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Lead singer and performer, Yuri Pool, began his epic musical journey as a little boy in Holland, listening to his dad’s treasured Beatles and Wings records and subsequently requesting a guitar for his 11thbirthday. Completely self-taught, Yuri made his professional musical debut in the UK, when he was cast in a major theatrical Beatles music production that toured the world, which allowed him to learn, experience, and perfect the nuances of Paul McCartney’s legendary music and performance style. After migrating to Canada in 2007, Yuri embarked as an entrepreneur – he single-handedly developed The McCartney Years into a period-true, technically stunning, and sonically explosive production. Whether he’s playing the iconic 1960’s Höfner bass or emulating the same wardrobe from the “Wings over America” mid-70s tour, Yuri is true to Sir Paul’s vocal stylings and presentation showcased in tracks like ‘Live and Let Die’, ‘Let it Be’, ‘The Long and Winding Road’ and ‘Jet’. His commitment to 100% live and accurate reproductions of McCartney’s concert experience and his tireless, passionate work creating and expanding TMY has received accolades from Wings guitarist, Denny Laine, and was famously praised by Beatles promoter, Sid Bernstein, as “the best on the scene today…” Yuri continues to dedicate all his work and time solely to TMY – meticulously studying the detailed essence of Paul’s legacy and the journey that resulted in the brilliance of Rockshow, which has set a new and undeniable precedence for all the other tribute-and-beyond bands of today.

Pride Men’s Chorus London creates experiences through choral music that promotes community, diversity, inclusivity and excellence. The chorus is open to all men regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. With the goal of combatting stereotypes and perceptions, we challenge the heteronormative worldview by inspiring our audience, the LGBT2Q communities and our broader community through advocacy and music. We celebrate victories won, we mourn lives lost, we find unconditional acceptance, and we celebrate all life in harmony, through our songs.

El Sistema Aeolian is a free, intensive after-school music program based on a program founded in Venezuela in 1975. Each El Sistema program is free to adapt its delivery in a way that is unique to its community, resources and participants. The initiative has grown to include programs in over 80 countries and has won TED, UNESCO and Glenn Gould Awards.

The Aeolian Hall Musical Arts Association launched El Sistema Aeolian in November of 2011, serving 20 children in the pilot project. In its early days youth from the Old East Village Community and in particular Lorne Avenue Public School were first offered the opportunity to participate in this program but it has now expanded to include participants from different areas, groups, and organizations throughout our City of London. There are now 130 spots offered in the program for the 2022-2023 academic year.

The Aeolian’s El Sistema is the 4th launched in Canada, is supported by a gifted group of musicians, educators, students, interested community members and the Staff/Directors of the Aeolian and it is built on a set of values and principles and not a homogenized curriculum. On April 2015 The Mayor of the City of London gave El Sistema Aeolian a Pillar Award in recognition for its outstanding community impact.  The program has also won a Jack Richardson Music Award in the Classical Category.  Participants have performed in the JUNO’s and had mentorship with Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Clark ’s performance career has taken him to Europe , Mexico the United States and throughout Canada . He has done performances for CBC radio and television including a broadcast recital in 2002 at the Glenn Gould Studio, CBC. He has adjudicated music festivals from St. John’s to Vancouver.  Mr. Bryan has done extensive music editing including the New Millennium Piano Series for Conservatory Canada.  A recent project of note is a book entitled:  “Gateways to Learning and Memory” published in 2009.

Mr. Bryan has recorded eleven albums of solo piano music including two Canadian Music Centre (CMC) award nominated CD’s of the piano works of the Canadian Composer Rémi Bouchard. He has also recorded the Suites for two pianos by Serge Rachmaninoff with duo partner Marion Miller to rave revues.  His most recent recordings include the complete Chopin Nocturnes.

Mr. Bryan received the “Special Teacher” award 2004 given by the London Branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teacher’s Association and has been nominated three times for a Jack Richardson music award.  He has done workshops for piano teachers and musicians throughout Canada.  January 2005, Mr. Bryan was named Musical Personality of the Year by the London Free Press.  Mr. Bryan is current the President of the London Branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association.

Isaac Lee completed his masters degree in instrumental performance at the University of Toronto where he studied cello under the direction of Professor Shauna Rolston. Previously, Isaac completed his undergraduate studies in cello performance at the University of Western Ontario. During his undergraduate work, Isaac received the Gordon Jeffery Endowment Strings and Chamber Music Continuing Awards, and the Willena Evans Award in Music. 

Isaac has performed regularly with Western Orchestra, Western Opera, Early Music Studio, Contemporary Music Studio, and Western Chamber Ensemble. In 2018, he was assigned a principal position at UWOSO, and was a featured soloist in William Tell Overture. Isaac has also performed regularly in the community as a soloist, and a chamber musician. Isaac has enjoyed collaborating with many different musicians throughout his studies, most notably with Elissa Lee from Ensemble Made in Canada. They performed at a student collaboration concert, where they played Sonata for Violin and Cello, 3rd movement, by Ravel. Isaac has worked as a freelance cellist in southern Ontario, performing for theatre companies and weddings. Isaac also performed with University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra and was assigned a principal position at UTSO and University of Toronto Opera. In his spare time, Isaac enjoys playing cello, video games, and spending time with his friends. 

