A detailed draft of last year's schedule is available here. Our 2023 schedule will be similar, and will be available soon. Please note that this schedule covers the main events and classes, and is subject to change as registrations continue and we get a clearer picture of everyone's interests. It doesn't include smaller ad-hoc classes, gatherings and one-on-ones for special topics such as recorder, fiddle, banjo, accordion, which are usually set up on-site directly with your tutor.
Sunday 23 - July 28, 2023
12 noon: Work-Study meeting at Lunenburg Fire Hall
2pm - 4pm: Participant check-in at Lunenburg Fire Hall
5pm: Welcome Dinner @ Lunenburg Fire Hall
8:00pm: Opening Concert @ Lunenburg Academy 10pm: session
Monday-Friday July 24-28, 2023
Morning and afternoon classes taking place at Lunenburg Academy, Lunenburg School of the Arts, Central United Church and other venues TBD. Each evening we come together for activities including: Two Ceilidh & square dances, BBQ night, Talent Night, Historical walks, Two concerts (Sun & Friday), and jam sessions at various locations.
Lodging is not included in the registration price. Due to changing dynamics, we're no longer able to offer participant billeting with local hosts, however there are more accommodation options than ever in the Lunenburg area and we may have some reasonable accommodation options available; we have reserved a 4br waterfront home just outside of town; car recommended. You may also put yourself on the waiting list for a shared 4br house in the town of Lunenburg so contact us to learn more about these options.
Please explore some of these excellent resources to find the lodging that suits your budget and requirements:
• Lunenburg Campground
• Nova Scotia Tourism
• Airbnb Lunenburg Vacation Rentals
• TripAdvisor - Lunenburg
Boxwood is providing three meals during the week: Opening dinner, midweek dinner and a BBQ night both sourced from local organic producers. For other meals during the week, please support the many wonderful restaurants, eateries, and small independent grocers in Lunenburg the surrounding area! Jam sessions will be licensed for BYOB beer & wine only.
We're here to help coordinate transportation from Halifax and the Halifax Robert Stanfield Airport (YHZ). We can either connect you with someone who is already driving down, or coordinate a shuttle at a reasonable price. Let us know how we can help get you here.
Thanks to our generous and thoughtful donors, Boxwood is pleased to continue its scholarship program. The Mike Grinter Memorial Young Artists Scholarship program offers tuition assistance for this year’s festival in Lunenburg, NS. Mike, a great friend and master craftsman dedicated his lifetime’s work to making flutes of the highest calibre from his workshops in Chewton, Ennis & Thailand. In memory of Mike, and in honour of his work, we're continuing our scholarship in his name. The 2023 scholarship is open to all applicants who will be under 30 years of age as of 1 August, 2023. Scholarships are open to players of all instruments as well as singers. In order to accommodate as many people as possible, scholarships may be awarded to cover a portion of the tuition. Those wishing to apply should send a letter describing their musical journey thus far and provide a sample of their playing or singing. Please email your application before 15 June 2023. Accommodation during the weekend is the responsibility of the recipient.
The Work Study option is a great way to reduce the cost of tuition, meet other participants and have fun while helping out. You'll work approximately 12 hours during the course of the week, about 2 hours/day in the late afternoon or evenings so as not to miss class time. Tasks are related to logistics, set-up, prep, and clean-up for events and catering. The $250 tuition deduction works out to roughly a $20/hour reduction in tuition cost, and the satisfaction of being part of the Boxwood Team; a friendly, easy-going bunch that moves fast to get things done, and back to the music. Work Study participants should plan to be present at the Lunenburg & District Fire Hall at 1pm on Sunday July 23 to get organized and oriented. Thanks for lending a hand to make it a great week! - see you then.
For In-Person Full Registrations, including Work-Study options, full payment is due no later than 4 weeks prior to the start of the festival (June 24, 2023). Sea Aires Choir and Boxwood Flute Choir may register up to 2-weeks prior. Cancellations requested 30 days in advance will receive a full refund less a $50 administrative fee.
Our 2023 festival programming is made possible with support from Canadian Heritage, The Robinson Family Trust, Culture Ireland, and thoughtful contributions from individual patrons around the world. Thank You!