Markus Howard, Artistic Director

As a conductor, director and choreographer, Markus Howard has worked extensively in the arts throughout Canada and abroad. A graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in voice and conducting, he has appeared in 27 countries, working with musicians of varying ages and experiences. As an adjudicator, clinician and private teacher, Markus works in many musical genres including opera, pop, musical theatre and jazz voice. He has taught at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Glenn Gould School, University of Toronto's Hart House, and the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts. His students have included members of the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, Toronto's Lion King and Mamma Mia, and a number of Broadway and touring productions.

Markus is the founding conductor of the professional chamber choir, La Movida, his proudest accomplishment to date.

Also the Music Director for Cobourg’s Oriana Singers, Markus brings a wealth of experience to Northumberland County that enriches our community!

Debbie Fingas, Accompanist

Debbie is the Minister of Music for Trinity United Church, Cobourg, where she accompanies weekly services and conducts the two children’s choirs and the chancel choir. An experienced organist, pianist, choral director and flutist, Debbie has performed in numerous concerts and recitals throughout Northumberland County, Durham and Peterborough. She is always excited to be involved in other local musical events: in 2009 she was the vocal director for the Victorian Operetta Society production of Camelot. Debbie graduated in 2002 from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music and received her ARCCO (Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists) in 2004. She recently received a Master of Arts in Church Music through Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.