in their field.