Rideau Park United Church - Choir Section Leads

Again we are blessed with the fine voices of our lead singers who you will hear in services and in concert this year. Each has a beautiful and stellar voice, bringing an abundance of musical talent and finesse to our music program. I encourage you to welcome them with loving support into our church family.

Alex Givens – Soprano

Alex Givens, Soprano, is in her third year of Vocal Performance at Ottawa U, studying under Ingemar Korjus. She has sung with church and community choirs her whole life and is currently living in Ottawa. Originally from Sault Ste Marie, Alex has performed in many opera performances with the University and played Papagena in last year’s production of The Magic Flute. Miss Givens hopes to pursue a career in Performance.

Lydia Phiel – Mezzo-Soprano

Lydia Phiel, Mezzo Soprano, is from Brockville, Ontario and comes to us from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York. She comes from a talented family of musicians and has a wealth of church choir experience as a soloist and choir member. She will be studying this year also at the University of Ottawa and is looking forward to being here with us.

Iain Macpherson – Tenor

Iain Macpherson, Tenor, is also a violinist and teacher at his own music studio of voice and violin in Gatineau. Currently Iain is the concertmaster of the Kanata Symphony and also conducts Temple Israel Liturgical Choir. He just celebrated his first year of marriage with Renée Michaud, a flautist whom we also hope to hear at Rideau Park. Iain performs frequently as a soloist in Ottawa and region.

Kyle Merrithew – Baritone

Kyle Merithew, Baritone, is beginning his third year at the University of Ottawa and also his third year with us. He studies with Ingemar Korjus and this summer has been preparing for Opera Lyra’s productions of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. He also recently won the York Region Celebration of the Arts, and is thrilled to be back at Rideau Park.