Lesley Andrew has made soloist appearances with many of Canada’s finest orchestras and choirs.  Known for her extraordinary vocal range and versatility in many genres of music, Ms. Andrew often “switches hats,” performing as the soprano soloist for one engagement and as the alto soloist for the next – from opera to show tunes, oratorio to jazz. Immediately following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Ms. Andrew began an extended tenure with the Stratford Festival, performing in productions including The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, Twelfth Night, Cyrano De Bergerac, Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Music Man and Patience.

Ms. Andrew has completed a number of major concert and recital tours, including Argentina (2005), England/Austria/Germany (1989/1990 – Canadian Concert & Jazz Band), the 1999 World Tour aboard the QE II, two USA tours (2002/2003-California/Arizona/Florida/Texas) and a Canadian tour with The Lesley Andrew Trio (2004-Vancouver/Manitoba/Ontario). A recipient of many awards, including a Canadian Opera Company Scholarship, and the Maureen Forrester Guthrie Award (The Stratford Festival), Ms. Andrew now adjudicates and conducts masterclasses at festivals, universities and schools of music and drama around the world.  While living in Stratford, Ms. Andrew was twice nominated as Stratford’s  “Citizen of the Year.”

Ms. Andrew has made special guest television appearances on The Tonight Show, Oprah Winfrey, To Tell the Truth, Donny & Marie, The Comedy Network, YTV, Regis & Kathy Lee and many more.  A popular motivational speaker, Ms. Andrew is engaged across Canada by Educators, Universities, Corporations, Service Clubs and Student Organizations. Ms. Andrew’s professional activities have included teaching and stage directing appointments at Wilfrid Laurier University (Opera), as well as the Universities of Windsor (Vocal Pedagogy, Studio Voice; Faculty of Music, and The Creative Process; School of Dramatic Arts) and Western Ontario (Studio Voice, Opera – director, Shakespearean drama).

In 2019 a relatively unknown song writer named Aaron Allen burst onto the Canadian Country scene with his first single "Where Music Comes From".  Although he had been writing and playing for close to 20 years he seemed to appear out of the blue and immediately started turning heads.  Aaron caught the attention of Apple Music Curator George Maniatis and with the support from Apple, Allen’s EP Highway Mile has amassed over 4 million streams to date.  If you ask Allen he will credit his partnership with multi award winning Producer Jeff "Diesel" Dalziel as the defining turning point in his career.  Together they have created a sound easily recognizable to their listener.  They bond over artist such as Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen and the idea that an honest, timeless approach to music and song writing is evident in everything they release.

Bryan Gloyd’s musical career has many facets including working as a church musician, recording artist and jazz pianist. Bryan has accompanied many local musicians and organized jazz programming at The Aeolian. He has also accompanied two-time Grammy Winner Matt Alber, the legendary songwriter Marc Jordan and the Canadian National Jazz Award Winner Denzal Sinclaire.

As Curator, Jazz Programming at the Aeolian, Bryan takes an avid interest in researching current and emerging artists and being part of jazz events at the Aeolian. Bryan is also a passionate volunteer who has lends a hand across a variety of portfolios in the life of the venue and its programs.

Never not busy, Bryan is also an accomplished organist and knows his way around the kitchen. When he is not performing, rehearsing, working of volunteering, Bryan is known to enjoy the few minutes he has enjoying the garden, exercising or playing with his grandchildren.

Kathleen began her studies of the harp with Nora Bumanis, harpist of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and completed her music degree with a focus on harp performance at McGill University, studying under Jennifer Swartz, of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. She has also taken lessons with highly respected performers Judy Loman and Lori Gemmell.

Beyond her university training, she has over 20 years of experience as a freelance harpist, contributing to the vibrant musical communities of southwestern Ontario, through performances in orchestral settings, chamber music, church music, musical theatre productions, and accompaniment of vocalists and choral ensembles. Kathleen has a special love for choral and vocal accompaniment, and performs regularly with choirs in London Ontario and surrounding centres. She has collaborated with dozens of choral groups over the course of her career, including Amabile choirs, Chor Amica, Fanshawe Chorus London, Karen Schuessler Singers, choirs associated with Western University, and many church choirs.

Outside of her performance and teaching work, she enjoys helping musicians prevent and overcome playing related injuries, and assists other individuals regaining functional skills, in the context of her work as an occupational therapist.

