Artistic + Admin Team

Leslie Dala

Music Director, Adult Choirs

Now in his fourteenth season as the Music Director of the Vancouver Bach Choir, Leslie is also the Associate Conductor and Chorus Director of Vancouver Opera, and the Music Director Emeritus of the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. He has conducted in France, Italy, Ireland, the Czech Republic, China, Taiwan, and at Carnegie Hall. Leslie was Music Director of the Prince George Symphony for eight years and he has worked at the Banff Centre for the Arts, the Canadian Opera Company, the Santa Fe Opera, l’Opera National du Rhin, Edmonton Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria and Saskatoon Opera. He is also a frequent guest conductor with the UBC Opera Ensemble, the COSI Program in Sulmona Italy and Soundstreams Canada.  

Highlights of his many seasons with the Vancouver Bach Choir include the Canadian premiere of John Adams’ El Nino, Bach’s B Minor Mass and St. Matthew’s Passion, Berlioz’ The Damnation of Faust, the world premiere of Brian Current’s The River of Light, Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, Rachmaninoff’s The Bells, Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony, and Verdi’s Requiem.    

This season he has led Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Haydn’s Nelson Mass, and will lead Bach St John’s Passion with the VBC, The Nutcracker with GOH Ballet and Bizet’s Carmen with Vancouver Opera. Leslie’s recording of the complete piano etudes of Philip Glass was selected by CBC radio as one of the top 21 recordings of 2021.   

Connect with Maestro Dala at www.lesliedala.com

Find him on Instagram

Marisa Gaetanne

Music Director, Children’s Choirs

Having worked with the VBCC since 1988 under the mentorship of Bruce Pullan, Ms. Gaetanne took over as Music Director of the Vancouver Bach Children’s Chorus family of choirs in 2009. With over 20 years of experience working with the younger levels, Ms. Gaetanne is committed to bringing the discipline, art and joy of singing and musicianship to the children she works with. Her “beautiful lyric coloratura voice” and vivacious personality have shaped her career to include an artistic blend of international solo appearances, chamber music and choral conducting. Winner of the Metropolitan Opera Auditions (Northwest) and prizewinner in the prestigious Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition, Ms Gaetanne has sung as a soloist in opera, oratorio and recital in Europe, Canada and the U.S.A.  Her vocal studies have taken her to New York, London, and Florence where she also completed a Degree in Italian literature and history. She completed a M.Mus. in Voice from the UBC School of Music, where she has been a member of the Voice Faculty since 1989. Her students perform in opera houses and choirs around the globe. Ms Gaetanne studied Orff & Kodaly pedagogies and Early Childhood Music Ed at York University and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She was the youngest ever member of the Vancouver Chamber Choir.  Ms. Gaetanne also runs the popular summer Music Theatre program, ChoralStage, annually in July.  Choral singing and working with young children are close to her heart; she has a profound respect for their talent and diverse natures.  ‘Ms. G’ loves to craft curriculum that furthers the musical and vocal development of these fine young singers. She also works to foster the personal and social growth of her students by creating a rehearsal atmosphere that promotes self-esteem, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment and pride. She is known throughout the community for her enlightened enthusiasm in her work with children and her love for both the music and the children is infectious. For Ms Gaetanne’s Full BIO and information on her professional development, please visit her website.

Cathrie Yuen

Associate Conductor of VBC and Conductor of Cantabile

Cathrie Yuen is a Vancouver based choral conductor who serves as the the Associate Conductor of Vancouver Bach Symphonic Choir, Conductor of Cantabile Choir, Chair of Music at the Trinity Western University music department, Artistic Director of Gloria Dei Chorale, and the Artistic Director of the MGV Lyra men’s choir.

As both an artist and educator, Cathrie deeply believes in the importance of music education. When working with a choir or teaching a class, Cathrie aims to build communities where singers support each other. When moving forward as a team, nobody gets left behind. In order to foster learning, Cathrie believes in the importance of creating a safe environment for singers to make mistakes, so that the choir can acknowledge mistakes and learn from them together

Furthermore, she is an active clinician and adjudicator for high school and community choirs. She frequently conducts workshops, clinics and festivals in the Greater Vancouver region. She also participated as a guest speaker at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, and the Canadian Chamber Choir. She was selected as a Conducting Fellow for the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s Conducting Symposium and was also among the finalists at the 2019 World Choral Conducting Competition.

