St. Andrew’s Announcements
The Neighbourhood Food Program
Running every Sunday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm by appointment is The Neighbourhood Food Program. Hosted by St. Andrew’s and Nexus through the Waterloo Food Bank. Please book an appointment if you are in need for food items.
Book HERE
Only residents in the Ray of Hope and St. Andrew’s service boundary should be signing up for this program.
If you do not fall within this boundary, please call The Food Bank at 519-743-5576 x340 to find a program near you, or search your postal code using this map: https://www.thefoodbank.ca/find-food/
Please review the available slots below and click the button to sign up. Note: the sign-up link for each week will be available Monday mornings and will remain open until all slots are filled. If all spots have been filled, please access the referral supports for assistance with accessing other services.
If you have mobility requirements we would be happy to assist you, please call the office ahead of time (519) 578-4430
**PLEASE only register for 1 time slot. If you register for more than 1 time slot, both of your registrations will be automatically removed.
Easter Morning Breakfast
Start Easter morning with food and fellowship in the Elizabeth Room at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church beginning at 8:30 a.m.
A joyful morning. A shared meal. A celebration of new life.
All are welcome.
Register here: https://standrewskw.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3515007
Noon Hour Concert: Iormetti & Teican
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Charmaine Iormetti
Charmaine Iormetti recently completed her MMus in Literature and Performance (Voice) degree at Western University. In Western Opera’s production of Albert Herring, she took on the role of Mrs. Herring. Outside of the university, Charmaine served as chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral and was a regularly featured recitalist in St. Paul’s Music at Midday Series. Other performance highlights include participating in the Toronto Mozart Vocal Competition, giving a lecture-recital on Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder at Western’s 25th Graduate Symposium on Music, as well as solos for Stratford Concert Choir and Capilano University’s Choirs in North Vancouver, BC.
While at Western, Charmaine took DMA Vocal Pedagogy as a “Special Topics Course.” Her paper won the Canadian Federation of Teachers’ Association Essay Competition in 2024 and was featured at the university’s “Inspiring Minds” collection that same year. She is currently active as a music instructor and teaches at the Academy of Music and Sound in Motion in London, ON.
About Catalina Teican
Catalina Teican is a highly trained Romanian-born pianist whose career has spanned several countries, offering a special blend of performance and teaching experience. Catalina holds degrees from The National University of Music Bucharest (BA), Bowling Green State University, USA (MA, Artist Diploma), and the University of Iowa (ABD). She is laureate of numerous national and international piano and chamber music competitions, and has performed in workshops and master classes with renowned pianists such as Gerard Frémy, Andre Watts, Garrick Ohlsson, and Daniel Shapiro.
Before moving to London, Ontario, Catalina lived in Cyprus for 14 years, where she maintained an active performing and teaching schedule and was recognized for her achievements as a chamber musician and piano teacher. She held teaching positions at the Nicosia Music School and G. Menelaou School of Music, and for ten years, served as the collaborative pianist for the Cyprus Young String Soloists.
Catalina is currently pursuing a DMA degree in Collaborative Piano at Western University, studying with Dr. Angela Park.
Noon Hour Concert: KW Woodwind Quintet
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About the KW Woodwind Quintet
The KW Woodwind Quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon) has delighted audiences in Waterloo Region for 40 years. Their eclectic music for all ages has been heard in schools, seniors' homes, noon-hour series, and universities.
The Quintet has an extensive library, which over the years has been supplemented with special arrangements by the group's horn player, Trevor Wagler.
The group's programs include classical favourites both old and new, popular tunes, movie music and some surprises.
About Trevor Wagler
In addition to teaching at Laurier, I am a freelance French horn player (both modern and historical instruments), conductor, organist, composer, arranger/orchestrator, music editor/copyist and clinician.
I received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition, a diploma in Performance, and a diploma in Chamber Music from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Masters of Music degree in horn performance from Western University.
I am conductor of the historic Waterloo Concert Band, conductor and Artistic Director of the K-W Youth Concert Band (KW YCB), organist at Zion Lutheran Church in Philipsburg, as well as owner/Director of Premier School of the Arts (“Waterloo Region’s Finest Arts Education Centre”).
While maintaining an active performance schedule, I am also a busy arranger/orchestrator and composer. My work has been performed by symphony orchestras (and smaller ensembles) across Canada and around the world, and has been broadcast nationwide on CBC radio.
About David Vanbiesbrouck
David Vanbiesbrouck is a Guelph based oboist who has performed extensively throughout Ontario over the previous decade. David completed his Bachelor of Music in oboe performance at Wilfrid Laurier University studying with Jim Mason and Graham Mackenzie, and owns and operates Oboerific Reeds (www.oboerific.com), where he handcrafts and sells dozens of oboe and english horn reeds each month. Last year, David performed a noon hour concert here with Beth Ann De Sousa and Judith Souman. Residing in Guelph, David maintains a private teaching studio of oboe students and plays Principal oboe with Guelph Symphony.
About Barbara Hankins
Barbara Hankins has been a member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony since 1980 and performs with the K-W Woodwind Quintet and as a freelance performer.
She enjoys teaching Clarinet, Recorder, Theory, and Chamber Music. She sings with various local choirs, and enjoys gardening, cycling, pilates, hiking, and reading.
Ms. Hankins holds a Bachelor of Music degree (performance, with Distinction) and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary, a Master of Music degree (performance) from the University of Toronto, and an Associateship Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Toronto. She is a member of the Board of Examiners of the RCM.
About Wendy Wagler
Wendy Wagler is an accomplished soloist and orchestral musician. She holds the principal flute chair in the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra and freelances with many ensembles, including the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. She has performed as soloist with the K-W Symphony Youth Orchestra, the K-W Chamber Orchestra and the Renaissance Singers and is a founding member of the Springdale Trio and flutist for the KW Woodwind Quintet.
Wendy holds a Master’s Degree in Performance and Literature from the University of Western Ontario and an Honours Bachelor Degree in Flute Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, having studied with Bonita Boyd, Dr. Amy Hamilton, Thomas Kay, and Prof. Fiona Wilkinson. She has directed flute masterclasses throughout Southwestern Ontario, and maintains a full teaching schedule at Renaissance School of the Arts and Heritage College.
About Oskar Martinez
Oskar Martinez is a graduate of Western University where he studied under Alexandre von Wartburg to get his Master’s degree in bassoon performance with a focus on contrabassoon. Oskar finished his bachelor's degree at Northern Michigan University in 2022, where he also studied bassoon performance.
He is originally from the small town of Ishpeming, Michigan in the USA, and has played with many ensembles from the area, such as the Marquette Symphony Orchestra and Marquette City Band, even performing as a soloist with the same groups. In 2023, his woodwind quintet “Ventis Concorddiae” won the Young-Ja Park chamber music award. Oskar also plays with the Soo Opera Theatre in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan as a bassoonist and contrabassoonist.
