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UpBeat - September 2025
Mixed Chorus Alumni Association Newsletter
Dear alumnus,
Welcome to the latest edition of UpBeat, the Mixed Chorus Alumni Association (MCAA) Newsletter!
Inside, you'll find:
- A message from the UAMC with important news on staffing changes and details about upcoming auditions, the casino fundraiser, the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, and carolling.
- A message from new conductor, Andrew Bortz.
- An invitation to support the next generation of singers through the Mixed Chorus Endowment Fund.
- A list of other U of A events you might want to check out.
We always love to hear what our alumni are up to, and we encourage you to stay connected! Whether it's through social media, attending events, or just reaching out to share your news, we're always happy to hear from you. Reach us at chapters@ualberta.ca.
Warm regards,
Miriam Ayles, '12 BA
Soprano II (2007-2012)
Chair, MCAA Executive
Message from the UAMC
Hello Mixed Chorus Alumni,
We hope you are all as excited for the upcoming year as we are! Before we venture into our 82nd Season, we just had a few updates for you all.
First, we want to announce that Dr. Adam Robertson and Jessica Robertson have moved on to new endeavours this year, and we wish them all the best! If you’d like to stay in touch with Dr. Robertson’s work, be on the look out for performances by the All Points West Chamber Choir, the University of Alberta Madrigal Singers and Concert Choir, and his work with a variety of vocalists within the U of A Music Department.
With that said, we’d like to welcome our new lead Musical Director for the year, Andrew Bortz! Andrew is the director of the Edmonton Youth and Children's Choir, and is currently pursuing his DMus at the U of A. Our incoming accompanist will be Stephanie Urquhart, an MMus in Jazz piano performance, who has accompanied both choirs and theatre productions. Last but definitely not least, our Assistant Conductor is Yann McHaffie, a trained pianist and a current U of A MMus student in choral conducting! We are absolutely thrilled to have these three talented individuals on board, and are looking forward to working with them this year!
Here are some important Mixed Chorus activities taking place this fall:
- Mixed Chorus Auditions: will be held in the Convocation Hall Student Lounge from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 4th, 8th, and 10th. Sign up here
- Casino: will be on Nov. 11th & 12th. If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know at uamcadm@ualberta.ca
- Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols for Advent & Christmas: save the date for Dec. 1, 2025
- Carolling: for details on possible dates, repertoire, and venues, you can contact our special performance manager, Phoebe Oyetade, at poyetade@ualberta.ca
We are excited to invite you all back for this new season and look forward to connecting with each and every single one of you.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach us at uamcadm@ualberta.ca.
Warm regards,
Sophia Liendo
President, UAMC
Message from the Conductor
It is a privilege to join the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus as conductor this season. Over the past four years, I’ve had the opportunity to study and teach at the U of A while pursuing my doctoral degree in choral conducting, and I’ve come to deeply appreciate the university’s vibrant music community. The Mixed Chorus is such an important part of that community, and I’m honoured to now be part of its story.
In my career I’ve worked with choirs of many ages and levels, and the one constant is how music unites. The Mixed Chorus embodies this so well. For more than eighty years, it has brought together students from across disciplines to create music at a high level. That blend of artistry and community is what makes this ensemble so special, and I look forward to carrying its tradition forward with the singers of today.
I’m very excited for the year ahead, and I hope to see many of you at performances this season. Thank you for your continued support of the Mixed Chorus.
Andrew Bortz
Conductor, UAMC
For over 80 years, the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus has provided a community where students can find a sense of belonging and create lasting memories. Help us keep the tradition alive!
By contributing to the Mixed Chorus Endowment, you can ensure that the UAMC continues to "Ring out a Cheer!" for generations to come.
Know a fellow chorister who doesn’t receive the UpBeat newsletter or updates from the Mixed Chorus Alumni Association? Forward this email to them and encourage them to sign up!
Stay connected with the Mixed Chorus Alumni community on Facebook! Join us to keep up with the latest news, events and updates, and engage with fellow choristers. Like our page and join the conversation today!
Upcoming University Events
What Will Your Legacy Be?
Sept. 18 | 11:30 a.m. | Lister
Unlock the power of your giving! Join us for a light lunch to learn how thoughtful philanthropy can be a powerful part of your estate plan.
U of A Days Music Concert
Sept. 21 | 2 p.m. | Horowitz Theatre & Online
Join us to celebrate the Department of Music's 60th anniversary. All proceeds will go towards supporting students.
Pathways: Kurimoto Japanese Garden
Sept. 25 | 5 p.m. | U of A Botanic Garden
Experience an unforgettable evening of Japanese culture with taiko drummers, cultural displays, food, and a special project by artist and photographer Nozomi Kamei.
Studio Theatre
Various Dates | Timms Centre for the Arts
Season ticket packages and season memberships for the 2025-2026 Studio Theatre Season are now on sale! U of A alumni enjoy 15% off.
