David Klassen holds a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the University of Manitoba, and a Master of Music in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota.  He comes to the Steinbach Arts Council with nearly 2 decades of experience as a university educator and professional musician.

Throughout his teaching career, David taught at several universities in Manitoba, most notably the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba.  His students have been accepted to undergraduate and graduate music programs in both Canada and the United States including University of Victoria, University of Alberta, University of Manitoba, University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, McGill, Boston Conservatory, and the New York Film Institute.

As a soloist, he has been called “charismatic and enthralling” (Opera Canada), “rich” (Minneapolis Star Tribune & Winnipeg Free Press), and “a vocal powerhouse” (CBC), and has been engaged by companies such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Saskatoon Opera, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra singing Rossini’s Largo al Factotum for a Canada Day audience of thirty thousand.

David’s involvement with the Steinbach Arts Council is extensive, ranging from program development, concert and directing engagements, to volunteer coordination and sitting on the Board of Directors for a term.  He credits the Steinbach Arts Council for igniting his passion for performance, for fostering his success as a professional musician, and for teaching him the value of giving back to the community.

David has been recognized as a “visionary” (The Carillon) in his home city of Steinbach, and has been acknowledged numerous times as one of the region’s greatest contributors to the arts, including recent recognition by the City of Steinbach for his work.  His passion lies in providing opportunities for young people, especially those interested in developing their skills through the arts.  In 2015, David was nominated for CBC’s “Manitoba Future 40” award for his work throughout the province.

While working at the Steinbach Arts Council as the Executive Director, David serves on the Federation of Canadian Music Festival Board of Directors, and continues to direct, teach, and adjudicate whenever time allows.  He also oversees the dedicated piano practice of his two children, Anika and Ezra, and envies their musical skills together with his wife, Tara.