During his time in Canada, he is grateful to have played with the London Symphonia, Stratford Symphony, the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, and more, and looks forward to performing with other groups in the future!
Noon Hour Concert: Duo Puissance
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Duo Puissance
Duo Puissance is a collaboration of cellists Cynthia Steele and Michelle Kyle. Cynthia and Michelle met in 2022 in the cello section of the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra and immediately connected well. They share similar childhood and musical experiences and a love of animals. Both have been Principal Cellist of the Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Orchestra; Michelle was a founding member and Cynthia holds the position now. In 2022 to 2024, they played together in a clarinet trio, Tre Gatte, with Cynthia on cello and Michelle on piano, which rehearsed often and performed in concerts, retirement homes, and private events in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. After recently completing Laurier’s Chamber Music Diploma as a cellist, Michelle invited Cynthia to form a two cellos duo, and Cynthia quickly agreed, with enthusiasm!
About Michelle Kyle (cello)
Michelle Kyle began playing cello in Ottawa, studied with Steve Smith, and performed in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway with a high school orchestra led by Harold Kaufmann. At age 16, she was Assistant Principal Cellist of the Saskatoon Symphony, sharing a stand with Malcolm Tait, former Principal Cellist of the Toronto Symphony. At 17, she left home to study cello performance with him at Brandon University for two years, then continued at Wilfrid Laurier University with Gisela Depkat. She earned a Fellowship diploma in Piano Performance from Trinity College of Music under Garth Beckett, then a Master of Music in Piano Performance at McGill University under Tom Plaunt. While she studied law at Osgoode Hall, people who heard her busking in the Toronto subway as a cello soloist asked her to play at their weddings. She became a lifelong wedding musician, played cello in various orchestras and chamber groups, and worked as a collaborative pianist and in diverse fields including law, web development, and education. In October 2022, Michelle bought a fine Canadian cello from the workshop of Jean-Benoît Stensland and Therese Girard in Montreal and joined several orchestras. She completed Laurier’s Chamber Music Diploma as a cello student of Katie Schlaikjer in 2025. Michelle loves chamber music and plays cello and piano with various groups including Duo Puissance, Ladyfingers, and Ambrosia Chamber Ensembles. Her pets include many cats, five hens, and a rooster.
About Cynthia Steele (cello)
Cynthia Steele completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Wilfrid Laurier University under Paul Pulford. During her fourth year, she had the opportunity to travel to Holland to spend a term at the Utrecht Conservatory of Music. In Holland, she studied with Michel Roche, the Principal Cellist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, a lovely teacher who often continued her one-hour lessons into three-hour sessions. Cynthia went on to earn a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance from the University of Victoria in British Columbia. She participated in four consecutive summers of QuartetFest with the Penderecki String Quartet and two summers of Quartet Fest West with the Lafayette String Quartet in Victoria. She also studied Baroque cello in an intensive summer workshop with Christina Mahler and members of Tafelmusik and she enjoys working in Baroque ensembles and playing continuo. Cynthia has a passion for chamber music and has been Principal Cellist of the Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Orchestra for over a decade. She performs and records frequently, often covering a wide range of styles from classical to contemporary and pop/rock. Cynthia has taught for over 25 years and has run her studio in Kitchener for many years, teaching students of all ages and levels. She offers monthly cello ensemble rehearsals and group lessons in addition to one-on-one lessons. Her pets include chickens, quail, a bearded dragon, a dog, a cat, and a retired Woodbine racehorse.
Afternoon Tea in the Chapel
Registration is now open!
Join us for Afternoon Tea in the Chapel on Saturday, May 2, 2026. You can select which seating time works best for you! 1st seating is at 12:00 PM, the second will be at 2:30 PM. Tables of 2, 4, or 6 are available with tickets being $35/person. Tickets can be purchased through the link below or in person at the church office by cash, cheque or debit.
Reserve your table today: https://standrewskw.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3138749
Noon Hour Concert: Baxter & Xie
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Ryan Baxter (organ)
Ryan Baxter is a candidate in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music, studying solo piano performance. He also takes courses in Indigenous studies through the university’s Memegwaanh Indigenous Learning Honour program. Ryan has previously graduated from Brock University, Humber Polytechnic, the University of Manitoba, and Athabasca University, with additional diplomas in piano and organ performance, and piano pedagogy. Beyond academic life, Ryan is Music Director and Organist at Rowntree Memorial United Church in London. Previously, he held the same positions at Trillium United Church in St. Catharines. He has worked as a teaching assistant, collaborative pianist, piano and theory instructor, festival adjudicator, in-classroom mathematics tutor, course facilitator, English teacher in Thailand, and in various other education-related positions. When Ryan is not practicing, writing, or working, he can be found walking outside, cooking, baking, reading, and applying to more programs.
About Jingquan Xie (piano)
Jingquan Xie has been characterized by the Toronto Concert Review as a pianist who “… has found her own voice and is making music that goes beyond the technical and musical demands of the music." She has performed as soloist with the Symphonic Orchestra of Keimyung University in Daegu, the Symphonic Orchestra of the Shanghai Conservatory, and Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, and played solo recitals at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre of the Canadian Opera Company, The Royal Occasion in Koerner Hall, University of Toronto’s Piano Laureates Concert, recital series in Hamamatsu, and at the Bianco Arts Concert Series as winner of the 11th Texas State International Piano Festival's Betty Dickinson Award. She is a top prize winner at The Asian Pacific International Chopin Piano Competition, the Concerto Competition and Chamber Music Competition of the Shanghai Conservatory, the VI Krystian Tkaczewski Competition, the Pacific Rim International Piano Competition, the Chicago International Music Competition, and The 3rd Paul Badura-Skoda International Piano Competition.
Noon Hour Concert: Leis & Ronai
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Brandon Leis
I perform regularly in southwestern Ontario and Michigan as an opera, oratorio and concert soloist, as well as a recitalist. Most recently, I have been a featured soloist with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Renaissance Singers, the Spiritus Ensemble, the Georgetown Choral Society, the Mennonite Mass Choir, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, the International Symphony Orchestra, the Stratford Summer Music Festival, the Scaramella ensemble, the Canadian Chamber Ensemble, the Bach-Elgar Choir and the Guelph Chamber Choir.
I have served as a church musician, choral scholar and church music director for over 15 years, and I have served as an adjudicator and workshop facilitator for amateur musicians.
As an educator/lecturer, I have taught at Eastwood Collegiate Institute, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Heritage College and Seminary (Cambridge) and the Kanata Centre for Worship and Global Song at Martin Luther Univeristy College. As a choral conductor, I have served the Menno Youth singers, the Rockway Mennonite Collegiate Senior choir and the Rockway Concert Combo.
About Anna Ronai
I have collaborated with distinguished singers Michelle Breedt, Bernarda Fink and Robert Holl, and instrumentalists Ulrike Anton and Brooks de Wetter-Smith.
