Music

Clark Bryan was born into a musical family. He was inspired to pursue a musical pathway by his mother, a piano teacher and his grandparents, both singers.  Mr. Bryan began formal studies at age four and wrote his first compositions at age six. In his youth, Mr. Bryan trained with longtime pupil of the renowned pianist Géza Anda, Antonia Mazanova. She helped him gain an appreciation for music of all styles. Mr. Bryan did his formal training at the University of Western Ontario. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree (1990) and Masters Degrees (1992) in piano performance having studied with pianists John Paul Bracey and Sonja Behrens.  Mr. Bryan has also trained with many of the world’s renowned pianists including Howard Shelley, Jean Paul Sevilla, Eugene List, Shura Cherkasky, Ruth Slenczynska and Ronald Turini. Mr. Bryan spent many years studying with the celebrated pianist Cécile Ousset both in Paris and the south of France where he refined much of his pianistic and interpretive abilities.

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 at the Glenn Gould Studio, CBC. He has adjudicated music festivals from coast-to-coast.  Mr. Bryan has done extensive music editing and written a book entitled “Gateways to Learning and Memory”.

Mr. Bryan has recorded twelve albums of solo piano including the complete Debussy Preludes and Chopin Nocturnes.  A duo piano album of the Suites for two pianos by Serge Rachmaninoff features Clark with his longtime duo partner Marion Miller. Soon to be released projects include Mendelsohn Songs Without Words, Grieg Lyric Pieces and the Chopin Preludes.

In 2004-2005 Mr. Bryan was invited by London’s City Council to serve as a member of the Creative Cities Task Force, an initiative designed to recognize and promote art, culture and lifestyle in London, Ontario.  It was through this experience that Clark began to learn about the impact of Art and Culture on social change.

Mr. Bryan has received many awards for his teaching and community work including “Musical Personality of the Year” (2005) and a Jack Richardson Music Award (2011) for his contributions to the musical landscape in the London Community.

Mr. Bryan has conducted workshops for piano teachers and musicians across Canada. He is the current the President of the London Branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association.  His frequent speaking engagements include a TEDX talk entitled “Why Take Piano Lessons”, The SPARKS conference held at King’s College UWO, “Ignite Culture” at the City of London and “City Symposium”.  Clark composes music under the  pseudonym “Walter Stanley”, a tribute to his grandfather who was a great supporter of his musical journey and was a great musician himself.

In 2004, Mr. Bryan purchased Aeolian Hall in London Ontario and transformed it into the Aeolian Performing Arts Centre and School of Music. In 2009 he shifted the governance of The Aeolian into a registered charity.  The Hall has won local and national awards for its excellence.

In his efforts to create universal access to music and music education, Mr. Bryan launched El Sistema at the Aeolian.  This initiative is a free, intensive, UNESCO award winning music program for children and youth.   In 2016, Mr. Bryan secured an additional facility “Bishop Cronyn Memorial Place” as a music education campus and performance facility. This new facility will allow the Aeolian to expand its mandate to provide “universal access to music, art, culture and education”.

Clark co-founded two new programs in 2016 run by The Aeolian. Pride Men’s Chorus London is a men’s choir open to all men. This choir’s mandate is to celebrate diversity and be an instrument for change in our community.  The Rebelheart Collective is a new model of a Chamber Orchestra using mentorship and community engagement to develop universal access to classical music.

In October 2017, Mr. Bryan was awarded Western Alumni Award of Merit and inducted into the Don Wright Faculty of Music Wall of Fame (2017).

In 2018, Clark was recognized with a Canada 150 Award through the House of Commons for his contributions to community and the nation.  IIn 2022, Clark was awarded “Best Classical Artist”  and in 2023, Clark was awarded a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the London Forest City Music Awards.

Mr. Bryan looks forward to a future when everyone has access to the arts and he is committed to helping make the changes necessary to accomplish this!

Join us for an afternoon performance from Susan Millar Boldissar & Marion Miller, performing "From Susan & Marion With Love".

Connie Kaldor - singer-songwriter, entertainer, TV personality, and women’s music pioneer - is celebrating 45 years in show business this year with her upcoming 18th recording, titled Keep Going! She began her career in folk music as part of the Canadian wave alongside artists like Stan Rogers and Valdy. Armed with her enormous stage presence, her unforgettable melodies, and her emotional depth as a songwriter, Connie became a headline act on the festival circuit. Her extensive touring has earned her a loyal fan-base that extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of folk and the Boston Globe has described her as, “a masterful performer, wildly funny one moment, deeply personal the next.” A three-time Juno Award winner, Connie is a member of the Order of Canada, a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal recipient, holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Regina, and is the first songwriter to receive a Western Literature Association Award of Merit.

