Dr. Mark Sirett is a native of Kingston, and a graduate in choral conducting and pedagogy from the University of Iowa. In addition to his doctoral studies he has worked with noted American conductors Robert Shaw and Harold Decker, and - on two occasions - with Swedish choral conductor, Eric Ericson.
He has taught courses ranging from conducting to sixteenth-century counterpoint and analysis at Queen's University, the University of Western Ontario, and the University of Alberta, Bucknell University (PA).
For six years served as Organist/Music Director of St. George's Cathedral, Kingston. Under his direction the Cathedral Girl Choristers won first prize in the 1996 CBC Choral Competition for amateur choirs. Since founding the Cantabile Choirs in the fall of 1996, the choirs have received numerous distinctions including first prize for the Girls' Choir in the Ontario Provincial Music Festivals Finals in 1997 and 1998, as well as first prize in the Canadian National Music Festivals Finals in 1997. The Cantabile Youth Singers toured England in 1998, and have been invited to sing for Podium 2000 (the annual convention of the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors) in Edmonton, and the 2001 Cork International Choral Festival.
Dr. Sirett is also an award-winning choral composer. His works have been performed by some of Canada's leading choirs, and heard on CBC radio and television. Recent commissions include works for the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Elora Festival Singers.
Dr. Sirett is frequently in demand as a guest conductor, choral clinician and adjudicator. He has conducted workshops for the Ontario Choral Federation, the Royal College of Organists, and the Royal School of Church Music and will conduct the 2001 Ontario Youth Choir.
Long, long ago unison and piano, Choristers Guild, 1994
Thou, shalt know him SATB choir a cappella, Augsburg/Fortress Press, 1995
In night's dim shadow SATB a cappella, Augsburg/Fortress Press, 1996
When came in flesh the incarnate word SATB and organ, Augsburg/Fortress Press, 1997
Praise to God SATB and organ, Canadian International, 1997
Balulalow SATB a cappella, Gordon V. Thompson (Warner/Chappell), 1997, Winner Amadeus Choir competition, 1996
Wilt Thou forgive SATB a cappella, Canadian International, 1997
Love came down at Christmas SATB and organ, Canadian International, 1998
Make We Joy Now SATB, brass and organ, Gordon V. Thompson (Warner/Chappell) (winner Amadeus competition, 1996) 1998
There is no rose SATB a cappella, Gordon V. Thompson (Warner/Chappell), 1998
There is no rose SSA and organ, Gordon V. Thompson (Warner/Chappell), in preparation
Three Songs of Innocence SSA, piano, flute, oboe, Gordon V. Thompson, (Warner/Chappell) Winner "Ruth Watson Henderson Competition" 1997, in preparation
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