News

The nominations for the 52nd Annual Juno Awards were announced this week, naming some of Canada’s top musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, and more. Included in the nominations is Mark Vuorinen, Associate Professor and Chair of Music at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo, along with The Elora Singers!  

As the Artistic Director and Conductor of The Elora Singers, Vuorinen and the choir have been nominated for a Juno Award in the category of Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) for their release of Radiant Dawn: Music for Advent and Christmas.

The “Lichti Voice Studies Scholarship Award” was graciously established by Daniel Lichti for vocal music students at Conrad Grebel University College.

Peace and Conflict Studies, with Music Minor 

“I love music. Creating music is a joyful experience for me, but it is also a meaningful connection point in my life,” shared Selah Woelk. She is a second-year student at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies with a minor in Music. Selah finds a sense of community in creating music with others and is part of various music groups such as the Grebel musical and UW choirs and ensembles.

Honours Arts French, with Music minor

Tessa is a second year Arts student specializing in French Teaching with a Music minor. She enjoys learning languages and her dream is to become a French immersion teacher. At the same time music has always been an integral part of her life, which she hopes to incorporate into her teaching. At Conrad Grebel University College she seized the opportunity to take part in various University of Waterloo Music courses, Voice Studio, Chamber Choir—both in-person and virtually—and is currently a member of the Chapel Choir.

Living in Village 1 in his first year, Christopher felt the walk to Grebel in the dead cold night of winter was daunting. Although, it was where he longed to be. Reflecting on that time, he wishes he would have taken that walk and got to the practice rooms more than he did to play his percussion instruments. However, this circumstance, among others, led Christopher to choose to live at Grebel for his second year.

Last month, the Theatre of the Arts at the University of Waterloo was brimming with thrumming beats, haunting voices, layered melodies, and a unique blend of electronic cello and traditional Indigenous music. As part of the Indigenous-Mennonite Encounters conference organized by Conrad Grebel University College, Indigenous and Mennonite musicians offered a concert that addressed relationships, beauty, nature, hope, and betrayal.

Are you passionate about classical music?  Enter the 2023 orchestra Concerto & Aria competition, which will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Conrad Grebel University College.

Congratulations to Jacquelyn Morley (Honours Music) on being this year’s recipient of the Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Music for the graduating class of 2020.

The University of Waterloo Music Department at Grebel was pleased to welcome small audiences back in person to enjoy end-of-term ensemble concerts this April. Also recorded for a broader audience, this treat for the ears showcased musical talent from the Chamber Choir, University Choir, Balinese Gamelan, Orchestra@UWaterloo, Jazz Ensemble, and small instrumental chamber ensembles. Participants include students from all faculties at UWaterloo, strengthening the connection between science, technology, engineering, math, and arts!

New this year is Spring term Jazz Ensemble!

See Jazz Ensemble page for details.  Students from all faculties welcome, including Grad students.  This ensemble is directed by Michael Wood, and will start with auditions on May 2nd.  There will be an end of term concert as well.