We are pleased to introduce the two fabulously creative and talented Co-Artistic Directors for the 2018 Unison Festival in Calgary.

 

Jean-Louis Bleau

Jean-Louis Bleau has been very involved in the Calgary and area arts scene for a number of years, organizing numerous concerts and music festivals while maintaining a successful career as a choral conductor. He is the Artistic Director of Choral Programs at Mount Royal University, where he also directs Mount Royal Artio. In addition to his work at Mount Royal University, Jean-Louis is the Artistic Director of Cum Vino Cantus and the University of Calgary Chamber Choir.

Jean-Louis has always sought to push the boundaries of choral music and the concert experience through unique collaborations and concert events. This has resulted in performances around a lake in the heart of Kananaskis and concert events in a planetarium, parking garages, an industrial shop, and even a swimming pool. He has worked to collaborate not only with other choirs but also a variety of musicians, choreographers, dancers, synchronized swimmers, and aerial gymnasts.

When not engrossed in music, Jean-Louis can be found with his partner on their farm northwest of Calgary enjoying the mountain views and the quiet peace of the country.

 

Jane Perry

Jane Perry is the Artistic Director of One Voice Chorus and of the Calgary Renaissance Singers & Players. She is also the Music Director at the Unitarian Church of Calgary. Formerly of Ottawa, Jane directed Tone Cluster–quite a queer choir for ten years.

This past fall, Jane led a collaboration between Indigenous artists and speakers and One Voice Chorus to explore the shared path of Truth and Reconciliation. The collaboration culminated in a concert of music-making and the telling of stories. It marked the start of a conversation, the creation of a space in which Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can meet each other, and the hope for a continuing journey on the path of Truth and Reconciliation.

Off the podium, Jane is a classically-trained pianist. She is delighted that the Calgary arts scene has given her opportunities to moonlight as a jazz player and a harpsichordist.