As pianist, teacher and clinician, Arne Sahlen earns raves: “outrageously enjoyable”; “infectious brilliance!” (Canada); “riveting rhythmic preciseness and energy, phrasing and subtle rubato nuances” (California)  He performs internationally, and has appeared often in character as composer Johannes Brahms. 
 
Mr. Sahlen adjudicates piano and composing regularly; a happy BC parent called him "the Robin Williams of adjudicators". He gives lectures and master classes for music teachers' associations, and is author of The Student’s Corner, plus Triumphant Technique and Compose YOURSELF! now in development.  He contributes regularly to music magazines and composes in classical, ragtime and other styles.  He was Co-Director of Victoria Piano Summer School for 26 years, and served both the BC Registered Music Teachers (Canada Music Co-ordinator) and the Canadian Music Centre (Voting Member) for twelve years each.

Mr. Sahlen studied with Dr. Robin Wood, F.R.A.M. and other renowned Canadian and international pianists. A graduate of the University of Victoria (Distinction, Performance), and Victoria Conservatory of Music (Teacher Training), he attended the Banff School of Fine Arts on scholarship. He won the BC Senior Piano Championship, two Royal Conservatory of Music silver medals plus the Gold Medal, and many other awards.  Based in the BC East Kootenays since 1981, he now teaches at Vernon Community Music School.  A member of the Royal Conservatory College of Examiners since 2005, he helped to prepare the current Piano Syllabus - and the graded repertoire books of both Royal Conservatory and Conservatory Canada.

Committed to humanitarian and arts aid through the BC-based Cambodia Support Group, Mr. Sahlen is a Visiting Professor (since 1992) at Cambodia's Royal University of Fine Arts.  In Canada he also supports youth at risk, and has mounted or joined in eight grand piano fund-raising campaigns.  He received the Governor General's CARING CANADIAN AWARD in 2000, for decades of cultural and humanitarian service.

Vocal and Choral Adjudicator - Megan Skidmore, Powell River, BC

Soprano Megan Skidmore holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Voice Performance from McGill University and diplomas from the Schubert Institut, Weiner Meisterkurze and Mozarteum in Austria. Currently on faculty at the Powell River Academy of Music, Ms. Skidmore is an acclaimed voice teacher and music director for musical theatre productions.  She also has a private studio in Comox.   

An active performer, Ms. Skidmore has received praise for her “vocal fireworks’ in numerous opera and operetta roles including Cunegonde in Candide with Opera McGill and Josephine in HMS Pinafore with the McGill Savoy Society. She also has a busy performance schedule in solo recital, concert repertoire and as oratorio soloist in works such as Saint-Säens Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Messiah, and Haydn’s The Creation.  Her lieder interpretations have been lauded as “intelligent and deeply heartfelt.”

She has been a featured soloist with the BC Chorfest and will be returning in 2012 as soloist and adjudicator for the International Choral Kathaumixw in Powell River BC.