St. Andrew’s Announcements
Noon Hour Concert: Annette Haas & the Leith Quartet
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 Annette Haas
Singer songwriter, multi instrumentalist Annette Haas has been playing professionally for almost 3 decades. After graduating from Mohawk College’s music program for voice and piano, Haas sang in many jazz ensembles and big bands. She turned her attention to rock music, picking up the guitar, and playing for over 25 years in the Adam and Annette duo. Also, from 2000 - 2017 she played with and toured Canada and the U.S. with the Canada’s Premiere Disco band, The Travoltas. Haas also headlined many festivals with her Sheryl Crow tribute act, Wildflower.
In 2005 Haas released a solo album, called Skin and Bone, and had the honour of opening for Ron Sexsmith, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Alfie Zappacosta, and Rik Emmit. Her album can be found on iTunes and Spotify.
Haas has played bass for the Adam and Annette band, Tomi Swick, Mike Trebilcock (The Killjoys), Kelsi Mayne, as well as many rock and country acts.
Currently, Annette plays bass for Nashville recording artist Gil Grand, The Darren Hancock Band, Jessie T, and many more country artists. Haas sings and plays guitar for popular country act, Kerosene Creek. She also continues to play solo and duo gigs with many talented musicians, as well as performing for weddings, funerals, corporate events, patios, and private parties.
You can find Annette Haas on YouTube singing the National Anthems at the Rogers Centre for the Toronto Blue Jays, and you can check out many of her other performances.
About The Leith Quartet
Based in Kitchener-Waterloo, The Leith Quartet is made up of four talented musicians playing violin, viola and cello. The group takes their name from the historic Leith Church in Leith, Ontario, where the group originally made their debut in 2001. Since then, they have been presenting inspirational performances at concerts in Leith, Cambridge and the Waterloo Region as well as playing close to thirty weddings per year from London to Toronto, and Niagara-on-the-Lake to Owen Sound. Recently, they have been recording with The Relative Minors, a Rock/Folk band based in Cambridge, and can be heard on their latest album “Mostly What We Do Is Sleep.”
Bruce Skelton (Violin)
Bruce Skelton studied with Jacob Krachmalnick at the University of Michigan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Music in Performance. In addition to his work playing and managing The Leith Quartet, he regularly freelances in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and maintains a very active teaching career, both in private violin lessons as well as with the K-W Community String School. He also recently added the title of Concertmaster for the KW Community Orchestra and Co-Concertmaster for the Stratford Symphony.
Andrea Weber Steckly (Violin)
Andrea Weber Steckly loves playing second violin with Leith Quartet as well as playing violin and singing with John B. Miller & Friends and The Doubtfires. She was concertmaster of the K-W Chamber Orchestra for 10 years, and freelances extensively in the region. She studied at the University of Toronto and Western University attaining performance degrees.
Martha Kalyniak (Viola)
Martha Kalyniak has been a member of the Leith String quartet since it formed in 2000. She is on the faculty of the Kitchener Waterloo Community String school and has been teaching both Violin and viola for many years. Martha played in the viola section of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony for 40 seasons and recently retired from her position in May 2022. Since then, she has become involved with National Service Dogs, an organization of breeding, training and placing certified service dogs with children with autism. She is currently raising NSD Charlie.
Cathy Anderson (Cello)
Cathy Anderson was the Associate Principal Cellist of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony for many years. She plays occasionally with Drayton Entertainment and as a sub for the Stratford Festival and has been heard as a soloist and chamber musician on CBC Radio and National Public Radio in the US. She holds music degrees from Wilfrid Laurier and Yale Universities and performs regularly in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in collaboration with other local musicians. She maintains a teaching studio at the Renaissance School of the Arts.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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: 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.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
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: 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.
Noon Hour Concert: Shoreline Chorus
You’re invited to come and see the final performance in our Spring 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.
Shoreline Chorus is celebrating its 26th season. Shoreline is a 50-member Owen Sound-based community choir under the direction of Ann-Marie MacDairmid. Choir members live throughout Grey County including Thornbury, Meaford, Collingwood, Eugenia, Walter’s Falls, Durham, Chatsworth, Hanover and Owen Sound.
Shoreline presents concerts throughout the year ... fall, Christmas, spring and summer programs. Fall programs ... Broadway, movie, Brit pop, jazz, motown, doo-wop and big band music. Spring programs ... African, gospel, spiritual, folk and Canadian music. Summer programs are more ‘classical’ in style - madrigals, art songs, opera and requiem settings. Christmas programs include both sacred and secular music. Choir concerts are performed in different communities; some in partnership with local groups (in December 2024 with Knox Bells of Praise in Meaford).
Shoreline has also offered choristers the opportunity to travel and perform abroad. In April 2012, Shoreline (and friends) went to Havana, Cuba; in April 2014, Friesland and Amsterdam, the Netherlands; in April 2016, Dublin and Belfast, Ireland; in April 2018, Prague, Czech Republic; Leipzig and Berlin, Germany and in April 2024, Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, Spain.
The chorus have provided music at special events and fundraisers; the Canadian and American National Anthems at Owen Sound Attack hockey games, the opening of the new schoolhouse at Grey Roots Museum in Owen Sound, the Bighead River Foodgrains Project in Meaford andthe Cenotaph Dedication service in Thornbury.
