Ron de Jager

                                      A native of Nova Scotia, Ron de Jager is excited to be at Briercrest College for his sixteenth year. In                                                2009 he took a two year study leave during which he completed a Doctor of Musical Arts at Shenandoah                                        University in Winchester, Virginia. Recent research and recitals have focused on nationalistic Canadian                                            vocal music, particularly works by Torontonian composer John Beckwith. Throughout his studies Ron has                                       had the privilege of being mentored by Lorna MacDonald, Elvira Gonella, Greta Kraus and most                                                      recently, Dr. Janette Ogg.
 

Recent performances include Bob in Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief (October 2017), an all-German recital
with Dr. Laura Loewen (University of Manitoba), January 2016 and the role of Cosme McMoon in Souvenir with
Rubarb Productions Inc. (April 2016). In 2012, Dr. de Jager had the honor of singing for Prince Charles and The
Duchess of Cornwall at the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen
Elizabeth II. The ceremony was broadcast nationally on CBC and CTV. At the request of the Lieutenant Governor of
Nova Scotia, he was the guest soloist at the inauguration of Pier 21 on Canada Day 2000. In addition, Ron has
enjoyed performing opera, oratorio, solo recitals, musical theatre, film and ballet. Select performances include
Dichterliebe, The Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Billy Budd in Billy
Budd, Harry Easter in Street Scene, Major General Stanley in Pirates of Penzance, Eli Black in Without a Hitch?, Curly
in OKLAHOMA! and the title role in Maury Yeston’s Phantom. In May of 2013 he started Briercrest Summer Stage
during where he serves as Artistic Director.
 

Ron has performed as a recital soloist in Canada, the United States and the Netherlands and enjoys collaborating
and performing with his talented wife, pianist Elena de Jager. Favorite recital selections include works by German
composers Schubert, Loewe and Schumann as well as compositions by Handel, Debussy, Poulenc, Laitmann and
Beckwith. Reviewers have written, Mr. de Jager’s singing “….showed a refined and precise sense of the colour and
atmosphere of the music” (Toronto, 1997), “….in the second act he went on to sing the most touching moment of
the evening” (Halifax, 2001) and “the role of the Major General is brilliantly portrayed by Ron de Jager whose
experience is apparent in his brilliant expressions and rendition of the famous tongue-twisting tune.” (Moose Jaw,
2012)
 

Ron has been honored as a winner in the National Auditions of the American College of Musicians, MATS
competition and Kiwanis Festival. He has been awarded the Monica Rychman Award, William Cary Award, Nova
Scotia Cultural Development Grant and was nominated to the Golden Key Society. Additionally, he enjoys serving as
a vocal adjudicator and has adjudicated festivals and competitions in Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova
Scotia, New Brunswick and Virginia.
 

As an associate professor at Briercrest College, he enjoys teaching private voice, vocal pedagogy, vocal master class,
musical theatre workshop and acting. He directs opera scenes, Voices from the Front and serves as the Artistic
Director of A Briercrest Christmas. Additionally, he provides leadership to the performance and worship arts
department while maintaining a performance schedule. “I am incredibly grateful for the many teachers,
collaborators and performers who have generously given of themselves. These people chose to pass on what was given to them and their years of experience and wisdom remain as inspiration to me each day.  I hope to do the same."

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Peggy L'Hoir

                             Peggy L’Hoir is an experienced and innovative teacher, clinician, adjudicator, examiner, collaborative                                               artist and composer. Peggy has been sharing her enthusiasm for music with her expansive music                                                      community for over four decades. Her network of friends and colleagues reaches far and wide, allowing her                                  to generously share mentorship, friendship and encouragement with many.
 

While at home in Biggar, Saskatchewan, a culturally active community of 2500 people, Peggy guides a
diverse class of students through piano, theory, accompanying and composition, from beginner to
Associate level. Her goals as a teacher and mentor are to enthuse, educate and empower - enriching lives
of students, families and communities, with and through music. Peggy’s present musical activities include
volunteering with the Heart of the City program in her area, composing music for students and friends,
presenting workshops for colleagues and as well as embracing every opportunity to investigate and try out
new learning ideas.
 

Peggy is a Past President of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers’ Association (SRMTA), and
the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Association (CFMTA), having had the opportunity to serve on
many committees within these associations. As well, she was an integral catalyst in the SRMTA’s
Centennial Publication, “From Prairie to Pine - Piano Solos by Saskatchewan Composers” (2005) and
“From Prairie to Pine – Piano Solos by Saskatchewan Composers – Volume 2” (2011). Peggy has served
on the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects as well as many other
local boards. In the Fall of 2019, she was honoured and humbled to be a recipient of the Saskatchewan
Music Festival’s Outstanding Adjudicator Award.
 

Collaborative music making has seen Peggy in the Jazz Duo – Strawberry Jam, in an easy listening
ensemble – The Group, Musical Director of local musicals – from Fiddler on the Roof (2001) to Mamma
Mia (2019), accompanying local choirs and soloists, and playing duets with students and friends. Peggy
loves creating local music events featuring local/professional musicians, co-chairing the hosting of CNCM’s
Summer Sizzle 2018, as well as brining this amazing event back to Biggar this July!
Favorite pastimes include spending time and enjoying music with her family and friends, as well as
cooking, reading, crafting and fishing.
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