News

Pursuing Music’s Healing Effects

The Music program at Grebel and the University of Waterloo consistently appeals to students who are looking for a balanced and broad music education. When searching for a program that fit him best, student Tyler Reidy immediately felt comfortable when he arrived at Grebel for his pre-enrolment studio audition. “The faculty was incredibly welcoming, the students were encouraging and excited to get to know me during my audition process, and Grebel was small enough that I was immediately drawn to the community.” Tyler maintained a strong link to the department through all four years of his university career, and he is now set to graduate this spring with a Major in Music and an Intensive Music Specialization.

The Music Department wishes to express profound gratitude to two ensemble directors for their extraordinary work with Grebel choirs: Catherine Robertson (pictured at piano), who has directed the Chapel Choir since 2015, and Gerard Yun (pictured below), director of the University Choir since 2009.

The UW Department of Music welcomes Canadian conductor Liska Jetchick to conduct the University Choir for Spring term 2018.  Liska holds degrees from the University of Western Ontario and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ.  While at Westminster Liska was Assistant Graduate Conductor of the Westminster Symphonic Choir and Westminster Kantorei.  Closer to home Liska has been conductor of London’s Conspirato Chamber Singers. Welcome, Liska! 

Latvian Ēriks Ešenvalds is one of the most sought-after composers working today, with a busy commission schedule and performances of his music heard on every continent. Through a connection with Music Professor Mark Vuorinen, Ešenvalds offered a seminar and singers’ workshop in partnership with Grebel’s three choirs and the Grand Philharmonic Choir in February.