Noon Hour Concert: Luke Welch
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 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
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 in Rotterdam, 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, Music Mondays in Toronto, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, UK. He has also appeared at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh (Scotland), Keukenhof (Lisse, the Netherlands), and St. Andrew’s-on-the-Terrace in Wellington, New Zealand.
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, Tom Wiggins, and other preeminent musical figures.
In addition to his performance commitments, he has also been highly sought after as an interdisciplinary collaborative pianist. He has worked closely with a number of renowned international academies and companies including Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Dans Ateliers, Holland Dance Festival, Codarts Rotterdam Conservatory, Royal Conservatory of the Hague, Dutch National Ballet, and National Ballet of Canada.
Welch’s recordings have received international critical acclaim, and his performances have been broadcast extensively across Canada and internationally, while also being featured as CBC In Concert Album of the Week – including ‘Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Piano Works’ and ‘Northern Magnolias: Robert Nathaniel Dett Piano Works’.
In addition to his written contributions to the Globe and Mail, Wholenote Magazine, and La Scena Musicale Magazine – including the highly-regarded publication of ‘Life as Black Classical Pianist’ – he has also active as a podcaster and was named the 2018 recipient of the Harry Jerome Arts Award, distinguished with national recognition.
Welch serves on the Faculty of Piano at York University in Toronto, and was appointed as a Piano Instructor at the Royal Conservatory of Music Oscar Peterson Program in its 2022 inaugural season.
Noon Hour Concert: David Vanbiesbrouck, Nora Pellerin, Kat Mrmak, Ben Bolt-Martin
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 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.
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 plays Principal oboe with Guelph Symphony.
Kat Mrmak is a Kitchener violinist and violist. She has toured Europe twice and performed across Canada. She currently plays with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Niagara Symphony, and Jeans n' Classics, among others in Southwest Ontario. Kat is the principle violist in the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra, and is also a member of the band The Keystones.
Ben Bolt-Martin is Principal Cello with London Symphonia. He is also a founding member of INNERchamber, an inventive and intimate chamber music series in Stratford and is currently playing his 22nd season with the Stratford Festival of Canada, performing live and recording incidental music.
Ben has also featured as a soloist across Canada with a special interest in new music reflecting humanity's search for meaning. Ben was the featured performer on the Juno nominated recording Notes Towards.
In addition to an active life as a composer, Ben has arranged music for performance and recording for Ron Sexsmith, Dayna Manning, The Sultans of String, The Bookends, The Steel City Rovers and many others.
Ben teaches cello and chamber music at University of Waterloo and conducts the London Youth Symphony.
Nora Pellerin is an accomplished performer and teacher. She completed her undergraduate degree in violin performance at McGill University, followed by a Masters degree in violin performance at the University of Ottawa. She now lives in Guelph, and is active as a freelancer throughout Ontario. Nora performs with many orchestras, including the Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph symphonies. She was the principal second for the Georgian Bay Symphony for several years, and performed as a soloist with the orchestra. Chamber music is another passion of hers.
Nora has taught extensively in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Guelph, and at several music camps, including the Interprovincial Music Camp near Thunder Bay, the Thornhill Chamber Music Institute and at “Summer Music in Galway” in Galway, Ireland. She also has experience adjudicating for music festivals in Ontario. In addition to classical music, Nora is an experienced fiddler, and is active in the Ontario Métis fiddling community.
Noon Hour Concert: Darielle Chomyn-Davison, Kyla Altrogge, Jack Wyndham
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 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.
Darielle Chomyn-Davison - mezzo-soprano
Jack Wyndham - piano
About Darielle Chomyn-Davison
Darielle is delighted to be back at St. Andrew's for another Noon Hour Concert! Last 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 technique and pedagogy 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 Oakville.
About Jack Wyndham
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: Ambrosia Clarinet Quintet
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 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 Ambrosia Clarinet Quintet
The musicians of the Ambrosia Clarinet Quintet began playing together in September 2023. The five musicians performing at St. Andrew's are five of the six founding members of Ambrosia Chamber Ensembles, along with cellist Mary Steele. Ambrosia musicians enjoy playing chamber music in various combinations including a clarinet-piano duo, a string sextet, and several different trios, quartets, and quintets. The Ambrosia Clarinet Quintet performed music of Brahms in June 2024, and is sharing a concert with Ambrosia string ensembles in March 2025 in the Gallery Concert Series at the Wellington County Museum in Fergus.
Clarinetist Ginny Scarfino is a native of Kitchener-Waterloo and began playing clarinet in high school. She completed a computer science degree at University of Waterloo and studied clarinet with former K-W Symphony principal Victor Sawa for 18 years. After he left K-W, she studied bassoon with former K-W Symphony principal, Cedric Coleman, for over 20 years. After a 33-year career in IT with Mutual Life/Sun Life/IBM, she retired in 2013, and studied piano with long-time Beckett School teacher Terry Kroetsch for 10 years. She plays bassoon in the Wellington Wind Symphony, Waterloo Chamber Players, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra. and Spindrift Wind Quartet, is Principal Clarinet in the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra, and studies piano with Rebekah Jordan-Miller. For hobbies, she loves to knit, especially socks, and put together jigsaw puzzles.