I have performed in venues across Europe, North America and China, including the Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall in New York, Gläserner Saal, Musikverein and Schubert Saal, Konzerthaus in Vienna.
Throughout the world, I have maintained vocal and instrumental coaching and accompanying positions at the Vienna and Innsbruck Conservatories, and the Institute for European Studies, also in Vienna, and have played for masterclasses with esteemed artists including Brigitte Fassbaender, Christa Ludwig, Thomas Hampson and Linda Watson.
I am a graduate of the Music University of the Arts Vienna, and hold two masters degrees, one in Piano Performance and the other in Collaborative Piano.
Noon Hour Concert: Vladimir Djurovic
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Dr. Vladimir Djurovic (piano)
Dr. Vladimir Djurovic is a pianist based in Kitchener-Waterloo. He is currently a piano instructor at the Laurier Academy of Music and Arts.
Vladimir received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2023 from Western University, where he studied under Dr. Leslie Kinton. Vladimir’s doctoral research is concerned with the interpretation and performance practice of Nikolai Kapustin’s piano music. His culminating analytical research paper was entitled ‘Musical Form and Performance Practice in the Piano Music of Nikolai Kapustin: An Analysis of Suite for Piano, Op. 92’.
A pianist keen on championing seldom-performed repertoire, Vladimir’s recitals often juxtapose the great composers of the past with new names worthy of the limelight. Audiences can always expect to hear something fresh and unique.
A sought-after accompanist in the KW region, Vladimir frequently accompanies soloists at the KW Kiwanis Music Festival and NATS voice competitions as well as accompanying for local RCM examinations.
Vladimir is also part of a Flute-Piano duo with flutist Bruce Gremo.
Noon Hour Concert: Chomyn-Davison & Wyndham
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Darielle Chomyn-Davison (mezzo-soprano)
Darielle is thrilled to return with Jack for another Noon Hour Concert! You might have recently seen her in Christmas Cantata: Signs of Promise as Mary, and Grand River Opera’s Idomeneo as one of the Crete Women/ Idamante cover. Darielle also partakes in works by local composer, Justin Lapierre, such as The Gatherers, Stabat Mater and Masse de St. Anne. Every summer, she makes the drive up to Chapleau, Ontario, for the annual FriYAY Concert Series alongside Laurier alumni (and dear pals) Keiko Laroque and Cecila NguyenTran. Previous roles include "En Travesti: Who Wears the Pants?" as Nerone and Octavian (Grand River Opera), Chorus in Verdi’s La Traviata (Brott Opera), Miles in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw (GRO), and Aunt Cecilia in Adamo’s Little Women (WLU Opera). Darielle is currently studying with Dr. Elizabeth Lepock, who without her guidance, would not be the singer or teacher she is today.
When she's not on stage, crafting, cuddling with her two cats, or playing disc golf, Darielle shares her passion by teaching voice and piano in Oakville.
About Jack Wyndham (piano)
Jack Wyndham is an Ontario based pianist with training in both the jazz and classical mediums. Jack’s breadth of style has allowed him to fill many roles in the music community from wearing the hat of Musical Director in several local musical productions to playing with country and rock bands on meant stages. While Jack is happy whenever he gets to play or teach others to play the piano, his favourite thing is recording track-by-track albums that first go up on his self titled YouTube channel, then streaming services! Jack is currently composing the music for a new independently developed video game called HABROMANIA and is working locally as a musician and teacher while recording a few albums in the wonderful space I at Zion United Church in new Hamburg.
Noon Hour Concert: Shoreline Chorus
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Shoreline Chorus
Shoreline Chorus is a fifty-member mixed community choir based in Owen Sound celebrating its 27th season this year. Shoreline was founded by Ann-Marie MacDairmid of Thornbury.
Shoreline’s first show was presented November 21, 1999 with a program titled Showtunes.
Shoreline’s spring and fall programs have featured a wide variety of themes; broadway, movie, dance, jazz and blues, spiritual, gospel, folk, African, Remembrance and Canadian.
Summer programs were introduced in 2010 and include classical music from the baroque to contemporary.
In 2014 Shoreline started Christmas programs featuring sacred and secular music, vocal solos, instrumentalists and carol singing.
World travel has become a feature - Shoreline has toured in many cities and performed in solo and combined choir concerts. Destinations have been Cuba (2012), Netherlands (2014), Ireland (2016), Czechia and Germany (2018), Spain (2024) and the current trip to France in April 2026.
As a tour fundraiser, Shoreline prepares a themed variety show and silent auction on the last Saturday of September. Past themes include “Piano Bar Lounge”, “New York, New York”, “Viva Las Vegas” and “An Evening in Paris”.
The chorus is available for special events: singing the American and Canadian national anthems at Owen Sound Attack hockey games, the opening of the new schoolhouse at Grey Roots Museum in Owen Sound, the dedication and unveiling of two new monuments at the Thornbury Cenotaph: one dedicated to members of the Canadian Forces and the other to first responders and guests of the Georgian Bay Symphony in December 2025 for a sold out performance of 'Home for the Holidays'. Shoreline often performs at fundraisers, most often for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
The choir motto is: "Leave your worries at home and come to sing!"
About Ann-Marie MacDairmid (Director)
Ann-Marie, a native of Thornbury, Ontario, is the founder, director and accompanist of Shoreline Chorus in Owen Sound. She graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Music degree in organ performance from The University of Western Ontario.
In April 2022, Ann-Marie took the position as Director of Music at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener. In addition to the usual church music director role, the position at St Andrew’s includes serving as the Artistic Director for the Noon Hour Concert Series. The schedule includes weekly performances by various musicians in the fall and spring. As a performer in the series, Ann-Marie plans her recital programs to reflect eclectic musical tastes, the most noted being her “Hallowe’en Special”.
Since 1999, Ann-Marie has been the accompanist for the Grand River Chorus in Brantford. Programs have included; Messiah, Elijah, Israel in Egypt, Missa Gaia and requiem masses by Brahms, Duruflé and Fauré. In 2010, the choir toured to Germany, Czech Republic and Austria. In Kitchener, Ann-Marie directs the Queen Street Singers.
Ann-Marie is an accomplished pianist, percussionist and choral conductor. She teaches music lessons locally and freelances as a piano accompanist and organist throughout Southwestern Ontario.
In June 2025 Ann-Marie received a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, which recognizes people for their “exceptional contributions to their communities and the province of Ontario.” Ann-Marie’s leadership of Shoreline Chorus, which she developed and continues to manage entirely as a volunteer, has created opportunity for engagement through concerts supporting many volunteer community activities including local food banks, therapeutic riding programs and church outreach initiatives.
Noon Hour Concert: Ian Sadler
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Ian Sadler (organ)
Ian maintains an active career as a Concert Organist and Choral Conductor. Highlights in recent seasons have included conducting his Cathedral Singers for a week of services at Westminster Abbey, guest organist for the Memorial Service for of Mr. Galen Weston in Toronto, and recital tours in Jamaica and Helsinki, Finland.
