our story
In September 1996, about 25 musically inclined folk (3 of whom are still in the choir), answered the call of Carol McFadden, an organist and music teacher in Elora, Ontario, who had the vision
of a community-based choir. From that simple beginning, the choir has grown under five directors: Carol McFadden, Kevin Bieman, Louise Elder, Emily Petrenko, and Jurgen Petrenko.
Traditionally, Centre Wellington Singers performs Christmas and Spring concerts in Fergus or Elora. In addition, the CWS has performed at the Alzheimer’s Christmas Carols by Candlelight at St. George’s Anglican Church in Guelph from 2011 to 2014. As the choir’s mission is community-based, performances have also occurred at seniors’ residences, nursing homes, Run for the Cure, and at the Christmas Tree Lighting in Fergus.
upcoming events
Spring Concert 2024
Saturday April 27th , 2024, 3pm
Melville United Church
300 St Andrew Street West, Fergus
“A Journey Through the British Isles” featuring special musical guest Paul Grambo! Last Night of the Proms comes to Fergus!
This musical medley from across the pond promises to be a rousing afternoon celebrating the pomp and splendour of the Old Country.
From Irish roses to lowland lochs, high roads to homecomings, it will both gird your loins and bring a tear to your wee eye! Not to be missed!
Adults $20, Children 12 and under $5
Available from choir members, at the door or by email: centrewellingtonsingers@gmail.com
This is a wheelchair-accessible venue, please use the entrance door on the west side to access the elevator.
who we are
Meet The Director
Directed by Jurgen Petrenko. Talented organist, pianist, former executive producer for the CBC, founding director of the 100-voice Toronto Singers, and most recently, recipient of The Order of Niagara.
Meet The Accompanist
The choir has been blessed with many talented accompanists, most notably Betty Weinstein. Betty has a BA degree from Wilfred Laurier University and has been a driving force within the choir from 2004.
Meet The Board
President: Lillian Gohn
Treasurer: Lara Johnston
Secretary: Sue FitzGerald
Members at large: Barb Smith, Allan Waters, Colleen Murray, Becky Wittich
join the choir
Whether you are 18 or 80, if you love to sing, we’d love to meet you! Our choir comprises over 40 singers from our local community all coming together to share their love of music. It lifts our hearts, soothes our souls and brings us joy!
While it definitely helps, you do not need to read music to join and there are no auditions.
2 sessions yearly
Christmas and Spring. Our rehearsals take place Tuesday nights from September to November, January to April. We practice from 7:15pm to 8:45pm. The first two nights of each session are registration nights which begin at 6:15pm. We rehearse in
Hope Springs United Church, 75 Geddes Street, Elora.
membership fees
Current membership fees are $75 per session payable at registration. This fee covers music, venue rental, compensation for our director and accompanist, marketing and more.
current session details
2024 Spring Session begins Tuesday January 16 at Hope Springs United Church
Registration nights Tuesday Jan 16 and Jan 23
Registration: 6:15 – 7:00pm, Rehearsal to begin at 7:15pm
Spring Session $ 75.00
Rehearsal nights:
January 16, 23, 30
February 6, 13, 20, 27
March 5, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23 (dress rehearsal at Melville United)
Spring Concert: Saturday April 27 th , 3pm, Melville United Church, Fergus
For more information, send us an email at centrewellingtonsingers@gmail.com
support the choir
Centre Wellington Singers is now well into its third decade! We welcome donations large and small. As a not-for-profit we are unable to issue tax receipts, but your donation will be very gratefully received and will ensure this choir continues for another three decades.
Our concerts don’t happen without our team of volunteers. Please consider helping out in any way you can – distributing posters, posting on social media, selling tickets, preparing the venue, being an usher, photographer, videographer and more. Send us an email and we’ll happily add you to our team.
centrewellingtonsingers@gmail.com
When you support Centre Wellington Singers you promote the study and practice of the musical arts. You encourage concerts, music classes and seminars to be held in our beautiful community. You help us lift up our voices and our hearts.
get in touch with us
Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Send us an email at
centrewellingtonsingers@gmail.com
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© Centre Wellington Singers 2024