Cathrie holds a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of British Columbia and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Trinity Western University. She has prepared major choral works such as Bach’s St. John Passion, Mozart’s Requiem, and Orff’s Carmina Burana in collaboration with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Opera Orchestra.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Cathrie began her music education at a young age as a percussionist and singer, and has developed into a passionate advocate for cultural diversity in music. She remains active in Hong Kong, touring frequently to Asia with various choirs and giving workshops in the region. Additionally, Cathrie has toured throughout major cities such as London, Dublin and at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York.

Catherine Campolin

Conductor, Piccolo and Partita Choirs

Ms. Catherine Campolin joined the Vancouver Bach Children’s Chorus’ artistic team in 2011.  Like many musicians, her musical beginnings started in choirs in elementary and high school.  She went on to sing with the Gallery Choir of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto. Other musical training includes the BCCF’s conducting workshop Da Capo, Vancouver Opera’s Young Artist Coaching Intensive, Opera NUOVA, the St. Andrew’s Arts Council Opera Workshop in New Brunswick, the Summer Vocal Academy of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and Toronto Opera Repertoire.  Ms Campolin holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Vancouver Academy of Music.

Trained as an operatic soprano, she is passionate about sharing the art of singing with young people.  For over 15 years, she has conducted children’s choirs in public schools across the city.  In the fall of 2022, she became the Choral Program Director for the Vancouver Extracurricular Music Society (VEMS).  The goal is to bring live music making, the love of singing and choir into public schools.

Along with her busy teaching schedule, Ms. Campolin is also an active performer.  She has performed with opera companies and choirs in Toronto, Edmonton, Victoria and Vancouver. In particular, she debuted and recorded the role of The Woman in Modern Baroque Opera’s production of Powers of Two by local composer Barry Truax.  She currently sings with the Phoenix Chamber Choir and is the resident soloist for the First Church of Christ Scientist in West Vancouver.

Shane Raman

Conductor, ChorusCor and Sarabande

Shane Raman is a Leo Award winning baritone, choral conductor, composer and music educator in Vancouver, British Columbia. He wrote the score for the dramatic musical short film, Looking Back which premiered at the 2021 Vancouver Short Film Festival and garnered a Leo Award for his musical composition.

Through Shane’s work as a Voice Teacher and Choral Conductor at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, The Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs, ChorusCor and Sarabande, Shane is enjoying new opportunities to speak about diversity and inclusion, focusing on classical choral music culture. He is excited to participate in ongoing discussions around diversity and inclusion in choral practice, and overall vocal culture.

Writing and creating music is a growing artery of Shane’s career. His arrangements and original compositions have been performed by many choirs, both locally and internationally.  You can find Shane’s original compositions and more information at www.shaneraman.ca

After earning a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from The University of British Columbia, Shane was a member of the Juno- nominated professional vocal ensemble, musica intima, for ten seasons. He has performed with Cor Flammae, Vancouver Cantata Singers, Vancouver Opera, and the Vancouver Peace Choir.

Rachel Suzanne

VBCC Trainee Conductor, Rehearsal Assistant, Director of Piccolini Choir

Rachel Suzanne is a born Vancouverite. She obtained her Master of Music in Opera Performance from the University of British Columbia, where she studied with Marisa Gaetanne. She holds a Diploma of Music and Conducting Certificate from Capilano University; a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University, graduating with distinction under tutelage of Canadian soprano Sally Dibblee; and was an inaugural student of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music (VSOSoM) Performance Preparatory Programme, studying with Diane King.

Rachel’s career as a music educator began in 2015. She is a multidisciplinary teacher with an aptitude for early years music education. Her roles within the VBC organisation include VBCC Trainee Conductor, Rehearsal Assistant, and director of the VBC’s youngest choir, the Piccolinis. Rachel teaches in her own private studio, as well as through the VSOSoM. Believing that music is a life skill with the power to spark confidence, creativity, and community in students of all ages, Rachel fuels her student’s passion for music while teaching the skills and techniques required to achieve their individual goals.

