October 19, 2021

Dear Friends and Supporters of Pro Coro Canada,

I am sending you greetings from the other side of the country! I am currently working with choirs and choral leaders in St. John’s, NFL. My host is the renowned choir Lady Cove under the direction of Kellie Walsh, and we’ll be rehearsing and recording a new work by Canadian composer Andrew Staniland. I have also been invited to work with Projekt (dir. Amy Henderson) and Quintessential Vocal Ensemble (QVE, dir. Susan Quinn) in addition to presenting on several subjects about choral leadership, composition and pedagogy at MUN. What an amazing place I’ve found myself in thanks to choral music!

Pro Coro’s volunteers spent last Thursday and Friday at the Starlight Casino, working the AGLC fundraiser. Thanks to everyone who joined us on one, or both, of those days. We appreciate your support. One of the volunteers was one of our sopranos, Annette Martens. And we would like to continue our Singer Spotlight Series with her. Enjoy!

With my best wishes,

Michael Zaugg, Managing and Artistic Director

Singer Spotlight: Annette Martens

From childhood, a love of music and singing permeated Annette’s life.  From piano lessons, to family singing before bedtime, to accompanying singers and choirs, to harmonizing in youth worship band, to discovering the world of classical voice – music has always played a role in guiding her education, leisure time, and employment.  She found herself drawn into voice lessons through her high school choir experience and proceeded to study music at college and then university, eventually earning a B.Mus in voice performance from the U of A. 

Annette has been teaching voice lessons since 2005, singing with Pro Coro since 2011, and directing the seasonal choir at her church since 2013.  Thoughts of singing more are tempting, but music prep and practice is hard with children in the house!  Currently Annette devotes her time to homeschooling her two boys, exploring nature in and around the city, curling up with coffee and books, and sneaking in late-night conversations with her husband. 

1. What was the last TV show you watched?

Seinfeld – it seemed fitting this month as my husband and I celebrated our 15th anniversary, since we have watched it over and over since the beginning of our relationship.

2. What is one item that you can't spend a day without?

I’m not sure you’d call it an “item,” but – COFFEE.

3. Would you rather go to a beach or hiking?

Hiking – but through the forest, not on a cliff face!

4. Opera or Broadway?

At present I’d choose Broadway.

5. What is your favourite part of singing in Pro Coro?

When we sit down, open up a new score, and immediately make the music – when individual skill, trust in each other’s voices, and exceptional conducting all merge to create something brilliant – those are the moments that are immensely satisfying.

Are you, or do you know a student who loves choral music?

$39.00 CAD - Provides unlimited access to live-streamed 21.22 season concerts, and all content on ProCoro TV for the 21.22 season and three (3) in-person tickets for Pro Coro Experience live concerts.

Must present proof of enrolment at purchase.

For more information click here.

Join our Board of Directors!

Be part of the leadership of the nationally recognized, award-winning professional choir Pro Coro Canada!

Do you have professional expertise in Accounting, the Culture sector, the Virtual Performance Space or Risk Management? Are you committed to investing time and energy in governing a not-for-profit organization, and enjoy an open discourse to further a national music treasure?

Pro Coro Canada is looking for community-minded leaders to join its Board of Directors. The entire Board meets six to eight times per year, and board committees convene as necessary between board meetings. A board orientation session is held after the Annual General Meeting in late Fall.

Letters of interest can be directed to the Chair of the Board Development and Governance Committee via email.