Rick has been working as an independent music & theatre professional in various capacities since proudly graduating with his BFA from the University of Windsor’s, School of Dramatic Art. Rick received his Masters degree from UWO’s, Don Wright Faculty of Music in Literature & Performance with a focus in Music Theatre. He is a member in good standing of Canadian Actor’s Equity Association (CAEA). In 2020 Rick was nominated 2020 Jazz Vocalist of this year – the same award he  received in 2019 (Jazz Vocalist of the Year Award) through the Forest City London Music Awards (FCLMA). Several projects he’s led have received Brickenden Awards – Vigil, Saucy Jack & The Space Vixens & The Secret Garden. Fringe Festival Awards include JUDY: Stonewalled!, Saucy Jack & The Space Vixens. He is also a proud LAC Community Investment Grant Investment recipient. He has worked as an artistic director, producer, director, actor, singer, voice teacher/coach, acting teacher/coach & workshop leader. Scroll down for full list of awards below…

He served as Artistic Director at The Port Stanley Festival Theatre in Port Stanley, ON, and at The Bluewater Summer Playhouse in Kincardine, ON. Rick created the professionally engaging (CAEA) theatre company in London, ON, a missing link theatre company (amltc). In its two seasons amltc staged JUDY: Stonewalled! (Outstanding Cast Award – London Fringe 2014), Billy Bishop Goes To War, A Really RETRO Christmas Special – 2014, 2013 & 2012, VIGIL (2013 Brickenden Award Winner – Outstanding Comedy & Actress), The World Premiere Production of  Norm Foster’s The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby & A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline.

Rick is the Artistic Director of LINK theatre which began in December of 2015 with a really Retro CROONER Christmas. The show has become an annual production. Since 2015 the show toured the Province of Ontario. The Crooners visited Huron Country Playhouse, Drayton Festival Theatre, Meaford Performing Arts, to name a few… In 2020, due to Covid, the show had only two live performances at Paradigm Spirits at 100 Kellogg Lane – a stripped down version of the show called, An Intimate Crooner Christmas. In 2021 the show enjoyed a limited tour. (Check out LINK theatre’s page for information – www.linktheatre.ca). In 2017 LINK staged the OUTRAGEOUS musical comedy Saucy Jack & The Space Vixens. Due to being wildly popular with audiences, it was remounted in 2018… Both productions were presented in The TABU Lounge at Jack’s on Richmond Street in London.

Some favourite acting credits include: Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens, JUDY: Stonewalled!, The Rocky Horror Show, Songs From The Bar… and one more for the road , My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, The Wild Guys, Toronto, Mississippi and Side By Side By Sondheim.

Some favourite directing credits include: The Secret Garden: A Musical, JUDY: Stonewalled!, Billy Bishop Goes To War, Vigil, the World Premiere Production of Norm Foster’s The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline for amltc, Hedwig & The Angry Inch for the London Fringe festival 2012, Wang Dang Doodle for the Grand Theatre in London, Steel Magnolias for the University of Windsor’s, School of Dramatic Art, Sweeney Todd for the University of Western Ontario, Mary’s Wedding, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, The Wild Guys, Suds: The Rocking ‘60’s Musical Soap Opera & Forever Plaid & the World Premiere Production of Norm Foster’s Storm Warning for The Bluewater Summer Playhouse, Maggie’s Getting Married, Pith, You’ll Get Used To It! The War Show & Bordertown Café for the Port Stanley Festival Theatre.

Rick has created, produced and performed in a variety of Jazz/Swing/Musical Theatre themed shows such as the a really Retro CROONER Christmas show, a Really RETRO Specials, Songs From The Bar …and one more for the road, From Broadway to Jazz…, A Holiday Celebration of Jazz…, Broadway Lights & Hot Summer Nights, A New Years Eve Celebration of Swing…, The Gangsters of Swing & What Happens In Vegas… Other projects are currently in the works…

Rick has been very involved in many youth mentorship initiatives at the Grand Theatre in London. For 10 years Rick worked as Vocal/Singing Coach on The Highschool Project; Les Miserables (2016), Hello Dolly, The Addams Family: A New Musical, Legally Blonde, My Fair Lady, Footloose, Anything Goes, Grease, The Pirates of Penzance & Les Miserables (2007). As well as having worked with The Grand Academy for several years as the acting coach & voice through Broadway Songs instructor.

For the past several years now, Rick has been adjudicating with the RISE 2 FAME Youth Talent Search with contestants from across Southwestern Ontario. He has taught acting at both Fanshawe College in the Acting Program as well as UWO’s Continuing Studies and the Don Wright Faculty of Music Master’s Program.

Rick teaches Singing & Acting from his home Studio in London, ON.WWW.RICKKISH.CA

SPREADING HAPPINESS THROUGH SONG

Pride Men’s Chorus London is part of a movement of LGBTQ2 Choirs in the world.  In 1978 San Francisco’s Gay Men’s Chorus made an unexpected debut after the assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Moscone.  Pride Men’s Chorus London made its unexpected debut at the Vigil for The Orlando Massacre hosted at Aeolian Hall on June 14th 2016.  In the global arena of eroding human rights and particularly the rights of the LGBTQ2 community, we sing to enlighten and help those with closed minds and hearts open up to celebrate diversity and love.