First You Dream Tickets

First You Dream is a touring two-act musical by Lance Woolaver that chronicles the extraordinary life of Portia White (1911–1968), the first Black Canadian concert singer to gain international acclaim. Blending European classical repertoire with Negro spirituals, White’s influential career helped broaden the scope of Canadian and international concert stages. The show has graced stages across Halifax, British Columbia, Ontario, and beyond since 2004, and continues to bring White’s legacy to new audiences. We’ve got your tickets to follow this powerful biographical journey wherever you are in the city.

Beyond the stage, Portia White’s legacy is recognized as a Government of Canada National Historic Person (1998), and the Portia White Prize remains a cornerstone of Nova Scotia’s cultural honors, reflecting her enduring impact on arts and community leadership in Canada.

In 2024, the Canadian Opera Company highlighted Black opera’s contributions with a Portia White-inspired project, broadening her presence beyond traditional concert venues. Halifax hosted the Portia White Gala Concert in 2025 at the Maritime Conservatory, signaling continued community engagement and support for emerging artists through the Nova Scotia Talent Trust. When you secure your seats for First You Dream, you’re supporting a legacy that blends heritage, artistry, and education.

Upcoming tour dates are listed as individual events, each with its own venue details. For performers, you can follow official channels for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses:

Secure your seats with us for a performance that honors Portia White’s groundbreaking artistry and the ongoing mentorship of Canadian performers today.