For the first time in London! Tommy Youngtseen performs Fleetwood Mac's classic album "Rumours" along with all their Greatest Hits. Featuring an All-star 8 piece band! "Go Your Own Way" "Landslide" "Don't Stop" "Rhiannon" "The Chain" Plus many more! Experience the very best of Grammy winners & Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees - Fleetwood Mac! Tommy Youngsteen is a Toronto based supergroup featuring members & alum from Juno winning bands - Stars, The Arkells, Sam Roberts Band, The Trews, Lowest of The Low, July Talk & Serena Ryder Band

Music has been an integral part of Sonja’s life since childhood. Growing up with a music historian and a classically trained soprano as parents exposed her to a great deal of classical repertoire. Sonja spent much of her youth singing in choirs and playing the violin. In her late teens, she was presented with the opportunity to audition for the world reknowned Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. She decided to audition for the voice department, where room was available for one more student.

Sonja graduated from Interlochen with flying colours and returned home to Canada to continue studying voice at the Don Wright Faculty of Music at The University of Western Ontario. As part of her studies at UWO, Sonja performed in several operas to gain more experience on the stage. She also took up the position of soprano soloist at First St. Andrew’s United Church, which is widely recognized for its fine music program.

Simultaneously, a close friend encouraged her to try Jazz. Her initiation into the Jazz world was a New Year’s Eve gig at a local restaurant. That night proved to be a trial by fire as Sonja spent the evening entertaining the crowd with Jazz standards she’d only just learned (and more than a few which she had to sight-read!). Finding it to be an exhilirating experience, Sonja continued to work on expanding her jazz repertoire and finding a vocal technique that lent itself better to jazz than opera.

Following graduation, Sonja found herself performing more and more Jazz at local restaurants, clubs and private functions. She also worked full-time as a waitress, performing for enthusiastic crowds on nights and weekends. She collaborated with many of London’s very talented Jazz musicians, learning the skills of jazz musicianship as she went. Their mentoring of her singing paid off and in 2005, Sonja was recognized with a London Music Award for Most Popular Jazz Performer.

It was at this time that a life-changing opportunity arose. At the prompting of her mother, she sent an audition CD to the producers of a new television reality/documentary series entitled Bathroom Divas. Chosen from hundreds of CDs to come and audition live, she earned a spot on the show as one of six finalists that would attend a three week Opera ‘Boot Camp’ in Toronto. Having gone six years without any voice lessons, this was the ultimate opportunity for Sonja to receive not only training, but invaluable feedback from some of Canada’s top operatic performers and trainers. The experience was incredibly valuable and renewed her interest in the classical and operatic repertoire, as well as her confidence in her operatic capabilities.

After three weeks of boot camp and a second-place finish, Sonja decided to continue the process of musical growth by returning to her classical music studies at UWO, where she obtained the degree of Master of Music under the tutelage of Mary Lou Fallis, one of the instructors and producers of Bathroom Divas.  During her studies Sonja kept a busy performing schedule, which included roles in several operatic productions with UWOpera and Orchestra London. She also released her self-produced debut jazz CD, which has been met with great enthusiasm from her fans and the arts community in London and the surrounding area and led to an invitation to perform at London's highly successful summer music festival, Sunfest in 2008.  Sonja was the only local performer to take the stage in the festival's jazz village, performing two shows for enthusiastic crowds.

On the classical side of things, Sonja was pleased to be a featured soloist with Orchestra London, the Victoria Symphony and the Vancouver Island Symphony in a Christmas Pops show written and arranged for her and conducted by fellow Jazz musician and UWO grad, Jeff Christmas. Hence, she has become a regular guest performer in the Orchestra London Pops series.

Desiring to create more opportunities for herself and other UWO music grads in the London area, she formed her own production company, Diva Lounge Productions, which is busy developing several original works in collaboration with local London composers. In addition to these many accomplishments, Sonja was also honoured to win several awards, scholarships and competitions for both her jazz and classical performing.

Whether crooning jazz standards with her band, singing with the symphony or performing on the operatic stage, Sonja's passion for music is evident in her presence and attitude.  It is this passion coupled with her consummate musicianship, sparkling voice and versatility that make her a performer to remember and enjoy!

No stranger to The Aeolian, Peter Karle returns for a special intimate solo jazz guitar performance in the Southen Lounge. A guitar masterclass in of itself, the evening will feature selections from guitar legends such as Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and arrangements of classic standards.

Peter is a graduate of the Don Wright Faculty of Music, having studied both classical/jazz guitar and various conducting/ensemble techniques. Throughout his undergraduate degree, Peter served as Guitarist and Rhythm Section leader with the Western University Jazz Ensemble. Peter served at the Western Chamber Ensemble (orchestra division) as Director under the tutelage of Alain Trudel.  He also served as Producer/ Music Director/Conductor for Theatre Western’s Xanadu (2013) and Rent (2014) and Into the Woods (2015).

Alongside The Prime Time Big Band, Peter performed on the recreation of Mel Tormé’s “Swingin’ on the Moon” album with Grammy award-winning vocalist Matt Alber. On the momentum of the Matt Alber album, Peter’s own jazz combo performed Miles Davis’ 1959 masterpiece “Kind of Blue”. The Combo has since then performed their own jazz/rock arrangements of Radiohead/The Police/David Bowie and Pink Floyd at The Aeolian.

