Accompanists

Judy Loewen, Accompanist

Sound Opportunity offers quality instruction in a friendly forum and Judy Loewen is the epitome of this statement. She is always professional and also demonstrates fun with a flare. She uses her musicality, education and experience thoughtfully. She is quick to discover the odd printing errors in published music so the choristers are able to hear the correct pitches even when they aren’t the ones written in front of us. Her ability to hear what’s required and to improvise the accompaniment according to those needs is a skill that is invaluable to a community choir. Her talent comes from years of dedicated focus and a broad outlook on the music world. Her Master of Music (harpsichord, University of Alberta), Bachelor of Music (piano performance, U of A) and her earlier A.R.C.T on piano performance might have much to do with that success, too.

We are honoured to have her services as an expressive accompanist and we count her among our dear friends. We believe that her many piano students, other choirs, and vocal and instrumental soloists are just as fortunate.


Ariane Lowery, Accompanist from 2017 to 2019

An active choral accompanist in the Edmonton area before, during and after her two seasons with Sound Opportunity, Ariane’s sensitive accompaniment and her clear voice were assets she willingly shared with the choir on our continual journey of learning.

Ariane Lowrey received her Master of Music degree in 2005 in piano performance. She has taught, adjudicated, performed, accompanied and collaborated in various arts endeavours. Her ever-present smile and her dedication to her craft are credits that will keep her on the stage and in our hearts for years.


Mathew Walton, Accompanist from 2016 to 2017

Dr. Mathew Walton joined Sound Opportunity as the accompanist for one season, with fingers flying over the keyboard in any piece we threw at him! He was a recent doctoral graduate at the time, a solo performer, a collaborative pianist and sessional lecturer at the University of Alberta. The singers in Sound Opportunity also appreciated his fashion style statements and welcomed him wholeheartedly.


Robert (Bob) Casgrain, Accompanist from 2005 to 2016

An integral part of the choir and its success, the title “Accompanist” just didn’t seem to do justice to the considerable talents which Bob brought to this group. In his role as Accompanist he often acted as a sectional leader, filled in for the Conductor when necessary, consistently set the tempo for many of the selections, and always enhanced the singing experiences with exquisite and supportive musicianship. Being with Sound Opportunity was just one of his many commitments as a vocal, instrumental and choral accompanist. He was also an instructor of piano.

Bob was an early winner of the prestigious Johann Strauss Foundation Scholarship. Sound Opportunity was blessed and is ever grateful to have him as our first Accompanist.