Aeolian Singers Announce New Artistic Director
The Aeolian Singers Association is pleased to announce the appointment of new Artistic Director, Nova Scotian choral conductor, Heather Fraser. Ms. Fraser is only the fourth conductor to lead the women’s choir, which recently celebrated its 40thseason.
Aeolians’ President Anne Marie Coolen commented “We’re thrilled that Heather has agreed to join us and bring her expertise and musicianship to our singing. I know she will build on the great work that Janet Gaskin has done with us, and we feel confident that she is a wonderful successor to Janet, who we will greatly miss.”
Heather Fraser succeeds Janet Gaskin who led the choir for five seasons from 2010-2016. Other past directors include Jacqueline Chambers who led the choir for 20 years, and founding director, Claire Wall, Artistic Director from 1976-1990.
Nova Scotia native Heather Fraser has been increasingly gaining a reputation as “one to watch” in Canada’s choral community. She currently is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the award-winning Annapolis Valley Honour Choirs, regional auditioned choirs for Grades 5-12, as well as the Program Director of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation.
Heather received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Acadia University and a Bachelor of Education from McGill University in Music and Creative Arts. She has also participated in advanced conducting courses with the British Kodaly Academy, the Westminster Choir College Summer Conducting Institute and privately. An Apprentice Conductor of the National Youth Choir of Canada in 2010, she has worked as a collaborative pianist and was a member of the National Youth Choir of Canada. She has conducted Halifax’s All City Music Soundtrax choir and led the Halifax Youth Honour Choir as well as working as a clinician and presenters for the Perform! Artist in Residence Program throughout Nova Scotia.
Heather is excited to join the Aeolians as they move forward in their next forty years: “Forty years is such an achievement for any arts organization. I have long respected the dedication and history of this choir, and I am honoured to have been selected to lead them into their next phase of development. There are so many great women’s choirs in Canada, and the Aeolian Singers has a special place in the history of choral music in our province. I am so looking forward to our collaboration!”
The Aeolian Singers are champions of music for women, and over the years, they’ve commissioned many new works for the choir, including music by Canadian composers including Alasdair MacLean, Scott Macmillan, and Lydia Adams, as well as singer/songwriters such as Susan Crowe, Connie Kaldor and the late Raylene Rankin. The choir recently completed its 40th anniversary with yearlong celebrations including a women’s choral workshop with Kellie Walsh, a reunion event bringing together past and present members, a sold-out show with guest singer/songwriter Meaghan Smith, and a reprised production of their original show, Babes on Broadway.
During the 2016-17 season Ms. Fraser will be undertaking a self-directed intensive study period with top choral conductors in the US and Canada; the choir will be led by guest conductors for this season.
Experienced choral singers interested in joining the choir should contact the choir’s Assistant Conductor, Joanne Slack, at (902) 455-7520 or by email at mjslack@hfx.eastlink.ca to schedule an audition.