Recognized for his talents as a gifted, choral conductor, Professor Mark Vuorinen was awarded the prestigious Leslie Bell Prize on December 11, 2016. Vuorinen is Assistant Professor of Music at Grebel, where he oversees the choral program, conducts the University of Waterloo
Chamber Choir, and teaches courses in conducting. He is also artistic director of Kitchener-Waterloo’s Grand Philharmonic Choir, with whom he has conducted great choral-orchestral masterpieces, including Britten’s War Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Mozart’s Requiem, and the Bach Passions.
The jury was unanimous in their decision, praising Vuorinen as “an impressive musical communicator.” They said that he is “a strong leader supporting two very different choirs with excellent results,” and that he has “enhanced the presence of choral repertoire in Kitchener-Waterloo, both inside and outside of the concert hall.”
“I can’t imagine anyone more deserving of this award than Mark Vuorinen,” said Music Department Chair, Laura Gray. “Not only does Mark conduct with natural talent and great skill, leading his choirs to an impressive level of excellence, but he does so with such integrity, trust, and humility that his singers will happily follow where he leads. He is a truly inspiring
person to students, singers, colleagues and to the whole community.”
Beloved by his students and singers, Vuorinen encourages and challenges them. “I am inspired by Mark’s talent and look up to him as a conductor, a teacher, and a friend,” noted student Marie Koechl. “Mark is one of the best. His natural talent and hard work are evident in the way he so eloquently and effectively conducts, getting only the finest sounds from his choristers. I am always amazed at his humble confidence and vulnerable trust in his singers.”
