
Reverberations
A Concert Series
Since her soloistic debut at age 11 as a featured artist with Symphony New Brunswick, Gwyneth has always known that music would be an integral part of her life. Gwyneth has enjoyed membership in several orchestras including the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and the New Brunswick Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, in 2013, she led the Long Island Youth Orchestra as Concert Master for their European tour in Ireland, Scotland, Iceland and France. While completing her masters at Memorial university on full scholarship, she won the use of the Heineke Fine Violin and Hill bow from 2013-2015 and won the 2013 Memorial University Concerto Competition. She was heavily involved with the MUN concert series, and worked closely with the Strong Harbour Strings Program, a non-profit music outreach program in St. John’s. Now in the process of completing her Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Toronto, fully funded by the Palmason Graduate Violin Fellowship, Gwyneth is preparing for upcoming concerts, and working on her thesis concerning outreach through the medium of chamber music. Gwyneth is the violinist in the recently formed Tannin Trio, based in Toronto, and is a regular freelance musician working in the GTA. She also runs her own private music studio, teaching violin and piano in Oakville.
Violin
Gwyneth Thomson
Gary Forbes is the Director of Music at St. Cuthbert's Anglican Church (Leaside), Collaborative Pianist to the Canadian Men's Chorus (Toronto), and serves as accompanist to the instrumental and vocal programs at Brock University (St. Catharines). Gary also runs a private piano studio based in Oakville, and is an active freelance collaborative pianist throughout Southern Ontario and the GTA. Previously engaged as Accompanist to the Mississauga Children's Choir, Director of Music at Grantham United Church, and Director of Music for a variety of independent theatre companies throughout the Niagara Region, Gary has also worked closely with various choirs including the Niagara Men's Chorus, Chorus Niagara (Adult and Children’s Choruses), Brock University Choruses, and Camerata Chorialis.
Piano
Gary Forbes
Jillian began studying cello and piano at the age of 7 in Saint John New Brunswick. During her high school years she was fortunate enough to play with Symphony New Brunswick, the P.E.I Symphony, and the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra. As an N.B.Y.O member she travelled to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall as well as Parma, Italy and Beijing, China to perform and record. Jill received a Bachelor’s degree in cello performance from the University of Western Ontario where she studied with Tom Wiebe. Since completing her degree she has pursued jazz studies at Humber College and extensive Suzuki Education training through the Royal Conservatory of Music. As a performer, Jillian loves to discover new music and has been fortunate to work alongside composers of contemporary music as a soloist and as a chamber musician. In addition to performing Jillian is an active session musician and educator.
Cello
Jillian Sauertig
Lawrence Shirkie is an established baritone on the Canadian stage, both in musical theatre and opera. A graduate of McGill with a Bachelor of Music in Voice and a Master’s Degree in Voice and Opera, Lawrence made his operatic debut in Hansel und Gretel with Opera McGill. In concert he has performed Handel’s Messiah with the Regina Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Choir, Mozart’s Coronation Mass for the inauguration of Archbishop of the Regina Diocese, and Dvorak’s Mass in D Major.
Baritone
Lawrence Shirke
Craig is a native of St. Catharines, Ontario where he still lives with his wife, Carrie and children Leo (7) and Nora (6).
He studied musical theatre at Sheridan College and is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto (2001).
Favourite roles include:
Billy Bigelow in Carousel (Mayfeild) Old Deuteronomy in CATS (Moonpath), as well as various productions with Victoria Playhouse Petrolia and Stirling Festival Theatre. Craig plays piano, guitar, harmonica, accordion and double bass and is lucky enough to play with his best friends in their band, "Red Birch."
Craig is the Operations Manager for the Oh Canada Eh Dinner Show in Niagara Falls, now in it's 25th year.
Vocalist / Comedian