Violinist Yiyang Shi started playing violin at age five. He was born in Liuzhou, China, moved to New Brunswick in 2014, and moved to Waterloo in 2020. Yiyang enjoys playing violin/viola with the Waterloo Chamber Players and occasionally with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra. In 2014, Yiyang started his MSc journey in Electrical Engineering at University of New Brunswick in Fredericton and played violin and viola with the Fredericton Symphony Orchestra. Yiyang plays violin, viola, guitar and drums, and is skilled in the use of audio/video production, MIDI/computer music and sheet music notation. He works as an electrical control panel specialist at a family business in Breslau, and enjoys working on cars, driving on local circuits, or playing with electronics during the weekend.
Violinist Carmen Miron started playing violin at age nine. By age 12, she joined the Hamilton Youth Orchestra. She had a 12-year hiatus until moving to Sault Ste Marie, where she was convinced to join the Sault Symphony. Since relocating to Waterloo in 2001, she has participated in the Kitchener Waterloo Community Orchestra, Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Orchestra, Waterloo Chamber Players, and Cambridge Symphony. Carmen attends adult chamber music camps in Canada and the USA. At CAMMAC, she was inspired to learn the viola. Carmen is now retired from a rewarding career as a MSW social worker with a focus on mental health, including serving the Canadian Armed Forces during Afghanistan deployments. She is a “snowbird” who plays in two orchestras in Southwest Florida in the winter and loves to play tennis.
Violist Caleb Olesen learned the violin in grade school through the Niagara Elementary Instrumental Music program. In grade 8, his violin teacher handed him a viola and asked him to learn how to read the alto clef and to join the Niagara Youth Orchestra as a violist. Caleb has been a violist ever since. During university, Caleb earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Waterloo while playing viola with Orchestra@UWaterloo and the Waterloo Chamber Players as well as singing bass with the University of Waterloo Chamber Choir and the Renaissance Singers. Today, Caleb is a professional engineer in the wastewater treatment business. He is a violist with, and a board member of, the Waterloo Chamber Players, and he is busy with three children at home.
Cellist Michelle Kyle began playing piano at age four and cello at age 11. She studied piano and cello at Laurier, then completed a Master of Music in piano performance at McGill and degrees in law at Osgoode Hall and adult education at Brock University. Michelle has performed as a pianist and cellist for special events throughout Ontario for decades. She has been a lawyer, web developer at a major bank, certified rock climbing instructor, and adult literacy instructor. Michelle lives in rural Princeton with her husband, cats and chickens. She is currently a full-time student, studying cello performance with Katie Schlaikjer in the chamber music diploma program at Wilfrid Laurier University. She enjoys swimming, cycling, Duolingo, and puzzles.
Noon Hour Concert: Ryan Baxter
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 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
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 with Professor Stéphan Sylvestre. At Western, Ryan is also enrolled in the Memegwaanh Indigenous Learning Honour program. He has previously graduated from Brock University (2019), Humber Polytechnic (2020), the University of Manitoba (2022), and Athabasca University (2024), with additional diplomas from The Royal Conservatory of Music and the Royal Canadian College of Organists.
Beyond academic life, Ryan is Music Director and Organist at Rowntree Memorial United Church in London, Ontario. Previously, he held the same positions at Trillium United Church in St. Catharines (2016-2021). 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, listening to organ music, and applying to more programs. He is very happy to be part of the noon hour concert series at St. Andrew’s Kitchener this spring!
Noon Hour Concert: Damian Lirette
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 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 Damian Lirette
Damian is a local pianist who began lessons at the age of 10 under the tutelage of Bonnie Heath. Having a natural aptitude to learn music by ear, Damian spent his early years at the piano developing his technique, sight reading, and theory. As his skills became more well rounded, he found that his true passion was composition. Damian studied music at the University of Waterloo, where one of his pieces, “Looking Forward”, was performed by the school’s Orchestra.
Damian’s musical taste varies across many genres. His performances often include a combination of popular music, classical music, and original compositions. In the past 15 years Damian has performed in many cities across Southern Ontario both in a band and as a solo pianist. He has recorded three albums that feature an ensemble of instruments while running a YouTube page that promotes his solo work.
Noon Hour Concert: The Doubtfires
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Spring 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 Doubtfires
The Doubtfires is a professional 4 piece band based in southern Ontario. Each of the four members have decades of professional playing experience in many live and studio situations, are well educated and have been playing together in some form or another for more than 35 years. We pride ourselves on offering a polished performance of quality music. The Doubtfires have developed a show celebrating the music of one of the worlds most prolific songwriters, James Taylor. The show is titled "Shower The People". Along with the timeless music, audiences will enjoy a little story telling meant to highlight important people and moments in James Taylor's life and to provide some context behind the writing of his music.