Peter is currently in the writing stages of the Combo’s first instrumental jazz album. Peter also takes great pride in his teaching studio and is focusing on the next generation of musicians.

Lesley Andrew has made soloist appearances with many of Canada’s finest orchestras and choirs, including the Vancouver, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, Kingston, Hamilton, Guelph symphony orchestras, Weston Silver Band, Toronto Concert Band, Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra, Brott Summer Music Festival, Stratford Summer Music, and the Shenandoah Bach Festival (VA, USA).  Ms. Andrew’s recordings have often been heard on CBC Radio.  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.  Other theatrical performances include Menotti’s The Telephone and Hopkin’s Three’s Company at the Guelph Spring Festival (featuring and directed by Ms. Andrew). Most recently, Ms. Andrew directed La Boheme (Southern Ontario Lyric Opera), receiving rave reviews as “SOLO’s best production yet!” for her creative direction and use of space.

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 (voice – classical, Broadway and pop, choral music and speech arts classes.)  While living in Stratford, Ms. Andrew was twice nominated as Stratford’s  “Citizen of the Year.”  Ms. Andrew now runs her thriving voice and drama studios – Dream in Progress Productions – in both London, Ontario and Windsor, Ontario.   As a director, Ms. Andrew is much in demand in the genres of musical theatre and opera.  Ms. Andrew’s intensive theatre and music program for youth, Summer Glee, is now in it’s twenty-fifth year. More programs are now being offered each summer in communities across Ontario in order to accommodate growing enrollment.  Ms. Andrew is thrilled to be the Head of Vocal Music for George Brown College, School for Media & Performing Arts, Toronto, Ontario.

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).  As a pedagogue, Ms. Andrew is very involved with the W Ross Macdonald School for the Visually Impaired in Brantford, Ontario, where she helps create and run arts programs for exceptional children.  While maintaining a full teaching schedule in her private studios (London and Windsor) Ms. Andrew continues to work as a soloist, collaborative recital artist, stage director, adjudicator, and motivational speaker.  Most recently (2018), Ms Andrew performed the role of “Marcellina” in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, “Alice” in A … My Name Is Alice, the mother in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors (Abridged Opera) and Mrs. McLean in Floyd’s Susannah (Pek Productions).

Here we go again! Following two sensational sold-out shows in 2023, SOS - The ABBA Experience returns to Aeolian Hall in June!

Featuring stunning costumes, powerful vocals, and exceptional musicianship, SOS - The ABBA Experience brings the iconic music of ABBA to life like never before. From "Dancing Queen" to "Mamma Mia" and everything in between, our musicians have come together to create one of the most authentic and entertaining ABBA shows on the market today.

But here's the best part – it's not just a show; it's an experience! Audience participation is not only encouraged but celebrated. Channel your inner ABBA, sing along with fellow fans, and become a part of the magic unfolding before your eyes. Gather your friends and family for a night of non-stop fun, nostalgia, and pure entertainment that you won't soon forget.

Don't miss your chance to relive the timeless hits and incredible music of ABBA with SOS - The ABBA Experience at Aeolian Hall this June. Tickets are in high demand, so secure yours online or at the box office, and get ready to have the time of your life once again!

Here we go again! Following two sensational sold-out shows in 2023, SOS - The ABBA Experience returns to Aeolian Hall in June!

Featuring stunning costumes, powerful vocals, and exceptional musicianship, SOS - The ABBA Experience brings the iconic music of ABBA to life like never before. From "Dancing Queen" to "Mamma Mia" and everything in between, our musicians have come together to create one of the most authentic and entertaining ABBA shows on the market today.

But here's the best part – it's not just a show; it's an experience! Audience participation is not only encouraged but celebrated. Channel your inner ABBA, sing along with fellow fans, and become a part of the magic unfolding before your eyes. Gather your friends and family for a night of non-stop fun, nostalgia, and pure entertainment that you won't soon forget.

Don't miss your chance to relive the timeless hits and incredible music of ABBA with SOS - The ABBA Experience at Aeolian Hall this June. Tickets are in high demand, so secure yours online or at the box office, and get ready to have the time of your life once again!

Here we go again! Following two sensational sold-out shows in 2023, SOS - The ABBA Experience returns to Aeolian Hall in June!

Featuring stunning costumes, powerful vocals, and exceptional musicianship, SOS - The ABBA Experience brings the iconic music of ABBA to life like never before. From "Dancing Queen" to "Mamma Mia" and everything in between, our musicians have come together to create one of the most authentic and entertaining ABBA shows on the market today.

But here's the best part – it's not just a show; it's an experience! Audience participation is not only encouraged but celebrated. Channel your inner ABBA, sing along with fellow fans, and become a part of the magic unfolding before your eyes. Gather your friends and family for a night of non-stop fun, nostalgia, and pure entertainment that you won't soon forget.

Don't miss your chance to relive the timeless hits and incredible music of ABBA with SOS - The ABBA Experience at Aeolian Hall this June. Tickets are in high demand, so secure yours online or at the box office, and get ready to have the time of your life once again!