Sue Smythe – Soprano

Season Joined:  2005-2006

Hometown: London, Ontario

Do you also have a non-singing “day job”? If so, what do you do?
Recently retired as an Elementary School Administrative Secretary for the Thames Valley District School Board but I still work on a casual basis for the Board

Where else do you teach/gig/conduct/sing/perform?
I currently sing with Fanshawe Chorus London where I have been a member for 40 seasons! I also have been a member of the London Singers and have performed with the symphonic choir for the former Orchestra London and the WePlayOn orchestra in London.

Highlights of your musical career: 
– Singing with Amabile Choirs of Canada at Roy Thomson Hall with TSO
– Opportunities with FCL to work with Gerald Fagan for 35 seasons along with guest conductors Sir David Willcocks and Victor Borge (twice!) and soloists such as Roberta Peters, Maureen Forrester, Leslie Fagan, Lois Marshall, Gary Relyea, etc.
– Attending Festival 500 in St. John’s Newfoundland with KSS
– Opening of the Harriet Tubman Institute at York University and singing for then Governor General Michaelle Jean with KSS
– Recording Road To Freedom CD with KSS
– Should I include winning a local TV Talent Contest when I was 12 years old?

Favorite choral work(s): 
There are many classical choral works I have been privileged to learn and perform but I never get tired of singing Handel’s Messiah or Mozart Requiem. My new favourite is Sunrise Mass by Gjeilo – stunning! It’s also fun to sing the Beatles and ABBA!!

A defining moment of favorite KSS onstage experience:
First time I performed in our Road to Freedom concert with KSS in Chatham was spine-tingling! Such a powerful compilation of music and spoken word.

What are you listening to these days? 
Most genres are OK with me – Pop, Rock, Broadway, Classical, Jazz, good Country…not crazy about HipHop or heavy Metal though!

Anything you’d like to add about yourself? 
I studied piano privately and played clarinet in high school. My other passion has been sewing, instructing adult and children’s classes for London Parks & Rec department for 20 years and selling PFAFF sewing machines. My husband and I are currently in the 16th year of running a jazz concert series as a fundraiser for our church – JAZZ BY THE BOG – where we contract local musicians for a 3-concert season each year.

What London experience do you consider essential for visitors/newcomers? 
Search out the Arts and Entertainment in this city. We have a lot to offer with theatre, art galleries, and concerts along with summer festivals. There is no shortage of culture present in London, Ontario!