JOHN B. MILLER // Lead Vocals & Keys
John has been a professional singer/keyboard player since 1986. After playing with his high school’s national-award-winning jazz ensemble, his education continued at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and Fanshawe College in London, where he studied Piano, and Recording Engineering. John is comfortable singing in various musical styles, which has resulted in a diverse freelance career as a working musician, director, and producer. From 2010 to the present, John has produced about 20 concerts a year with his group, John B. Miller and Friends, in both traditional and contemporary Christian styles. John also dabbles in photography and videography projects related to his music career. Website: johnbmiller.ca
ANDREA WEBER-STECKLY // Violin & Vocals
Andrea holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from University of Toronto, and a Master of Music in Performance from University of Western Ontario. She has played with the KW Symphony, the KW Musical Productions pit orchestra, and was Concertmaster of the KW Chamber Orchestra for 10 years. Andrea is also involved in diverse styles of church music and notably, played in the worship band forMennonite World Conference in Paraguay in 2009. She sometimes fiddles at square dances, and has played her electric violin in classic and Celtic rock bands. Andrea has extensive experience teaching violin and piano. Website: www.andreaviolin.com
JOE ORLANDO // Bass
As a working bass player, Joe has performed and recorded with many artists and bands in styles ranging from Pop/Rock to Jazz to Latin. Joe has been the bass player for Double Exposure, Coming Of Age, and most recently, Lipstick Scream, as well as a variety of freelance work including playing in the pit orchestra for several musical theatre productions. Joe mentors new generations of musicians as a private instructor, teaching bass and guitar in his studio. He is currently the bass instructor at the University of Guelph. Joe has a Diploma in Applied Music from Mohawk College. Website: www.joeorlando.ca
MATT TEETER // Drums & Vocals
Matt, a Guelph native, received his music degree at Sir Wilfred Laurier University and Queen’s University. His professional performance career began in the mid 80’s and has included both live and studio experiences in Jazz, Pop/ Rock, Country and Musical Theatre. Matt has played in several musical pit orchestras and has served as Musical Director and Orchestra Director for several theatre companies including The Community Players of New Hamburg, Royal City Musical Productions, Curtain Call Productions and The Singers Theatre. Matt is a multi-instrumentalist whose primary instruments are Drums/Percussion, Saxophones, and EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). Website: mattteeter.wixsite.com/mysite
Noon Hour Concert: Fiddlesticks - Cambridge Girls’ Choir
You’re invited to come and the final performance in our Fall 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.
Noon Hour Concert: Renaissance School of the Arts Flute Choir
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 Renaissance School of the Arts Flute Choir
Wendy Wagler has been the flute instructor at Renaissance School of the Arts for 27 years and director of the RSA 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: Ann-Marie MacDairmid
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 Ann-Marie MacDairmid
Ann-Marie MacDairmid is from Thornbury (Town of the Blue Mountains). 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 Apple Valley Youth Chorus in Thornbury-Clarksburg.
Noon Hour Concert: Waterloo County Carollers
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 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: Peter Nikiforuk
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 Peter Nikiforuk
Peter Nikiforuk is a native of Brantford, where he received his early musical training. He holds degrees from The University of Toronto, Yale University and the Royal Academy of Music. In 2022, he was named Director of Music Emeritus at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Kitchener after 33 years of service. He continues as a faculty member at the Laurier Academy of Music and Arts. He was National President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists from 2020-2022 and was recently named Chief Examiner of the RCCO. He also examines for the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Noon Hour Concert: Joonghun Cho
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 Joonghun Cho
Praised by El Comercio as a “pianist with a masterful display of artistry," Joonghun Cho is a dedicated performing artist known for his versatility as a pianist, chamber musician, and pedagogue. He has concertized widely giving performances across South Korea, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Slovakia, the UK, Canada, Japan, and the United States. His performances have included solo appearances with renowned orchestras, such as the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Flint Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Philharmonia, and Brescia Master Orchestra. His musical prowess has also led to invitations as a guest artist at esteemed music festivals such as the Gijón International Piano Festival, Porto Pianofest, Palmetto International Piano Festival, International Cello Institute, Yeon-Eum Summer Music Festival, Caledon Music Festival, Festival Internacional de Música José Luis Vega "Pelis," and American Liszt Society Festival.
Joonghun's passion for collaborative music extends to his flourishing career as a chamber musician. Joonghun has had the privilege of showcasing his chamber music performances at numerous renowned institutions including the Eastman School of Music, University of Michigan, University of Toronto, Royal Conservatory of Music, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and Oakland University. Notably, he recently collaborated on a recording project featuring new compositions by William Horne, which was released by Blue Griffin Recording Label in 2024.
In addition to his performing career, Joonghun has garnered numerous prizes in international competitions. His achievements include the gold medal in the Vienna International Music Competition, first prize in the Master Orchestra International Concerto Competition, second prize in the William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition, first prize in the International Chopin Piano Competition in Japan, second prize in the Schimmel USASU International Piano Competition, and third prize in the Glasgow International Piano Competition for Young Pianists.
Born in Suwon, South Korea, Joonghun commenced his musical journey at the Yewon School and Seoul Art High School in Seoul, studying under the guidance of Min Sook Jeon, Tong-il Han, and Hyoung-Joon Chang. Upon relocating to the United States, he pursued his Bachelor of Music in piano performance at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Barry Snyder. Joonghun continued his musical education at the University of Michigan under the mentorship of Logan Skelton, completing both his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts.
Currently based in Toronto, Canada, Joonghun serves as the artistic director for the Gibson Classical Concert Series.