In addition to her busy teaching profession, Rachel is an accomplished performer in concert, recital, and on the opera stage. Celebrated for her coloratura, Rachel has been a featured soloist for many symphonic works, including Orff’s Carmina Burana, Bach’s Weihnachtsoratorium, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, and Handel’s Messiah. Operatic performances include Mary Crawford in Mansfield Park, Gianetta in The Gondoliers, The Brothel Keeper in Shadow Catch, and Frau Fluth in Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor. Rachel sings with local independent opera companies, and has performed alongside the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for multiple of their Traditional Christmas Concerts.

Stephen Smith

Pianist: Symphonic Choir

Stephen Smith grew up in rural Nova Scotia, where he sang and played the piano from an early age. After initial studies in his home province in both piano and organ, he attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. While there he participated in national and international competitions, and won numerous awards and distinctions. Since 1990 Stephen has lived in Vancouver, obtaining his doctoral degree in piano performance from the University of British Columbia as a student of Jane Coop, and contributing to the musical life of the city, with a focus on its many fine choirs. Stephen was Assistant Conductor of the Bach Choir from 2000 until 2010, when he took over the position of rehearsal pianist — a position he has also occupied with Vancouver’s renowned treble voice choir, Elektra, since 2001, and with Canada’s premiere gay choir, the Vancouver Men’s Chorus, since 1991. Stephen’s work as a choral accompanist is well represented on commercial recordings, and his compositions and arrangements are available from several well-known publishers.

Shifra Day

Pianist: Sarabande

Shifra Day is an active collaborative pianist, violist and teacher in metro Vancouver. Freelance performance work includes: chamber music (Khimera Trio, Cello-Piano duo, Beledrone Ensemble), orchestral violist (Vancouver Island Symphony, Lions Gate Sinfonia, Kamloops Symphony, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra), collaborative piano (string and vocal studios at VAM, BCCM, UBC, and private studios around the lower mainland) and choral (Jubilate Vocal Ensemble, Frontline Voices). She has also been seen on TV as a violist at the JUNO Awards for Lights’ performance of “Giants” (2018), and in the orchestra for the Michael Bublé Christmas Special (2013). Shifra is thrilled to continue to be the collaborative pianist for the Vancouver Bach Choir’s Sarabande.

As a member of BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association, and with over 15 years of teaching experience, Shifra enjoys teaching motivated students of all levels. A positive, organized, goal-oriented, and encouraging teacher, she believes in developing strong technical freedom as well as a musical and theoretical understanding and appreciation. Her students have performed well and received high marks in RCM exams and at music festivals. Shifra has also worked as an adjudicator at the BC Conservatory of Music Festival.

Before returning to her west coast roots, Shifra took graduate studies with André Laplante in Montreal (2011-2013), and completed her Masters (UOttawa, 2011) and Bachelor of Music (UVic, 2009) in piano performance with secondary studies in viola. During her Masters at the University of Ottawa, she taught the Piano Proficiency course there, and was also on staff as an accompanist for the woodwind department. Other achievements include live performances on Quebec radio, third prize in the Knigge national piano competition, and being published in the Canadian Music Educator.

Kin Ming Wong

Pianist: Toccata, Chorale, Chorus and Cantabile

Pianist Kin Ming Wong is one of Vancouver’s most sought-after musicians and educators, known for his versatility in teaching, performing, adjudicating, and collaborative piano. He has over thirty years of experience teaching private piano lessons: working with students ranging from beginners to diploma level.

His collaborative work spans a wide range of genres.  He has been a pianist for the UBC Opera Ensemble, BC Youth Choir, University Singers and the BCCF’s Choral Stage under the direction of Marisa Gaetanne.  He also plays for the choirs at West Point Grey Academy under the direction of Eve Markart.

