St. Richard's Anglican Church

St. Richard's Anglican Church
"A Roof for All"
Musicians' Biographies

Garth Hampson - Baritone

A native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Dr. Hampson studied music at the Regina Conservatory of Music before beginning his 34 year career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He has been recognized for his untiring fundraising efforts with a multitude of charities, the most recent being an Honorary Doctorate from Laurentian University.

He and Eleanor have been married 49 years. They have two children, both police officers as well as five grandchildren.

Luba Sluzar Pope - Pianist

Luba Sluzar Pope has had a long and distinguished career as a soloist, teacher and concert organizer. Her degree in music from McGill University in Montreal follows on the heels of receiving first prize at the prestigious Conservatoire de Musique de la Province de Quebec and as a prelude to her studies in Austria. One of her major achievements was the 13 year run of Sunday concerts at the National Gallery in Ottawa where she featured major international performers.

Luba and Garth Hampson have recently undertaken tours to Alberta and Saskatchewan in aid of local charities. Luba is the recipient of the "Woman of Distinction Award" for Arts and Culture.

The Brothers Leong

In 2009 CMC National Finals, Kerson & Stanley won First Prize in Chamber Music (15 & under) as a Violin-Cello Duo - a milestone achievement for the Brothers. They also play with their Pianist Mom Tu Mach, as a Trio, in performances, community & charity events.

Kerson Leong - Violinist

Kerson is the First Prize winner in the Junior Category (under-16) at the prestigious Menuhin Competition Oslo 2010, receiving international recognition at age 13. At the Canadian Music Competition (CMC), he has captured the national Grand Prize for five years (2005-2009), each time with the highest overall score. He was recognized in the Galaxie Rising Star Program of CBC and was the youngest finalist in the 2006 nationwide CBC Mozart Variation Contest. In 2009, he came first in Ottawa Chamber Orchestra’s Concerto Competition.
He has performed with the Oslo Philharmonic (2010), the National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra (2008 NAC Gala) & the Orchestre de la Francophonie Canadienne (2009 CMC Gala). He has also appeared, as Guest-Soloist or Chamber-Musician, with the Via Salzburg Chamber Orchestra & I Musici de Montreal.
Kerson started violin at four and has been studying for the past six years with Serhii Vyhovskyi at Tutti Muzik. His other musical interests include conducting, chamber music & jazz on clarinet.

Stanley Leong - Cellist

Stanley has been a top-prize winner at the Canadian Music Competition (CMC) for the past seven years. In 2008, after winning First Prize in Strings, he made his Solo Debut at the 50th Anniversary CMC Gala with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Yoav Talmi.

In addition to being a featured soloist at the 2008 NAC Gala, he has performed several times with the National Arts Centre (NAC) Orchestra & with I Musicide Montreal. He has also appeared as guest-soloist at the HOMMAGE À OLIVIER MESSIAEN event organized by Carleton University & at the opening concert of the 2009 La Maison Trestler Summer Music Festival in Quebec. As a chamber musician, he has performed at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival & at Toronto’s Glenn Gould Studio.

Stanley studies cello currently with Paul Marleyn and previously with Anne Contant. His other musical interests span over chamber music, the trumpet, jazz piano & improvisation.

From the Roots

The concept of "From the Roots" is at the roots we are all joined and, like music, we can transcend all differences. From the Roots joins together secular and Christian music for the enjoyment of all. Its members come from various backgrounds in music.

Andre Gagnon (lead vocals) has composed Christian music for over a decade. He is the drummer and a guitarist for St. Richard’s Anglican Church and has played with a variety of cover bands as a drummer, guitarist and a lead singer. Andre’s wife Liz Gagnon (back vocalist) brings a lifetime of vocal experience singing in a family group as a youngster, school and church choirs and lending back and lead vocals to various bands. Craig Harrison (bass) and Wayne Miller (drums) have over 40 years experience together as studio and road musicians. Both have acted as mentors to younger musicians and are now enjoying a lighter approach to music as they provide experience and advice to their band members. Kacper Waclawski (keyboard) was born with a piano at his feet. At an age not quite 25, he is the founder of Russell Music Academy, the Music Director for St. Richard’s Anglican Church and Russell United Church. David DanDeno (lead Guitar), the youngest and newest member, is a talented guitar player enrolled in the music program at Carleton University and keeps up with the challenge laid down by his older, more seasoned counterparts. "From the Roots" played at charity events: United Way, PAWS for Life and St. Richard's New Year’s Eve Fundraisers.

Ottawa Christian Chorale

For over 24 years, The Ottawa Christian Chorale has presented sacred choral music to audiences in the Ottawa region and beyond. Past presentations include major works such as Mendelssohn's Elijah, Haydn's Creation, and Handel's Messiah and Israel in Egypt. It is an independent, interdenominational Christian choir of about 40 members.

For information, please call Len Winn at (613)830-0108 or email lenwinn@rogers.com. Visit our website at www.ottawachristianchorale.com

Tutti Muzik - Excellence Program Ensemble

The Tutti Muzik Excellence Program began Six years ago, when most of the performers were only five or six years old. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of their parents and coaches, they have made tremendous progress. They meet every Saturday for ensemble training on top of their regular private lessons.

The Excellence Program Ensemble has now become a showcase for the school and has been invited to perform at many high profile events, including the NAC Kindermusik series, as well as other fundraising and community events. They are directed by Tu Mach and coached by Olena Vyhovska and Serhii Vyhovskyi.

The St. Richard’s Music Ministry Team

The St. Richard's Music Ministry Team provides vocal and instrumental support for St. Richard’s Anglican Church Services and Celebrations throughout the year. It offers traditional and contemporary musical that supports and enhances the worship of the people gathered. From time to time it reaches beyond our church community and provides Christian music for the residents of the Peter Clark Long Term Care Home and the Seniors Group that meets at St. Maurice Roman Catholic Church.

The Music Ministry Team is led by its musical director, Kacper Waclawski, who brings youthful enthusiasm as well as unquestioned musical gifts. It is made up of volunteer choristers and instrumentalists of diverse ages and abilities. All members of the Team are members of the St. Richard’s community. Also joining the Team as guests are choristers from St. Paul's and St. Andrew's United Church in Russell and several vocalists from congregations participating on special occasions, such as funerals.

ON THE LIFE GIVING PATH

St. Richard’s is a welcoming, caring Christian community filled with warmth, vibrancy and a diversity of music and worship. We offer a variety of opportunities for spiritual learning, growth and service to others. Through active communication, we encourage all to use their gifts and talents to further serve the Lord. We respect our past and have confidence in our future, which we face with courage and a willingness to take risks. We recognize that our future is dependent upon youth coupled with the wisdom of experience.

Updated: May 20, 2010