In August 2025 Ian was organist-in residence for a week at Salisbury Cathedral, UK. Ian was a chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England. He was awarded the organ scholarship at Bristol University and later, the organ scholarship for three years back at St. Paul’s Cathedral. His final engagement in the UK before moving to Canada was to play the organ in the movie Chariots of Fire.
In 1980, Ian moved to Canada following appointments in Toronto as director of music at Grace Church on-the-Hill and choral director at Upper Canada College. He has since held positions as organist of St. James Cathedral, Toronto, and most recently as director of music at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Ontario.
In 1986, he won first prize at the Syracuse International Organ Competition in the United States. Recitals have since taken him to Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, Austria, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom.
In 2001, Ian was awarded a Juno for a choral album by his Burlington Chamber Choir, Pro Musica. In 2007, he was awarded the Fellowship Diploma from The Royal Canadian College of Organists for his promotion of Canadian organ music.
2026 began with a series of concerts in Barbados. In July, Ian will be organist-in-residence at Durham Cathedral and following Christmas his Cathedral Singers has been invited to act as choir-in-residence for a week at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, UK.
Noon Hour Concert: Luke Welch
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 2026 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Luke Welch (piano)
Award-winning Canadian pianist Luke Welch was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and grew up nearby in Mississauga. He played his first public performance at age seven, and his early private piano teachers include Catherine Kuzeljevich and John-Paul Bracey. He later graduated from Western University in Canada with Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and completed additional graduate studies at Codarts Rotterdam University for the Arts in the Netherlands.
Welch has performed extensively on the international stage including appearances in Canada, United States of America, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and New Zealand and highlight performances include recitals at Beethoven Haus in Bonn, Germany, St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland and St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, UK.
Welch made his debut as soloist with Durham Chamber Orchestra, and has since collaborated with a number of orchestras including the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Mumbles Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Concert Orchestra, Winchmore String Orchestra, Greenway Strings, York Chamber Ensemble, and Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Welch is internationally recognized as a leading figure in the promotion and recording of repertoire Black and BIPOC composers, including Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, R. Nathaniel Dett, Florence B. Price, and other preeminent musical figures and in addition to his performance commitments, he has also been highly sought after as an interdisciplinary collaborative pianist - including with Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Dans Ateliers, Holland Dance Festival, Codarts Rotterdam Conservatory, Royal Conservatory of the Hague, Dutch National Ballet, and the National Ballet of Canada.
Welch's recordings have received international critical acclaim, and his performances have been broadcast extensively across Canada and internationally. In addition to his written contributions to the Globe and Mail, Wholenote Magazine, and La Scena Musicale Magazine he is also active as a podcaster. He is a Harry Jerome Arts Award recipient and has received numerous grants through the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and FACTOR.
Welch was appointed to the Faculty of Piano at York University in 2024 and also currently serves on the Faculty of Piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music Oscar Peterson Program.
Coldest Night of the Year 2026
Join us on February 28, 2026!
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
Each year in February, tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support our CNOY charity partners. Learn more about our history.
St. Andrew’s and St. Peter’s will walk together again to support the Ray of Hope’s programs in downtown Kitchener.
Get out those toques!
To join the team or to donate, go to the church office or www.cnoy.org, and search for St. Andrew’s Kitchener. The full team name is St. Andrew's Kitchener and St. Peter’s Lutheran Team.
The more the merrier!
Pancake Lunch
Join us for a Pancake Lunch to kickoff the Season of Lent! We have everything ready for a delicious pancake dinner!
Pancake Mix ✅
Butter ✅
Syrup ✅
Bacon & Sausage ✅
Christmas Eve
The service will commence at 7:30 p.m. and will continue until 8:30 p.m. It is suggested that all those planning to attend be in their places by 7:00 p.m. for the Festival Recital which will set the atmosphere on this Holy Night.
Family Christmas Eve
The Family service will start at 4:00 p.m. Glowstick candles will be availale and their will be interactive stories and hymns for all-ages! This years character theme is Joseph. Families will receive their crèche figure of Joseph at the end of the service.
Noon Hour Concert: Fiddlesticks Cambridge Girls' Choir
You’re invited to come and see the final performance in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Fiddlesticks Cambridge Girls' Choir
The Cambridge Girls' Choir was formed in 1981 by H. N. Shartun, and he ran it until 2005. Mr. Peter West directed the choir from 2005 until 2018, and it has been directed since then by Ms. Jessica Strub. We are accompanied by Mr. Rob Krete. The choir is Waterloo Region's only all-girl choir, and all are very excited to be celebrating our 40th season of music-making this year. Two years of no rehearsal or togetherness have no stopped us from coming back, bigger and stronger, as we prepare for our 40th anniversary celebration in June! The choir is so pleased to be back at St. Andrew's, and always enjoyed a close relationship with Doug Haas, so we are honoured to be part of this legacy series.
Spaghetti Dinner
Stay after Signs of Promise for our Spaghetti Dinner — featuring spaghetti with meat or veggie sauce, fresh buns, garden salad, Christmas punch, and a holiday cookie table!
Free to attend — all are welcome
Christmas Cantata: Signs of Promise
Join the Sanctuary Choir of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for an afternoon of beautiful Christmas music celebrating hope, light, and the sign of promise.
Sunday, December 14 at 4:00 PM at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen St. N, Kitchener
Free Admission · Freewill Offering to support the legacy of music at St. Andrew’s.
🍝 Stay afterward for a spaghetti dinner hosted by Family Ministries! Register here: https://standrewskw.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3272969
Noon Hour Concert: Premier School of the Arts Flute Choir
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Premier School of the Arts Flute Choir
Wendy Wagler has been the flute instructor at Premier School of the Arts for 27 years and director of the PSA Flute Choir since it began in 2004. The choir is made up of students of all ages who have been playing anywhere from under two years to over 45!
Noon Hour Concert: Lacoste & MacDairmid
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Lacoste & MacDairmid
Debra Lacoste is a freelance trumpet soloist, member of the Full House Brass quintet, a private music instructor, and Director of the community service choir Fireside Voices. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Master of Arts and PhD in musicology from Western University, and an ARCT in Trumpet Performance. She has taught music history and trumpet studio at local universities and manages the Cantus Database. This online research tool for Gregorian chant, now based at Dalhousie University in Halifax, is part of a university network of Digital Humanities research projects supported by the Canadian government’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. She is also the Director and General Editor of The Institute of Mediaeval Music, a publishing company for academic books.
Ann-Marie MacDairmid graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Music degree in organ performance from The University of Western Ontario.