Noon Hour Concert: Ian Sadler
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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
Following 3 years as Organist of St. James Cathedral in Toronto, in 2019 Ian Sadler was appointed Organist and Director of Music at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, Ontario. Ian is also Artistic Director of The Cathedral Singers, a choir which tours to Britain each year to act as choir in residence at a cathedral.
This past July, Ian was Organist-in-Residence at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin. In August he directed his Cathedral Singers in performances at Bath Abbey and Bristol Cathedral in the UK. Highlights this season include a recital to help inaugurate the new organ console at St. James Cathedral, Toronto and a week as Organist-in-Residence at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England in January, 2024.
Ian was a chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England, Music Scholar at The King’s School, Canterbury and then Organ Scholar at Bristol University. Following a Musicology degree Ian was appointed Organ Scholar for 3 years 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 Organist at Grace Church on-the-Hill and Choral Director at Upper Canada College. In 1986 he won 1st prize at the Syracuse International Organ Competition, USA. Recitals have since taken him to Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany, France (Notre Dame, Paris), Austria (St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna), Australia, Jamaica, the USA and the UK (St. Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, King’s College Chapel, Cambridge). Highlights of Ian’s career include recitals at the launching of the organs in Singer Hall, Calgary, Toronto’s Thomson Hall and Edmonton’s Winspeare Centre, a Juno award for a CD by his Burlington Chamber choir, the award of a Fellowship from The Royal Canadian College of Organists, and election to Britain’s oldest music charity, The Royal Society of Musicians.
Noon Hour Concert: Hallowe’en Special
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 Bruce Skelton
Bruce Skelton studied with Jacob Krachmalnick at the University of Michigan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Music in Performance. In addition to his work playing and managing The Leith Quartet, he regularly freelances in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and maintains a very active teaching career, both in private violin lessons as well as with the K-W Community String School. He also recently added the title of Concertmaster for the KW Community Orchestra and Co-Concertmaster for the Stratford Symphony.
About Ann-Marie MacDairmid
Ann-Marie MacDairmid is from Thornbury (Town of the Blue Mountains). 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 Apple Valley Youth Chorus in Thornbury-Clarksburg.
Noon Hour Concert: KW Woodwind Quintet
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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.
Noon Hour Concert: Elizabeth Lepock, Mike Lepock, & Heidi Gallas
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 Elizabeth Lepock
Elizabeth Lepock, soprano, holds a BMus in Voice Performance and Music history from Wilfrid Laurier University, and an MMus and DMA in Voice Performance from the University of Western Ontario. Over the course of her doctoral studies, in addition to honing her performance and pedagogy skills, Dr. Lepock also pursued ground-breaking interdisciplinary research into muscle tension voice disorders.
Elizabeth enjoys performing in opera, oratorio, and recital, particularly in innovative and interdisciplinary productions. Recent opera and oratorio performance highlights include the role of The Governess in Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw with Grand River Opera, Messiah with many local organizations, Bach cantatas and motets with Spiritus Ensemble, and Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem with Saugeen Bach Choir. Elizabeth’s first love as a solo singer is art song, as she has a passion for curating recital programs. Recent recitals include selections from Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch with her husband, baritone Michael Lepock, and pianist Heidi Gallas, and a program about food with clarinetist, Peter Shackleton, and pianist Anna Ronai.
In fall 2022, Dr. Lepock was thrilled to return to her alma mater, Wilfrid Laurier University, as a faculty member. Elizabeth also welcomes students from beginner to professional-level to her private studio, and centres lessons around student-goals – anything from pursuing music as a career and learning sustainability in professional singing practice, to singing or playing the piano for the very first time and learning how to sing in-tune. Her mantra as a voice teacher is “Anyone can sing!”
About Mike Lepock
Michael Lepock, baritone, holds a Bachelor of Music in composition from Wilfrid Laurier University where he studied voice with Daniel Lichti. He sings in a number of community and professional choirs including Spiritus Ensemble, Arcady Ensemble, Grand River Chorus, The Elora Singers, The Brott Festival, The Edison Singers, and Guys Who Sing, the last of which will be performing a fundraising concert for the House of Friendship at St. Andrews on October 19th. Michael is often featured as an oratorio soloist (Handel's Messiah, Fauré's Requiem, etc.), for these and other organizations, including Symphony in the Barn with Michael Schmidt. As a professional chorister, Michael is in demand across the province in projects featuring a wide variety of musical genres, from Carmina Burana with Brott Festival, to Queen and Elton John with Jeans N' Classics. He also enjoys performing recitals with his wife, soprano Elizabeth Lepock, focusing mostly on the works of Vaughan Williams and Hugo Wolf. Michael has recorded several choral albums, and is looking forward to the release of his most recent recording project with the Edison Singers featuring the works of Canadian composer, Timothy Corlis. He is pleased to bring the Mystical Songs of Vaughan Williams to you and to perform them again in Brantford with the Grand River Chorus on November 3rd.
About Heidi Gallas
An accomplished collaborative pianist and coach, Heidi Gallas holds a MMus in Collaborative Piano from UWO, a BMus from WLU as a Gold Medal graduate, and an ARCT in performance. Heidi has worked and taught at Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Waterloo, and Emmanuel Bible College, and as pianist for Opera Kitchener, Laurier Opera, NUMUS, Menno Singers, Inter-Mennonite Children’s Choir, UWOpera, and at a 20th Century Opera and Song progamme at the Banff Centre, among others.
