Who We Are
Choir members learn all aspects of singing and musical theatre performance under inspired creative leadership.
Markus Howard, Artistic Director
Markus Howard joined La Jeunesse Choirs in 2007. As an experienced conductor,
director and choreographer Markus creates a rich and joyful learning environment for
our Choirs.
Having worked with musicians of varying ages, cultures and abilities throughout Canada
and abroad Markus has built expertise in conducting both adults & youth. He is a
sought-after private voice teacher and provides training in various musical genres
including opera/oratorio, choral, musical theatre, pop music and jazz.
Markus has been recognized by Yamaha Music Canada, the Swedish Ministry of
Culture, the Ontario Arts Council, and the International Association of Jazz Educators.
He pursues an active adjudicating schedule across North America, including Classical
Voice and Music Theatre at the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals National Finals,
Nova Scotia Provincial Finals for Voice and Choirs, and the Ontario Music Festivals
Provincial Finals.
Other notable engagements include:
Artistic Director, Durham Philharmonic Choir
Artistic Director, Guelph Youth Singers
Director, Oriana Singers of Cobourg
Interim Conductor, London Pro Musica Choir
Founding Conductor, La Movida Chamber Choir
Conductor, Guelph Symphony Orchestra
Conductor, Halifax Summer Opera, Alcina
Lead Artistic Educator, Canadian Opera Company
Faculty, Royal Conservatory of Music
Faculty, Glenn Gould School
Faculty, Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts.
Lead Voice Coach, Mirvish Productions Lion King School
Director, Hart House Jazz Choir, Massey College Choir, U of T
Markus’ students have gone on to grace opera and concert stages across North
America including Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Toronto’s musical theatre stages,
and several Broadway & National Touring companies.
Markus is a PROUD recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International.
Debbie Fingas,
Associate Director /Accompanist
Debbie Fingas joined La Jeunesse Choirs in 2007. As an accomplished conductor,
musician and instructor, Debbie brings her wonderful artistic talents to all of our Choir
programs.
An experienced organist, pianist, choral director, singer and flautist, Debbie has
performed in concerts and recitals throughout Southern Ontario. As the Minister of
Music for Trinity United Church, Cobourg, she accompanies weekly Church services
and directs Church choirs of all ages.
Other notable engagements include:
Founding Artistic Director – Alloy Fusion Handbell Choir
Conductor – Chancel Choir
Conductor – Jubilate Handbell Choir
Conductor – North Lakeshore Chorus, Northumberland Chapter
President – Northumberland Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists
Chair – Music United
Music Director & Accompanist – VOS Theatre
Music Director & Accompanist – Capitol Theatre
Accompanist - Northumberland Players
Debbie graduated from the University of Toronto’s Emmanuel College with a Doctor of
Ministry. Her doctoral thesis explored how group participation in Church music nurtures
the participants spiritual life. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of
Toronto, a Master of Arts in Church Music from Trinity Lutheran seminary in Columbus,
Ohio, and has received her Associate diploma from the Royal Canadian College of
Organists.
Debbie’s latest pet project was the restoration of a beautiful and historic pipe organ for
Trinity United Church in Cobourg.
