Musical talent winners at the 2026 Mitchell Optimist Music Festival

From left to right, Vasy Shyshkivska, music teacher Barbara Dun-Posser, Demian Shyshkivski and proud mom and sister Nataliia and Alina, who were at the Mitchell Optimist Music Festival to cheer on Vasy and Demian.

By Wendy Lamond

Two St. Marys students made a big impact on adjudicators at the 2026 Mitchell Optimist Music Festival.

For 79 years, the community of Mitchell has been hosting the Mitchell Optimist Music Festival, which focuses on competitive and non-competitive categories including vocal, dance, instrumental, oral speaking or drama and percussion for all ages.

This year, the festival took place from March 30 to April 10 with the theme, “Small World, One Stage.” Hundreds of participants gathered to compete, create friendships and encourage community spirit. The 2026 adjudicator for vocal and instrumental categories was renowned baritone and former resident of Kirkton, James Westman. The adjudicator is an expert performer who evaluates the presentations at festivals and concerts.

Vasy Shyshkivska, who is in Grade 7 at St. Marys DCVI, and Demian Shyshkivski, who is in Grade 5 at Little Falls Public School, took part in the vocals category and came home big winners for sharing their talent at this year’s festival.

Vasy, 13, took first place for Class CV-12 intermediate (grades seven to eight) song from a movie vocal solo. She also took first place for Class CVS-3 Conservatory Grade 3 vocal solo, own choice, as well as first place for Class CV-14 kindergarten to Grade 8 folk song vocal solo, own choice, with any accompaniment.

Along with the three first-place finishes, Vasy was also awarded a certificate for the adjudicator’s choice in contemporary music.

“My favourite part is singing on stage and being inspired by the other participants,” Vasy said of her experience.

Vasy said winning the awards meant a lot to her as they signify how much she has accomplished.

Demian came in first for Class CVS-1 Conservatory Grade 1 vocal solo, own choice, and placed second for junior (grades four, five and six) musical-theatre solo. He also walked away with the West Firefighters award for highest mark for conservatory vocal solo and the Promising Vocalist Award sponsored by Walther’s/Walt’s Pharmacy.

For Demian, winning these awards also signifies that he has reached the next level in his performance abilities.

“My favourite part of the competition is when I move across the stage, and the audience watches me and applauds,” Demian said.

Both students have been training under musician Barbara Dunn-Prosser. Vasy has been singing for a year and Demian for just six months.

“It’s a real pleasure to teach such enthusiastic and committed young singers,” Dunn-Prosser said. “Both Vasy and Demian are progressing well and I look forward to them having more performance opportunities in the future.”

Dunn-Prosser sponsors Demian and Stratford singer-songwriter and musician Loreena McKennitt sponsors Vasy.