We are excited to announce another enriching collaboration with the MacEwan University Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications, Department of Music, with Professors LeBel and MacDonald. This dynamic partnership aims to provide a platform for young talents to explore the intricacies of a cappella choral writing, and newly added, the opportunity to produce a livestream concert.

Emerging Composers

The Emerging Composers program is designed to empower aspiring composers to understand the nuances of composing for a professional choral ensemble. Young composers from MacEwan University under Prof. Emilie LeBel will have the unique opportunity to bring their works to Pro Coro rehearsals and reading sessions culminating in a concert with the choir.

Emerging Singers

The Emerging Singers Program assembles young singers from across the Edmonton area. Under the guidance of our professional singers and Artistic Director Michael Zaugg, five talented vocal artists will perform alongside Pro Coro Canada. These emerging artists will benefit from mentorship, gaining invaluable experience in a professional-style environment.

Pro Coro Canada and MacEwan University’s Music Department are committed to providing a supportive and educational environment for emerging artists, ensuring their seamless integration into the vibrant world of choral music.

Introducing the remarkable talent of our Pro Coro Canada Emerging Artists #connect singers for the 23-24 season! Brace yourselves for an exciting collaboration as these brilliant voices amplify the harmonies of the future.

Anna's profound love for music fuels her ambition to transform her passion for choral music into a lifelong calling and career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in choral singing, and how did your musical journey begin?

My mother claims I have been singing since birth. I've never been one to shy away from sharing my voice, actively participating in the musical tapestry that surrounds me and contributing to the rich harmonies of life.

What's your favourite thing about being a member of #connect?

I am thrilled to engage with fellow talented musicians, fostering collaboration and mutual reliance. However, beyond the joy of collective artistry, I find the deepest fulfillment in moments when I can simply sit back and immerse myself in a sound that extends far beyond my individual contribution.

What/who are your major musical influences?

I draw inspiration from Joe Hisaishi, Astor Piazzolla and my teacher, Kim Denis.

Beyond singing, do you have any other artistic interests or hobbies?

Despite my profound affection for singing, I harbor a deep passion for the piano, having initially pursued studies in the latter before transitioning to voice. Presently, I serve as a piano instructor, specializing in introductory piano lessons. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at abpainolessons@gmail.com. 

Additionally, he is acting as the Music Director for Trinity Lutheran Church. Aaron has strong ties to both the classical and contemporary music communities, and can often be found singing with and/or playing percussion for many choirs, theatre productions, orchestras, and jazz ensembles around the city.

What inspired you to pursue a career in choral singing, and how did your musical journey begin?

I joined my high school choir in grade 10 essentially as a fluke. By the next year, I had fully caught the choir bug and have been singing in too many choirs for my own good ever since. Before that, I've been playing drums in rock bands since the sixth grade and always had a career in music in the back of my mind, but diving into the choir world really cemented the idea.

What's your favourite thing about being a member of #connect?

I think this is my fourth or fifth time in #connect, so it's hard to keep track of how many times I've answered this question! At the risk of repeating myself, one of my easy answers is always singing exciting and interesting new repertoire!

What/who are your major musical influences?

What may be a cheesy answer, but so many of my friends and colleagues and from MacEwan, and from the professional music scene are the ones who most motivate me to keep getting better at what I do on a regular basis.

Beyond singing, do you have any other artistic interests or hobbies?

Aside from singing, I spend just about an equal amount of time as a freelance percussionist. Currently I play in two folk/rock bands, Payphones and Painted Animals. On the off chance I'm not doing music things, I do a bit of photography and videography work and concert recording, and my most recent fixation is slowly learning how to become a coffee snob....

Watch Anna and Aaron together with the Emerging Artists and Pro Coro Canada on January 28th in Heaven-Haven, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Betty Andrews Recital Hall - MacEwan University. In-person and livestream tickets are available at procoro.ca.