Performance highlights include a Piano Plus tour of northern Ontario with bass-baritone Daniel Lichti, concerts with the KW Chamber Orchestra, Elora Festival Singers, and numerous chamber recitals for the First United Church series and the KW Chamber Music Society. She appears on the charity CD “Once, in a Lullaby”. Heidi was Music Director and organist at Redeemer Lutheran Church for 22 years and founding conductor of the Lutheran Chamber Singers.
Noon Hour Concert: Koichi Inoue
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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: Chomyn-Davison, Altrogge, & Wyndham
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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
Darielle 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.
About Kyla Altrogge
Kyla Altrogge is a recent grad of the Bachelor of Music Therapy program at Wilfrid Laurier University. She currently works as both a music therapist and a music teacher, blending her passion for music with her desire to help others through therapeutic techniques. Kyla is passionate about making a meaningful impact on the lives of her students and clients through the healing power of music.
Noon Hour Concert: Weber Steckly & Gilpin
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 Andrea Weber Steckly
Andrea Weber Steckly is a freelance violinist in the KW area. Some of the groups she has played with include the KWSO, the KW Musical Productions Orchestra, as well as being concertmaster of the KW Chamber Orchestra for 10 years. Playing with Leith Quartet, and using her violin and singing skills with John B. Miller & Friends as well as with The Doubtfires keeps her musical life full of variety. She studied at the University of Toronto (BMusPerf) and Western University (MMusPerf) attaining performance degrees.
About Andrew Gilpin
Andrew Gilpin, born in Edmonton, Alberta, was home-schooled and is completely self-taught at the piano. He has been a professional pianist, composer, and arranger since the age of 15. His broad and varied experience includes extensive work in choral music, musical theatre, jazz, chamber music, commercial music, and an exploration of much of the classical solo piano repertoire. Andrew has written and arranged hundreds of works for choir, jazz ensemble, singers, vocal groups, solo piano, clarinet, flute, brass, strings, and many others. He has even recorded (and sold to a professional music library) himself singing Gregorian chant.
About the Duo
With a combined 70-plus years of experience as professional musicians, Andrea and Andrew have been playing together for over 15 years, and have enjoyed every minute. Their collaborations have ranged from choral to contemporary Christian, jazz to classical, playing as a duo and also with bass and drums in many of Andrew’s jazz arrangements. Andrea and Andrew bring to their performances extensive experience in many different musical genres, and genuine ease and enjoyment each time they work together.
Andrea and Andrew are proud to perform some of the most moving and memorable melodies from Hollywood. Let your mind travel into the past and imagine the future with the achingly beautiful theme from “Schindler’s List”, the thrilling melodies of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, the bittersweet “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic”, John Williams’theme from “Star Wars”, and more. With Andrea’s soaring violin and Andrew’s sensitive accompaniment, you will be transported to worlds both real and fictional in “Music from the Movies”.
Noon Hour Concert: Jennifer Carter & Charmaine Fopoussi
You’re invited to come and see a brand new line of performances in our Fall 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 Jennifer Carter
“A gloriously resonant, expressive soprano voice… [who can] embody these demanding roles with both dramatic intensity and vocal ease.” - C. FRIEDLANDER, WEILL MUSIC INSTITUTE
“A wonderfully honest and communicative performer.” - OPERA PROGRAMS BERLIN
“A consummate singing actor.” - BARZCABLOG
Described as “a wonderfully honest and communicative performer,” embodying “dramatic intensity and vocal ease,” Ms. Carter appears this season as Mother in Hansel & Gretel with Grand River Opera, and in operatic excerpts with K-W Community Orchestra on their spring 2025 Opernball concert.
She has appeared locally as Suor Angelica, Miss Jessel (The Turn of the Screw), and Silvia (Zanetto) with Grand River Opera. Further afield, she has performed with the Wagner in Vermont Festival, Dramatic Voices Berlin, Powerhouse Opera, Opera by Request, Opera Susquehanna, and the Colours of Music Festival.
Roles include Valkyries & Rheinmaidens in Wagner’s Ring Cycle; Chrysothemis, 4th & 5th Maid (Elektra); Ariadne auf Naxos; Donna Anna (Don Giovanni); 1.Dame, Pamina (Die Zauberflöte); and Nedda (Pagliacci). She lives in Kitchener, founded GRO, teaches singing at Resound Voice Studio, and is mom to Nat and Sam.
About Charmaine Fopoussi
Charmaine Fopoussi is in demand as a vocal coach, accompanist, and chamber musician. She holds a MMus in Collaborative Piano from Western University where she had the privilege of studying with Dr. John Hess as well as a BMus from Wilfrid Laurier University where she studied with Boyd McDonald, a life-long mentor. She has performed with numerous artists and organizations, including Guy Few, Penderecki String Quartet, Bethany Horst, Menno Singers, Guelph Youth Singers, Stratford Concert Choir, UWOpera, McGill Opera, NUMUS, INNERchamber, as well as being a vocal coach at Western University for the past 14 years. Recent engagements include the Eckhardt-Grammatté National Music Competition with Katy Clark (2nd place), a Nadia Boulanger Song Recital, and Grand River Opera’s Turn of the Screw by Britten. She is currently a busy vocal coach in her hometown of Stratford.