In April 2022, Ann-Marie took the position as Director of Music at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener. In addition to the usual church music director role, the position at St Andrew’s includes serving as the Artistic Director for the Noon Hour Concert Series. The schedule includes weekly performances by various musicians in the fall and spring. As a performer in the series, Ann-Marie plans her recital programs to reflect eclectic musical tastes, the most noted being her “Hallowe’en Special”. She enjoys choosing a ‘theme’ and then incorporating the music ranging from dazzling pedal solos to ragtime to gospel preludes.
Ann-Marie is the accompanist for the Grand River Chorus (GRC) in Brantford. GRC performs four concerts each season, and during the past 26 years, programs have included; Messiah, Elijah, Israel in Egypt, Missa Gaia, and requiem masses by Brahms, Durufle and Faure. In 2010, the choir toured to Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.
In Kitchener, Ann-Marie directs the Queen Street Singers. QSS sings at local church services, entertains at fundraisers and on several occasions have performed at the Christkindl Market in Kitchener.
Ann-Marie is an accomplished pianist, percussionist and choral conductor. She prepares programs in a wide variety of musical genres including Baroque, Classical, Spiritual, Gospel, Big Band, Jazz and Blues, Folk, African, Broadway, Movie and Canadian music. She teaches music lessons locally and freelances as a piano accompanist and organist throughout Southwestern Ontario.
Ann-Marie is the founder, director and accompanist of Shoreline Chorus in Owen Sound. Shoreline is currently in its 26th season. Programs are offered throughout the year including fall, Christmas, spring and summer. All the programs have a theme. Choristers are in the local community and surrounding areas. Shoreline have traveled on choir trips including Cuba, Ireland, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain and in the spring of 2026, France.
In June 2025 Ann-Marie received a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, which recognizes people for their “exceptional contributions to their communities and the province of Ontario". Ann-Marie's leadership of Shoreline Chorus, which she developed and continues to manage entirely as a volunteer, has created opportunity for engagement through concerts supporting many volunteer community activities including local food banks, therapeutic riding programs, and church outreach initiatives.
In December 2010 Ann-Marie received a Paul Harris Fellow award from the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club for service in Rotary and in the community.
Police Band Holiday Concert
Join us for a holiday concert featuring the Ceremonial Band of the Waterloo Regional Police Service
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
This is a non-ticketed event, but we will take up a free-will offering for the Foodgrains Bank.
About the Ceremonial Band of the Waterloo Regional Police Service
The Waterloo Regional Police Service Ceremonial Band was formed in 1977. The Ceremonial Band is currently the only wind ensemble (brass and reed) band in Canada associated with a Police Service.
The Ceremonial Band has a long and proud tradition of engaging local, regional, national and sometimes international audiences through world-class musical performances. The Band performs at various events including community concerts, fundraising endeavours, holiday parades, and provides musical support at police events and ceremonies honouring Canada’s veterans.
The Ceremonial Band is composed of many musicians and features a Colour Party and Drum Line. The majority of Band members are community volunteers
Christmas Market
Shop local & handmade favourites including:
Christmas Decor
Greenery including planters and door hangers
Sewing favourites like aprons, scarves, handbags, and bibs
Knitted hats, mittens, afghans, and sweaters
Holiday cookies, squares, tarts, and pies
St Andrew’s Famous Beet pickles, homemade jams, and jellies
Jewelry - necklaces, earrings, pins, rings, chains
Arts and Crafts
One-of-a-kind Treasures including glassware, crystal, vintage items, cups and saucers, and unique gift items.
Visit our Christmas Market page for more details and to donate or volunteer
Noon Hour Concert: Waterloo County Carollers
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Waterloo County Carollers
Founded in 1986, Waterloo County Carollers is made up of professional/semi-professional singers who get together every November to celebrate the beautiful music written for Christmas that we’ve all come to enjoy. Dressed in costumes that evoke the Victoria era, this collective makes itself available to provide one-on-a-part, unaccompanied choral music in many settings from shopping malls to private and corporate gatherings throughout the holiday season.
Noon Hour Concert: New Tricks
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About New Tricks
The women in New Tricks, Kathy Hanneson (baritone), Laura Pudwell (bass), Susan St. John (tenor) and Carol Ann Treitz (lead) bring a combined 100+ years of performance experience to the stage. Blending their varied expertise in barbershop, theatre, opera and classical performance practice, they’ve joined together to celebrate the joy of vocal harmonies and their shared love of singing one-on-a-part music, chocolate and tea.
Susan St. John (tenor) has been singing barbershop for almost 30 years and has performed with choruses and quartets at the local, national and international level. Her love of performing includes music theatre (KW Musical Productions, The Community Players of New Hamburg) and film work. Susan has launched three children, is blessed with 3 grandbabies, lives in Kitchener with her “radio guy” husband, Pat, and is currently completing her Doctor of Ministry.
Kathy Hanneson (baritone) was introduced to the barbershop style after graduating from the University of Guelph and was immediately hooked. Her love of the genre has included being a chorister, arranger, director and valued member of various choruses and quartets that have competed locally and internationally. A terror with a glue gun and sparkles, Kathy shares her life in Guelph with Ian and their attack cat, Jinx, and spends her spare time hanging out with a couple of adorable Icelandic horses.
Laura Pudwell (bass) comes from a musical family and started singing professionally while attending Trinity College at UofT. Her musical journey includes performing at Versailles, a career-long association with the Toronto Consort, numerous appearances with Opera Atelier, and a Grammy nomination. In addition to her flourishing voice studio, she continues to perform with various international organizations specializing in one-on-a-part Baroque and Renaissance music. While cheering on her two grown children, Laura lives in Kitchener with husband, Bryan, and the cutest dog ever, Frodo.
Carol Ann Treitz (lead) holds a music performance degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and spent most of her working life creating and performing cabaret-style shows that toured across Canada, singing as a member of The Elora Festival Singers, and teaching in her private studio. Carol lives in Waterloo and in her retirement has taken up excessive travelling, playing the ukulele and line dancing – not always at the same time.
Noon Hour Concert: Venturi Winds
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Venturi Winds
The Venturi Winds has existed for almost 50 years. Originally formed by talented musicians who were occasional members of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, the group has continued to evolve. While no longer having association with the symphony, the members play in many of the other music organizations in the area, including the Wellington Winds, Waterloo Chamber Players, and the Kitchener Waterloo Community Orchestra. Over the years the quintet has performed many concerts around Central Ontario, performing public concerts and private functions. With several members arranging music the repertoire has expanded over the years, covering more the four hundred years of music.
Greg Stroh holds an Honours BMus from Wilfrid Laurier University. He continues to play the flute in various settings ranging from solo performances to larger ensembles such as wind bands, woodwind quintet and chamber groups. He is an enthusiastic teacher who enjoys working with students with various goals. He also continues to develop his skill through taking occasional consultation lessons and attending masterclasses. He has had several students who have passed auditions for university and is proud that one of his former students is now a bandmaster in the British army. In addition, he has successfully prepared my students for RCM examinations at various levels. As a teacher, he has found that each student comes as an individual with different strengths. This means that he is constantly adapting to fit the student’s learning style. He believes that each student presents a different challenge and that he can continue to improve as a teacher by trying to serve the needs of his students.