Mr. Wong completed his musical studies with Rebecca Kelly and David Vandereyk, later studying with renowned musicians Jane Coop, Alexander Korsantia, Edward Parker, Dr. Jamie Syer, and Bruce Vogt. He holds a BMus in Piano Performance from the University of British Columbia and a MMus in Piano Performance from the University of Victoria. Additionally, he holds performance diplomas from the London College of Music (LLCM, FLCM) and both ARCT Piano Performer and Teacher diplomas from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

A dedicated educator, Mr. Wong was a faculty member at the Vancouver Academy of Music for ten years, and maintains a busy private studio in Vancouver, where he inspires students to reach their full musical potential.

Aslan Aslanov

Pianist: West Side Piccolo and TTBB Choir

Aslan Aslanov is an energetic performer, who is forever seeking to grow, evolve, and expand his vibrant creativity across his personal and professional life. Born into a snowy Siberian village, Aslan Aslanov, whose Azeri parents moved to Russia in 1991, discovered a keen passion for music when he took his first piano lesson at the age of 6. Three years after this musical origination, Aslan became the 3rd prize winner in a provincial competition in Tyumen. When his parents decided to return to Azerbaijan, Aslan, determined to further develop his artistic talent, was accepted into the “Special Music School” for talented kids in Baku under the instruction of Dilara Mirzakuliyeva. Baku provided Aslan a wealth of musical opportunities, whether that be making his orchestral debut in 2009 with the Academic Symphonic Orchestra of Azerbaijan, winning 2nd prize for the national music competition of Azerbaijan in 2010, or successfully performing in festivals all over the country. In 2011, Aslan began his undergraduate studies in Baku, expanding his competitive education internationally in music festivals across Ukraine, Poland, Italy, Finland, Greece, and Russia. Being infected with a passion to learn and grow as a musician, Aslan was accepted with a scholarship into the Vancouver Academy of Music, successfully completing the Artist Diploma Program under the direction of Amanda Chan. In 2019, aside from winning provincial and local competitions, where he was granted the honour to represent BC in the Canadian National Music Competition, winning 2nd place respectively, Aslan made his debut in Carnegie Hall where he performed with the winners of the “Pacific Rim” International Pianists competition. Aslan continues to study with Amanda Chan as he completes his master’s degree at the UBC school of Music under a scholarship. With the ultimate artistic objective to connect others, whether that be through live performance or teaching, to the transcendent power of music, Aslan continues to seek creative spaces to explore his artistry and share his craft professionally.

Jeon Mok

Pianist: Partita

Jeon is a highly acclaimed piano accompanist with extensive experience, currently collaborating with nearly a dozen choirs of different levels, ranging from community to university.

Gillian Hunter-Gibbs

Executive Director

Gillian Hunter-Gibbs brings the highest levels of training, experience, creative professionalism and a love of children and community engagement to her role as Executive Director of the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs. A proud alumna of the Vancouver Bach Children’s Choirs, Gillian spent many years of her childhood and early adulthood in the VBC Family. Gillian holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia, as well as a Masters of Philosophy in Music Education Research from the University of Cambridge.

Anna Bigland-Pritchard

Marketing Manager

Anna Bigland-Pritchard (she/they) brings her passion for connection and joy to her role as Marketing Manager at Vancouver Bach Choirs. Anna is a communications professional, singer-actor, music director, and voice teacher. Through each of the roles in her life, she pairs big ideas with creative execution.

Sabrielle McCurdy-Foreman

Operations Coordinator

Sabrielle (she/her) brings a background in early childhood music education, expertise in nonprofit management and event production, and a passion for music and choral excellence to her role as Operations Coordinator with the Vancouver Bach Choir. A graduate of Capilano University’s Arts and Entertainment Management program, Sabrielle has a growth mindset and believes that arts are the heartbeat of community. She loves working with passionate arts organizations to help them reach their full potential!

Carol Chan

Office and Systems Administrator

Carol’s unwavering dedication to her craft and her commitment to using music as a tool for connection and healing have left an indelible mark on every community she has touched. Now, as she transitions to her role with the Vancouver Bach Choir, she envisions a future where her administrative prowess and passion for choral music converge to elevate the organization to new heights.