Noon Hour Concert: Song Settings from Shakespeare
Spring into the Music with our final performance in our Spring Noon Hour Concert Series 2024. 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 in her second 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 Ensemble’s and Musical Theatre Productions. Amanda is currently a part of Opera Laurier’s production of Into the Woods, in the role of Jack’s Mother. Aside from performing, Amanda is discovering her love of teaching, as she has been teaching various Glee clubs in local elementary schools. Outside of school and work, Amanda loves to cook and bake, as well as play with her cat Millie.
About Darielle Chomyn-Davison
Originally from Prince Edward County, a place known for its stunning beaches and exceptional wine, Darielle embarked on her singing journey in Sault Ste. Marie, studying under the guidance of Agnes McCarthy and coach Paul Dingle. For the past four years, she has resided in Kitchener-Waterloo, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from WLU, honing her skills with the support of Leslie Fagan and coach Lorin Shalanko.
As an active choral scholar at St. Andrew’s Church, under the leadership of Ann-Marie MacDairmid and Gordon Burnett, Darielle has always held a special place in her heart for choral music. Her participation includes memorable events such as the Christmas Cantata, Maureen Forester Singers, John Rutter's Requiem, and premiering new choral works by Justin Lapierre.
In addition to her passion for performing on stage and her love for her two cats, Kili and Fili, Darielle is continuing her vocal pedagogy education with Dr. Elizabeth Lepock, and teaches in Kitchener and Oakville. Recently, she participated as a chorus member in Brott Opera’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata last summer, and debuted the role of Miles in Grand River Opera’s rendition of Britten’s The Turn of the Screw last fall.
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 Laurier Singers here in Waterloo. He is currently a Choral Scholar at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church. As a solo performer Morgan has completed an advanced diploma in Musical Performance from Cambrian College in Sudbury Ontario, and a Bachelor of Music as a vocalist is at Wilfrid Laurier. Morgan is in the Opera Diploma program at Laurier this year.
About Quade Nielsen
Since a young age Quade Nielsen has always had a passion for music. He began his venture into classical music at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo Ontario, Canada. After graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor of Music Degree (Honours Performance) Quade continues to blossom as a Tenor. He continues to further develop his skills.
Quade has performed in many public and private music venues along side other respected artists including his long time mentor and internationally recognized Baritone, Daniel Lichti.
Quade continues to refine his voice by attending international music programs such as the Festival de l’Académie de Fourvière in Leon, France, the Musiktage am Rhein in Neuwied, Germany, and the AIM Paris music festival.
Currently, (2024) Quade sings with the St John's Elora Parish Choir, one of the few professional church choirs in Canada, while he studies Software Engineering at Conestoga College.
Quade has a sincere approach to music and life and shares that with his voice, as he continues to inspire audiences.
About Stuart Bergstra
Stuart is originally from the Owen Sound area, and has forty years experience as a choral singer, with church choirs, community choirs, and jazz and pop ensembles. Stuart is a charter member of the Grand River Chorus in Brantford, and although not a charter member is the longest serving chorister in Ann-Marie MacDairmid’s Shoreline Chorus in Owen Sound. He is looking forward to singing in their respective 25th anniversary concerts this spring.
Spring into the Music
Concert Series Lineup
JUNE 19
Song Settings from Shakespeare
Amanda Jeffreys, Darielle Chomyn-Davison
Morgan Ballantyne, Quade Nielsen
Stuart Bergstra, Jennifer Carter
Ann-Marie MacDairmid piano
Noon Hour Concert: Due Gatte
Due Gatte invites you to a unique performance that reflects their shared love for music and felines. The duo, comprising clarinetist Ginny Scarfino and pianist Michelle Kyle, met through their involvement in various orchestras and united over common interests. With whimsical cat ears adorning their performances, they support the Feline Friends Network and bring an element of fun to classical music. They’ve begun their journey performing in retirement homes and local concert series, and this recital is a celebration of their harmonious collaboration. The duo will delight you with their camaraderie and shared musical passion.
Noon Hour Concert: Luke Welch
Award-winning pianist Luke Welch, from Mississauga, brings his international concert experience to our series. With degrees in music and an impressive list of masterclass participation, Luke has performed in venues around the world, from Beethoven Haus in Germany to St. Martin-in-the-Terraces in New Zealand. His broad range of collaborations extends to orchestras and ballet companies, showcasing his versatility as a pianist. Luke's recordings have garnered critical acclaim and his thoughts on music and inclusivity in classical music have been published in respected outlets. As a recent appointee to the Faculty of Piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music Oscar Peterson Program, he is recognized as a significant figure in the musical community. Join us for an afternoon of exquisite piano music with Luke Welch.
Noon Hour Concert: Shoreline Chorus - Celebrating 25 Years
Celebrate a remarkable milestone with the Shoreline Chorus as they mark 25 years of music-making. This vibrant 50-member choir, hailing from various communities in Grey County, showcases a rich variety of musical styles. Under the direction of Ann-Marie MacDairmid, the Shoreline Chorus brings their wide-ranging repertoire to the Spring Noon Hour Concert Series. With performances that span from Broadway to classical themes, and embracing music from across the globe, this group has delighted audiences both locally and internationally. Join us for a special concert that not only highlights their diverse musical journey but also commemorates their contributions to community events and fundraisers throughout the years.