Katrina Keeler actively performs in orchestral, chamber, and solo music. She has been awarded numerous times in different regions for Oboe Solo Performance as well as in New York for Outstanding Instrumental Solo. Katrina teaches oboe privately from her home in Kitchener, and runs Blackwood Double Reed Supplies Inc., one of the the only double reed supply shops in Canada. Performing is her life, and she plays for groups in many different regions including Kitchener-Waterloo, Exeter, Stratford, Guelph, the GTA, Durham Region, London and other locations across Southern Ontario. Currently, Katrina is the Principal Oboist for Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra, Waterloo Chamber Players, Arcady, reedStix, Venturi Winds Quintet, Oboe/English horn for Stratford Symphony Orchestra, substitutes for many orchestras, and freelances. You will also see Katrina in recital or soloing with orchestras.
Anita Brooks Kirkland studied clarinet performance and music education at Mount Allison University, Michigan State University, and the University of Toronto, and also holds a Masters in Library and Information Science from San José State University. She has balanced her busy career as a music teacher, teacher-librarian, education consultant, teacher educator, and professional library association leader with a lifetime commitment to music-making. Anita is a longtime member of the Wellington Wind Symphony, and is principal clarinet of Waterloo Chamber Players, as well as a member of Spindrift Wind Quartet. She enjoys frequent opportunities to play with other local groups, including the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra and the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. Playing chamber music gives Anita particular joy, and she looks forward to new opportunities with Spindrift, Venturi Winds, and the Ambrosia Chamber Ensembles.
Ginny Scarfino is a native of Kitchener-Waterloo and began playing clarinet in high school. While working toward a Computer Science degree at University of Waterloo, she began private lessons with former K-W Symphony principal Victor Sawa and studied with him for 18 years. A fellow musician in a chamber music quartet she played in had an extra bassoon, so she borrowed it to give it a whirl. She loved it! After Victor Sawa left K-W, she started bassoon lessons with former K-W Symphony principal, Cedric Coleman. It’s been well over 20 years, and bassoon lessons are still happening! After a 33-year career in IT with Mutual Life/Sun Life/IBM, she retired in 2013, decided to add in piano lessons as well, and studied with long-time Laurier Academy of Music and Arts (LAMA) teacher Terry Kroetsch for 10 years until his passing. Still at LAMA, she now studies piano with Rebekah Jordan-Miller. Ginny is very active in the music community. She plays Principal Bassoon in the Wellington Wind Symphony and the Waterloo Chamber Players, bassoon in the Spindrift Wind Quartet and Venturi Winds Wind Quintet, and Principal Clarinet in the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra. She performs annually on both clarinet and bassoon in the Noon Hour Concert series put on by St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Kitchener. For hobbies, she loves to knit, especially socks, and loves to put together jigsaw puzzles, the bigger the better!
Judith Douglas grew up in Puslinch attending Centennial CVI in Guelph. Having been a vocalist and pianist, she first studied flute but discovered the horn and made the change shen she was 15. Studying at a music camp she connected with a student of Gene Rittich of the TSO and began horn lessons soon after switching to U of T and studying directly with Gene. At the same time she was principal with the KW Youth Orchestra and third horn in the KWSO under Raffi Armenian. Choosing not to follow the professional route she completed an Hon BA in Economics and Finance all the while playing and teaching privately, most recently at U of G. In order to keep playing she helped found the Venturi Wind Quintet and then the Wellington Winds. She was principal in the KWCO, still assisting them when needed, and the Windjammers, a position she still holds. More recently she became the co-ordinator of the Gallery Concert Series in Elora, a member of Spindrift, a wind quartet founded as an online group during Covid, and principal of the Waterloo Chamber Players. She still lives in Puslinch having built a home next door to her childhood farm home (now owned by her daughter). If not doing musical activities, she can be found on the golf course or in the gym.
Noon Hour Concert: Norman Reintamm
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Norman Reintamm
Norman Reintamm is an Estonian-Canadian conductor, pianist, organist, and music educator. He currently is serving as the Conductor and Artistic Director for the Georgian Bay Concert Choir. As Conductor Emeritus of the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) in Toronto, Reintamm played a pivotal role in shaping the orchestra’s artistic vision and fostering musical excellence within the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Reintamm’s expertise spans orchestral conducting, choral direction, vocal coaching, piano and organ performance. He was also the pianist of TrioEstonia, bringing a unique perspective to chamber music and further expanding his artistic reach. He has a repertoire of over 30 standard ballets and operas, as well as extensive orchestral works.
Beyond the concert hall, Norman has contributed as an Artistic Advisor to the Barbados Classical Music Festival and has shared his passion for teaching as a flight instructor at the Brantford Flight Centre. His dedication to mentoring emerging talent and advocating for innovative programming continues to inspire both musicians and audiences.
Norman holds a B.A. in Music from McMaster University, Postgraduate Diploma in Orchestral Conducting (minor in organ studies) from the Royal College of Music (London, England), Licentiate in Organ Performance from Trinity College of Music (London, England), and the Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom from Ludwig-Maximillian-University/Goethe Institut (Munich). He studied with luminaires such as Sir David Willcocks, Sir Norman del Mar, and Sir Richard Popplewell.
Noon Hour Concert: Hallowe'en Special
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About the Hallowe'en Special
Bruce Skelton was born in Owen Sound and studied violin in London Ont. before attending the University of Michigan where he received his Bachelor of Music in Performance. He is an accomplished soloist, orchestral and chamber musician who has appeared with numerous ensembles throughout Ontario and beyond. He is an active teacher, both privately and with the Kitchener-Waterloo Community String School Kitchener- and is a founding member of the Leith String Quartet.
Ann-Marie MacDairmid is a native of Thornbury. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Music and from the University of Western Ontario with a Master of Music in organ performance. Ann-Marie is the Director of Music at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener. She is the founder, director and accompanist for Shoreline Chorus in Owen Sound, the accompanist for the Grand River Chorus in Brantford and directs the Queen Street Singers in Kitchener.
Originally from Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Amanda Jeffreys is going into her 4th year of studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she is working towards a Bachelor of Music Degree, with the intention to pursue vocal performance. Amanda has earned her Bachelor of Arts (Music) while attending Algoma University, and while living in Sault Ste Marie, was a member of various Choral Ensembles and Musical Theatre Productions. She has performed with Grand River Chorus, Brott Opera, Opera Laurier, and Shoreline Chorus over the past 3 years, and looks forward to once again performing with Shoreline Chorus. Aside from performing, Amanda is a voice teacher at Merriam Music in Oakville Ontario, where she has been developing her skills and love for teaching and mentoring others. In her free time, Amanda loves to play with her cat Millie, and discovering hiking trails across Southern Ontario.
