Choral conductor and TWU professor Cathrie Yuen has a passion for building community through choral music.
This summer, Yuen and a group of faculty and alumni are starting a new initiative to bring greater opportunities for emerging conductors and musicians to develop their skills.
In partnership with TWU’s School of the Arts, Music + Culture, Yuen is spearheading a new 16-member, advanced-level chamber choir, the Inspiro Singers. Their inaugural concert, First Breath, takes place on Saturday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church. Ticket are available for purchase online.
Most excitingly, the Inspiro Singers are part of a broader initiative at TWU: the launch of the Centre for Conducting Excellence (CCE) and its vision for community outreach through choral music and hands-on training.
"Our goal is to nurture both musical excellence and
future leadership in the choral arts."
Introducing the Centre for Conducting Excellence
Directed by Dr. David Squires, interim dean and professor of Music, the CCE will provide apprenticing conductors with greater opportunities to practice their craft, while opening doors for local students, teachers, and musicians to explore their passion for music and conducting.
“We aim to support emerging and established conductors through podium time, mentorship, and collaboration with skilled singers through the CCE,” said Yuen, who is also chair of TWU’s Music Department.
“Our goal is to nurture both musical excellence and future leadership in the choral arts,” she added.
"Through the CCE, we’re offering high-quality educational opportunities that extend beyond our undergraduate curriculum to enrich the music-making experience and foster a vibrant culture of musical excellence throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond.”
Joining Dr. David Squires and Prof. Cathrie Yuen in launching the CCE are TWU faculty members Dr. Benjamin Ewert, Prof. Carmen Hollett, and Prof. Robert Workman. Together, they plan to host local concerts, offer workshops for high schools and teachers, and run conductors’ clinics—welcoming singers and educators to collaborate, develop skills, and share in the joy of creating choral music.
Inaugural concert to engage the community
The Inspiro Singers’ concert this summer represents the CCE’s commitment to community engagement. The ensemble includes faculty, alumni, and professional singers from across the Lower Mainland, under the direction of Yuen.
The July 5 concert will also feature the talents of apprentice conductor and TWU student Shana Pierce. The program includes works by Jake Runestad, Gabriel Fauré, Sydney Guillaume, Montreal-based composer Wei Cui, and a newly revised piece by composer and TWU faculty member David Squires. Squires will also speak at the event to share more about the vision of the CCE.
Supporting local music community
TWU alumni are invited to participate in the CCE through continuing education and opportunities to help foster a vibrant local music community.
Yuen, too, is a TWU graduate. After earning her music degree at TWU and a graduate degree in choral conducting from UBC, she went on to become associate conductor of the Vancouver Bach Symphonic Choir, conductor of the Cantabile Choir, artistic director of the Gloria Dei Chorale, and artistic director of the MGV Lyra men’s choir. Her choral career has taken her on international tours to cities including London, Dublin, and New York’s Carnegie Hall. Recognized for her talent, she was selected as a conducting fellow for the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s Conducting Symposium and was a finalist at the 2019 World Choral Conducting Competition. She regularly leads musical workshops, clinics in schools, and adjudicates at choral competitions. At Trinity Western, Yuen teaches courses in choral music and conducting.
Led by Yuen, the Inspiro Singers look forward to welcoming audiences to their inaugural concert, First Breath, on July 5—a delightful evening of music and community connection.
About TWU's School of the Arts, Media, and Culture
Immerse yourself in what you love best, whether it’s visual or performing arts, media, or communication. Grow with others who are just as passionate and exceptional as you. That’s the beauty of learning in community. You’ll find your people here. Learn more at TWU’s School of the Arts, Music + Culture.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.