Noon Hour Concert: Phoenix Trio
The Phoenix Trio brings together Wendy Wagler on flute, Cathy Anderson on cello, and Beth Ann de Sousa on piano. Wendy, principal flutist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra, has graced numerous ensembles and has performed extensively as a soloist. Cathy, the Associate Principal Cellist of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, brings her rich performance experience and teaching expertise to the group. Beth Ann de Sousa, a seasoned accompanist and chamber musician, completes the trio with her mastery of the piano. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flute, cello, and piano that is sure to enchant the audience with classical and contemporary pieces.
Noon Hour Concert: Classic Bronze Handbell Quartet
Classic Bronze Handbell Quartet is comprised of four members of Knox Bells of Praise Handbell choir at Knox Presbyterian Church, Meaford. They have attended many workshop and festival events and have also provided entertainment for various groups in the community. They are also experienced in solo and duet ringing. Members include Jennifer Pearson, Ellie Smith, Eleanor McDougall and Shirley Reinders.
Noon Hour Concert: Christopher Dawes
Join Christopher Dawes for an eclectic organ performance, celebrating the versatility and depth of this majestic instrument. As a multifaceted musician hailing from Toronto, Christopher is not just an organist but also a conductor, composer, and educator. With a career that traverses solo recitals and collaborative ventures across North America and Europe, his expertise has found a home in concert halls, organ lofts, and on numerous commercial CDs. At Rosedale Presbyterian Church and with the Marion Singers of Greater Toronto, he shares his wide-ranging musical passions. His musical journey is marked by a curiosity that leads him to explore and interpret various genres, from jazz to gospel, and beyond. Experience the rich tapestry of sounds as Christopher brings his unique perspective and passion for music to our Spring Noon Hour Concert Series.
Noon Hour Concert: Annette Haas & The Leith Quartet
Spring into the Music with a brand new line of performances in our Spring 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 Leith Quartet
Based in Kitchener-Waterloo, The Leith Quartet is made up of four talented musicians playing violin, viola and cello. The group takes their name from the historic Leith Church in Leith, Ontario, where the group originally made their debut in 2001. Since then, they have been presenting inspirational performances at concerts in Leith, Cambridge and the Waterloo Region as well as playing close to thirty weddings per year from London to Toronto, and Niagara-on-the-Lake to Owen Sound. Recently, they have been recording with The Relative Minors, a Rock/Folk band based in Cambridge, and can be heard on their latest album “Mostly What We Do Is Sleep.”
About Bruce Skelton
Bruce Skelton studied with Jacob Krachmalnick at the University of Michigan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Music in Performance. In addition to his work playing and managing The Leith Quartet, he regularly freelances in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and maintains a very active teaching career, both in private violin lessons as well as with the K-W Community String School. He also recently added the title of Concertmaster for the KW Community Orchestra and Co-Concertmaster for the Stratford Symphony.
About Andrea Weber Steckly
Andrea Weber Steckly loves playing second violin with Leith Quartet as well as playing violin and singing with John B. Miller & Friends and The Doubtfires. She was concertmaster of the K-W Chamber Orchestra for 10 years, and freelances extensively in the region. She studied at the University of Toronto and Western University attaining performance degrees
About Martha Kalyniak
Martha Kalyniak has been a member of the Leith String quartet since it formed in 2000. She is on the faculty of the Kitchener Waterloo Community String school and has been teaching both Violin and viola for many years. Martha played in the viola section of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony for 40 seasons and recently retired from her position in May 2022.
Since then, she has become involved with National Service Dogs, an organization of breeding, training and placing certified service dogs with children with autism. She is currently raising NSD Charlie.
About Cathy Anderson
Cathy Anderson was the Associate Principal Cellist of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony for many years. She plays occasionally with Drayton Entertainment and as a sub for the Stratford Festival and has been heard as a soloist and chamber musician on CBC Radio and National Public Radio in the US. She holds music degrees from Wilfrid Laurier and Yale Universities and performs regularly in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in collaboration with other local musicians. She maintains a teaching studio at the Renaissance School of the Arts.
About Annette Haas
Coming soon…
Spring into the Music
Concert Series Lineup
MAY 1
Annette Haas & The Leith Quartet
Bruce Skelton violin
Andrea Weber Steckly violin
Martha Kalyniak viola
Cathy Anderson cello
MAY 8
Christopher Dawes organ
MAY 15
Classic Bronze Handbell Quartet
Eleanor McDougall, Jennifer Pearson
Shirley Reinders, Ellie Smith
MAY 22
Phoenix Trio
Wendy Wagler flute
Cathy Anderson cello
Beth Ann de Sousa piano
MAY 29
Shoreline Chorus - Celebrating 25 Years
Director: Ann-Marie MacDairmid
JUNE 5
Luke Welch
piano
JUNE 12
Tre Gatte
Ginny Scarfino clarinet
Cynthia Steele cello
Michelle Kyle piano
JUNE 19
Song Settings from Shakespeare
Amanda Jeffreys, Darielle Chomyn-Davison
Morgan Ballantyne, Quade Nielsen
Stuart Bergstra
Ann-Marie MacDairmid piano