Morgan Ballantyne's journey in singing is deeply rooted in choral performance, he has sung in various choirs over the years including The Bel Canto Chorus in Sudbury, The 2017 Ontario Youth Choir, and the Guelph Chamber Choir. As a solo performer Morgan has completed an advanced diploma in Musical Performance from Cambrian College, and a Bachelor of Music as a vocalist is at Wilfrid Laurier. Morgan has also completed the Opera Diploma program at Laurier University.
Morgan is currently a Choral Scholar at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and enjoys teaching voice and piano lessons both at The Kitchener Academy of Music, and at Triples Arts Music academy in Cambridge.
Darielle Chomyn-Davison is delighted to be back for another Noon Hour Concert at St. Andrew's! Over the summer, she performed in the FriYAY Concerts Series in Chapleau and took on the roles of Nerone and Octavian in "En Travesti: Who Wears the Pants?" with GRO in Waterloo. Other recent performances include Chorus in Verdi’s La Traviata (Brott Opera), Miles in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw (Grand River Opera), and Aunt Cecilia in Adamo’s Little Women (WLU Opera). Darielle is currently studying vocal pedagogy and technique under the tutelage of Dr. Elizabeth Lepock. When she's not cuddling with her two cats, or out playing disc golf, Darielle shares her passion for pedagogy by teaching voice and piano in Kitchener and Oakville.
Stuart Bergstra is a choral and ensemble singer who has been a member of more choirs, ensembles, quartets and duos than he can remember. Currently he is with Shoreline Chorus in Owen Sound, Grand River Chorus in Brantford, Queen Street Singers in Kitchener, and the sanctuary choir at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Stuart has joined in the fun at the Hallowe'en Special for many years, his first appearance was as Phantom of the Opera.
Candy Jam
JOIN US for CANDY JAM on October 26th from 5:30-7:30 pm
Invite your family, friends, neighbours, and EVERYONE YOU KNOW to join us for activities, treats, and celebrations! Free for everyone. 15 family-friendly decorated stops, lots of treats and candy, and tons of fun games for everyone! Don’t forget to dress in your favourite costumes!
***Donations of treats (chocolates, lollipops, gummy bears, assorted candies) for this event are much appreciated. Volunteers are also needed to assist in all the fun and games!***
Noon Hour Concert: Phoenix Trio
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About the Phoenix Trio
Wendy Wagler is an accomplished soloist and orchestral musician. She holds the principal flute chair in the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra and freelances with many ensembles, including the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. She has performed as soloist with the K-W Symphony Youth Orchestra, the K-W Chamber Orchestra and the Renaissance Singers and is a founding member of the Springdale Trio and flutist for the KW Woodwind Quintet. Wendy holds a Master’s Degree in Performance and Literature from the University of Western Ontario and an Honours Bachelor Degree in Flute Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, having studied with Bonita Boyd, Dr. Amy Hamilton, Thomas Kay, and Prof. Fiona Wilkinson. She has directed flute masterclasses throughout Southwestern Ontario, and maintains a full teaching schedule at Renaissance School of the Arts and Heritage College.
Cathy Anderson is the Associate Principal Cellist of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, of which she has been a member since 2007. She also plays occasionally with Drayton Entertainment and as a sub for the Stratford Festival. She has been heard as a soloist and chamber musician on CBC Radio and National Public Radio in the United States, and holds music degrees from Wilfrid Laurier and Yale Universities. Cathy performs regularly in the Kitchener-Waterloo area both with the symphony and in collaboration with other local musicians, most recently at Bestival and Neruda Art’s All That Worldly Jazz Festival. She enjoys teaching the young musicians of the K-W Symphony Youth Orchestra programs, and maintains a teaching studio at the Renaissance School of the Arts.
Beth Ann de Sousa has been a coach, accompanist and chamber musician in the KW area for over 40 years. Based at Wilfrid Laurier University, she has performed nationally and internationally with singers and instrumentalists and has frequently appeared with the KW Symphony and former Canadian Chamber Ensemble. Beth Ann holds a BMus from Laurier and MMus from the University of Western Ontario.
Noon Hour Concert: Koichi Inoue
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Koichi Inoue
Koichi Inoue earned a Doctor of Music in Piano Performance & Music Literature as well as Master and Bachelor degrees from Indiana University, (Jacobs) School of Music where he studied with Gyorgy Sebok for ten years and subsequently with Michel Block. He also studies with Reiko Shigeoka-Neriki, Dmitry Paperno and Carolyn McCracken-Forough. In addition, he participated in master classes in Europe with Pascal Roge, Hans Leygraf, Andrzej Jasinski, Karl Heinz Kammerling, Peter Feuchtwanger, and Tatiana Nikolaeva.
At Indiana University he taught as an Associate Instructor for three years and won the university’s concerto competition twice. Shortly before his university studies he performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra after winning a competition and toured in Germany with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. He also received a diploma of honour at the Maria Canals International Music Competition in Barcelona , Spain.
Since coming to Canada he has held term-contract faculty positions at Memorial University of Newfoundland (2002 & 2003) and Wilfrid Laurier University (2004). He has performed with The Rose Orchestra and Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra, and has appeared in various concert series in Southern Ontario. He currently lives and teaches in Brampton. He is a founder of the Brampton Chamber Music Concert Series and performs in its programs regularly.
Noon Hour Concert: Ladyfingers
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Ladyfingers
Ladyfingers is a piano four hands collaboration of Ellen Meyer and Michelle Kyle. Ellen and Michelle began playing together in 2009 in Toronto. Michelle was then a member of the Toronto Heliconian Club and the founder and artistic director of The Birthday Series, a concert series that honoured composers with programs of their art songs and chamber music on their birthdays. Michelle invited Ellen to participate, and while preparing piano four hands music for concerts at Heliconian Hall, they enjoyed their shared enthusiasm for chamber music and cats. In 2025, they decided to renew their collaboration and continue exploring piano four hands repertoire.
About Ellen Meyer
Ellen Meyer is one of Ontario's most in-demand pianists. As a sought-after collaborator and soloist, Ellen has performed in eight Canadian provinces and several American venues, including Carnegie Hall, as well as in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Ellen has presented recitals with notable clarinetists including Ricardo Morales and Julian Bliss and has performed with participants in masterclasses of Karl Leister and Sabine Meyer, amongst many others. She is a graduate of the Music Performance program at the University of Toronto, studying with Pierre Souvairan and Jane Coop, and she also attended the Banff Centre of Performing Arts.
Her musical activities include working with wind students at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, coaching aspiring vocal and string artists, and occasionally playing for choirs around the Greater Toronto Area. Ellen has contributed to Kitchener-Waterloo’s musical scene for decades, playing for auditions at Wilfrid Laurier University since 1984 and for the Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute since 2000. Her recording credits include more than 15 commercial CDs, as well as soundtracks for feature film and documentaries. She has been seen and heard on CBC, CTV, MuchMusic, Bravo, TVO, CFRB, and WNED. Ellen is the caretaker for two Maine Coon cats, Penny and Caesar, who offer unsolicited opinions when she attempts to practice.
