READERS

First Reader: Charles Cooper

If you ever go to a community event on Main St. you have seen Charles Cooper.  The quintessential volunteer he is involved in the Schomberg Village Association, the Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection and any initiative that deals with building good community.  He spent his early years working in the theatre industry (now he is a computer nerd – who knew?).

Second Reader: Steve Pellegrini

Serving his fourth term as Mayor of the Township of King, Steve strongly believes in giving back to the community. He serves on multiple boards in the Township, in the Region and in the Province and with seemingly unending energy, you can find him representing the Township at many community events and business openings.  Steve is proud of the work of the Township Council and supports each member with patience, grace, humour and the benefit of his experience. Steve and his wife Barbara have five children: Stephanie, Ashley, Emma, David and Joseph. 

Third Reader: Avia Eek

If it’s growing season you can find Avia behind the wheel of one of the tractors, helping Bill on the family farm.  The Councillor for Ward 6, which takes up 60% of the Holland Marsh, Avia is a fierce advocate for the agricultural community.  When she is not farming or doing Council work she is working with the Conservation Authority to protect Lake Simcoe or is spending time with her granddaughter Addison.

Fourth Reader: Lisa Grealish

Behind every scarecrow in Schomberg is Lisa Grealish encouraging and inspiring great works of art. Speaking of art, watch for her Christmas masterpieces on the windows of businesses on Main Street. AKA The Paint Lady she offers painting workshops aimed at discovering your hidden talents.

Fifth Reader: Simon Lloyd

Simon is the neighbour everyone wants and needs.  He is the first one to offer help bringing his positive energy and a smile.  He has always been active in his hometown community of Schomberg, coaching kids' sports and volunteering for local events such as A Main Street Christmas and the Scarecrow Competition.  Watch for him with his family riding bikes around town.

Sixth Reader: Debbie Schaefer

Thoughtful, considerate, courageous and passionate, Debbie represents the residents of Ward 5.  She is proud of her advocacy for respecting the natural heritage, culture and history of King. A personal priority has been citizen engagement. In her other life she enjoys friends, gardening, walks in the country and cultural/culinary/family forays to the big city.

Performers

Ashley Akerboom (Soprano)

Ashley Akerboom began her vocal journey at the age of 10, in the private studio of Irene Ilic. She participated in many festivals, competitions, and concerts over the years, and was an avid member of the triple trio Vivace. Her formative years studying voice fostered a deep connection with performance which eventually brought her to the University of Ottawa's Opera Performance Program, where she flourished in many diverse leading roles, choruses at the National Arts Center, and performances
around the city.

After graduating from her undergraduate degree, Ashley pivoted to a degree in Education, where she began her career initially in high school Music before moving to specializing in Special Education. Despite this shift, her commitment to music persisted as she continued to lead the school choir, uniting her passion for music with her dedication to teaching.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ashley treasures music as a cornerstone of her personal life, balancing it as a wife, and mother of two. Singing remains a cherished pastime; a source of solace and joy. Ashley is thrilled to sing once again with some wonderful, life-long friends, and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who have supported her, acknowledging their role in this enriching musical journey, and to all that worked hard to bring tonight together.

Rachel Miller (Mezzo-soprano)

Canadian mezzo-soprano Rachel Miller is a multi-disciplinary performer who finds expression through voice, acting and dance. In the 2023/2024 season Rachel premieres the role of Benita in the horror opera, Tales of the Grotesque (White Mills Theatre Co); and will be a featured soloist in Saint-Saens’ Oratorio de Nöel and Vivaldi’s Introduction and Gloria RV 588 (Toronto Beach Chorale). Rachel also looks forward to recitals in Toronto (Arts & Letters Club) and Saskatoon (Saskatoon Opera/Ukrainian Museum of Canada).

In 2020 Rachel was named prize winner of the Toronto Mozart Vocal Competition. Operatic highlights include Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana (Toronto City Opera); Mercedes in Carmen under the Stars (Honens); Ramiro in La finta giardiniera (Accademia Europea Dell’Opera) and Hansel in Hansel and Gretel (Glenn Gould School).

Rachel received an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Linguistics from the University of Toronto. She is a member of the award-winning Canadian Opera Company Chorus, directed by Sandra Horst. Rachel is thrilled to perform in her hometown this evening, with long-time friends and collaborators Ashley, Stephanie and Marney!

Stephanie Anderson (Alto)

Stephanie Anderson is a Canadian performer, singer, choreographer, director and intimacy director. She is very involved in creating art wherever the opportunity presents itself. She has extensive dance, theatre and vocal training. She graduated from the Randolph Academy for Performing Arts and has been working in the industry ever since. As a performer, she has worked with companies that include Smile Theatre Company, Vital Theatre Company, Sudbury Theatre Centre, The Rose Theatre and The Orillia Opera House. She is the resident choreographer at St. Andrew’s College and some of her work there was performed for Prince Harry himself! She continues to broaden her artistic horizons by immersing herself in all aspects of theatre. Currently, she is enjoying the world of voice-over cartoons and improv! She has been a member of The Old Dance Hall Players in Orillia for the past couple of years. Stephanie particularly enjoys being in an educational setting where she can share her knowledge with the upcoming generations. When she is creating art and working with emotion, she is in her element. She loves Schomberg and has been involved in many performances in this beloved church. She wishes you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.  

Scott Rumble (Guest Soloist Tenor)

Scott Rumble was born and raised in Woodstock, Ontario where his earliest endeavours into music began with elementary school choirs. Since then, Mr. Rumble has collected credits that span musical theatre, operetta, oratorio, and opera, while honing his powerful tenor under the guidance of Torin Chiles and J. Patrick Raftery. 

In possession of impressive dramatic and linguistic facility,
Mr. Rumble is committed to creating thorough, believable characterizations. He relishes the opportunity to take audiences on an emotional journey through meaningful, nuanced performances. Scott’s upcoming season includes appearances with Opéra de Montréal (world premiere, La reine garçon, René Descartes, cover), Manitoba Opera (world premiere, Li Keur - Riel’s Heart of the North) and Opera in Concert (Arrigo in Verdi’s La battaglia di Legnano).

Marney Curran (Panio)