Joie de Vivre's Artistic Team
Dr. Stuart Sladden (D. Mus, M. Mus, B. Mus) Music Director Joie de Vivre choir welcomed Stuart Sladden as choir conductor in 2018 following his return to the Winnipeg music scene after some years in Edmonton, where he has completed a Doctor of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Alberta. He currently sings with the Winnipeg Singers, conducts the Bison Men’s Chorus, the Rochester Ringers, the Good Neighbours Choristers and the U of M Concert Choir, teaches at the Faculty of Music at University of Manitoba and at the International Music Camp, and is the Vice President of the Manitoba Choral Association. Stuart came to this city from Toronto to study for his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting at University of Manitoba. His undergraduate studies, from both Humber College and the University of Toronto, focused on vocal jazz. While in Edmonton for his studies, Stuart was also active as a musician with affiliations to the Richard Eaton Singers (Assistant Conductor), the Da Camera Singers (Assistant Conductor), and the Accord Ensemble (Artistic Director), along with singing occasionally with Pro Coro Canada. Stuart is also an active clinician and guest conductor across Canada, with guest appearances this season in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario, and had the privilege of being the Canadian representative adjudicator at a major music festival in Hong Kong this past May. Stuart is happy to be back in Winnipeg and is excited to be working with Joie de Vivre! |
Charmaine Bacon (M. Mus, B. Mus) Collaborative Pianist Originally from Russell, Manitoba, Charmaine is a classically trained pianist, organist, and flutist. She obtained her BMus and MMus degrees at the University of Manitoba and University of Toronto and studied at The Glenn Gould School. Charmaine is currently pianist for Margaret's Choir, Joie de Vivre, and the Winnipeg Jewish Chorus. She is a freelance organist in the city, and has previously held posts as music director and organist in Toronto and Winnipeg. Charmaine is a regular clinician in schools across the province, and enjoys working with students of all ages in her private studio in St. James-Assiniboia. Charmaine plays 1st Flute and Piccolo in the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble, and she directs and plays in the Wind Chamber Flute Orchestra. Visit Charmaine's website to learn more about her: http://charmainebacon.com/biography/ |
Elizabeth Sadler (B. Mus, AAA) Apprentice Conductor Elizabeth Sadler joined the Joie de Vivre choir as an assistant conductor in the fall of 2019. Before her recent education in choral conducting, Elizabeth trained as a jazz vocalist. She achieved her Bachelor of Jazz Studies from the Desautels Faculty of Music (Manitoba) in May 2020. She also holds an Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Professional Music from the School for Music Vocations (Creston, Iowa). Elizabeth enjoys performing locally in a variety of different ensembles within the jazz and contemporary realms of music. She is currently the lead vocalist for Flat Land Soul Band as well as Marlyborne. She is a very well rounded musician allowing her to work as a soloist, bandleader, composer/arranger and conductor. Through performing and teaching music, she strives to add momentum, excitement and growth to her life and the lives of others. When not doing music, she can be found exploring Winnipeg’s local cafes or spending time with family and friends. After her first year with Joie de Vivre choir, she is very encouraged to keep learning and growing her conducting skills within the choral community. Read more about Elizabeth and her musical projects here: https://news.umanitoba.ca/elizabeth-sadler/ |