About Michelle Kyle
Michelle Kyle is a Renaissance woman of diverse experience and skills. As a pianist, she graduated from Laurier and earned a Fellowship Diploma from Trinity College of Music as a student of Garth Beckett, then completed a Master of Music in piano performance at McGill University under Tom Plaunt. As a cellist, she participated in Kitchener-Waterloo music as the past principal cellist of both the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra and the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra, and she completed Laurier’s Chamber Music Diploma in 2025. Michelle has been a collaborative pianist for voice and strings in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, music director and pianist for professional musical theatre in Montreal and Port Dalhousie, and a pianist and cellist for special events throughout and beyond Ontario for decades.
Her love of learning and adventure led her to complete degrees in law at Osgoode Hall and adult education at Brock University and study German at Uni Wien in Vienna; work as a lawyer, web developer at a major bank, and certified rock climbing instructor; and ride her bicycle over 7,200 kilometres across Canada and throughout the Netherlands, race keelboats, and ride a CB450T Hawk motorcycle. Michelle enjoys rural life with her husband and many cats and chickens.
WA Presents: Community Kitchen Co-op Night
Discover the Community Kitchen Co-operative KW!
What is the Community Kitchen Co-op? What role do they play in our community?
Join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and learning as we welcome representatives from the co-op to share their story and impact.
Event Details
📅 Date & Time: Monday, October 6, 2025 · 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Elizabeth Room, St. Andrew’s
💲 Cost: By donation at the door
📝 Registration: Everyone is welcome — women and men!
Registration forms will be available at the Gas & Grocery table on Sundays.
A delicious dinner will be served, followed by a presentation and conversation.
✨ Don’t miss out — register early!
Noon Hour Concert: Jeffreys, Ballantyne, MacDairmid
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Amanda Jeffreys
Originally from Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Amanda is going into her 4th year of studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she is working towards a Bachelor of Music Degree, with the intention to pursue vocal performance. Amanda has earned her Bachelor of Arts (Music) while attending Algoma University, and while living in Sault Ste Marie, was a member of various Choral Ensembles and Musical Theatre Productions. She has performed with Grand River Chorus, Brott Opera, Opera Laurier, and Shoreline Chorus over the past 3 years, and looks forward to once again performing with Shoreline Chorus. Aside from performing, Amanda is a voice teacher at Merriam Music in Oakville Ontario, where she has been developing her skills and love for teaching and mentoring others. In her free time, Amanda loves to play with her cat Millie, and discovering hiking trails across Southern Ontario.
About Morgan Ballantyne
Morgan's journey in singing is deeply rooted in choral performance, he has sung in various choirs over the years including The Bel Canto Chorus in Sudbury, The 2017 Ontario Youth Choir, and the Guelph Chamber Choir. As a solo performer Morgan has completed an advanced diploma in Musical Performance from Cambrian College, and a Bachelor of Music as a vocalist is at Wilfrid Laurier. Morgan has also completed the Opera Diploma program at Laurier University.
Morgan is currently a Choral Scholar at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, and enjoys teaching voice and piano lessons both at The Kitchener Academy of Music, and at Triples Arts Music academy in Cambridge.
About Ann-Marie MacDairmid
Ann-Marie graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Music degree in organ performance from The University of Western Ontario.
In April 2022, Ann-Marie took the position as Director of Music at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener. In addition to the usual church music director role, the position at St Andrew’s includes serving as the Artistic Director for the Noon Hour Concert Series. Ann-Marie is the accompanist for the Grand River Chorus in Brantford and directs the Queen Street Singers in Kitchener. Ann-Marie is the founder, director and accompanist of Shoreline Chorus in Owen Sound.
In June 2025 Ann-Marie received a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism, which recognizes people for their “exceptional contributions to their communities and the province of Ontario". Ann-Marie's leadership of Shoreline Chorus, which she developed and continues to manage entirely as a volunteer, has created opportunity for engagement through concerts supporting many volunteer community activities including local food banks, therapeutic riding programs, and church outreach initiatives.
In December 2010 Ann-Marie received a Paul Harris Fellow award from the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club for service in Rotary and in the community.
Journey for Hope
Journey for Hope - September 27th, 2025: Join the team! St. Andrew’s, Knox Waterloo, and Doon (and friends!) are putting together a team to participate in PWS&D’s* Journey for Hope again. We’re going to bike (15 km) or hike (2 km) together to fundraise for their food security projects.
There will also be a group to play board games if that is preferable. And of course… snacks! If you’d like to join the team, or have any questions, please give Terri Whiffin a call at 519-998-9392. We hope to have a great turnout again this year! You can donate to support the team either through the church office (please specify Journey for Hope) or online at this link: www.werespond.ca/st-andrews-kitchener. *PWS&D stands for Presbyterian World Service and Development.
The world is currently experiencing a food crisis triggered by climate change and it’s only getting worse. This year, PWS&D hopes the Journey for Hope teams across Canada can help to raise $20,000 for their food security projects around the world. Please note: St. Andrew’s insurance does not cover this activity.
Dying to Know
We invite you to join us for our fourth Dying to Know event to be held Saturday Sept 27th, 2025 from 10-4pm in the auditorium of St Andrews Presbyterian Church. Hospice Waterloo and St Andrews Presbyterian Church are committed to providing relevant information and conversation with dynamic and expert speakers.
Find out more: https://www.hospicewaterloo.ca/dying-to-know/
Noon Hour Concert: Pazzano, Stewart-Kroeker, Weaver
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our 50th Anniversary Fall 2025 Noon Hour Concert Series! Admission to the building is free, and a sandwich lunch is available for purchase prior to each recital between 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., with the concerts beginning at 12:15 p.m.
About Mary-Catherine Pazzano
Mary-Catherine Pazzano is a freelance vocalist and jazz singer, performing at The Jazz Room, Registry Theatre, Waterloo Jazz Festival, who has also sung at Birdland in New York City. She is also a Church and Choir Music Director (Age of Majority Singers), and Music Educator, with two albums, You're Gonna Hear From Me and Christmas: Live at The Jazz Room.
About Miriam Stewart-Kroeker
Miriam Stewart-Kroeker is a versatile cellist based in Kitchener-Waterloo. She’s a tenured member of the KW Symphony, has performed as soloist with various orchestras, and performs regularly for several chamber music series, including the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society, Guelph Connections Chamber Music Series, Toronto Chamber Players series and more.
About Carol Ann Weaver
Carol Ann Weaver, composer, pianist, Professor Emerita of Music at Conrad Grebel/UW, is heard throughout Canada, USA, and well beyond, with music often featuring the environment. She is Chair of Canadian Association for Sonic Ecology (CASE), recent Chair of Association of Canadian Women Composers (ACWC), and has produced nine CDs.