Annette Martens

From childhood, a love of music and singing permeated Annette’s life.  From piano lessons, to family singing before bedtime, to accompanying singers and choirs, to harmonizing in youth worship band, to discovering the world of classical voice – music has always played a role in guiding her education, leisure time, and employment.  She found herself drawn into voice lessons through her high school choir experience and proceeded to study music at college and then university, eventually earning a B.Mus in voice performance from the U of A. 

Annette has been teaching voice lessons since 2005, singing with Pro Coro since 2011, and directing the seasonal choir at her church since 2013.  Thoughts of singing more are tempting, but music prep and practice is hard with children in the house!  Currently Annette devotes her time to homeschooling her two boys, exploring nature in and around the city, curling up with coffee and books, and sneaking in late-night conversations with her husband. 

Whether as a member of the U of A Mads, the Scona Chamber Singers, Chronos Vocal Ensemble, or of course Pro Coro, Annette has been singing with Edmonton choral groups for years.  In addition to singing, she teaches voice and piano lessons from her home studio and has been particularly thrilled this year to see the progress of her beginner students as they dive into the language of music.  

As major music influences, a few key people come to mind:  Miss Benner – my first piano teacher – who sent me home one summer break with a book of easy arrangements of famous classical pieces that were so fun to play; Jaclyn Riemer, who helped me dip my toes into the world of classical voice; Gord Adnams, who shaped my ideas about church music; and Jolaine Kerley and Laurier Fagnan, who have been outstanding pedagogues.  

I loved the Missae concert, when we sang three of my favourites:  Missa Rigensis by Ugis Praulins, Mass for Recovery by Jane Berry, and Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin.  Another favourite memory is performing The Way Children Sleep in Banff in 2018.  

Annette Martens is a soprano, holding a B.Mus in Vocal Performance from the University of Alberta where she studied under Jolaine Kerley and Brian McIntosh.  Since 2011, she has found her niche in choral singing, performing with professional ensembles such as the Scona Chamber Singers, Schola Cantorum, and Pro Coro Canada.  She loves the beauty of great classic works, the artistry of contemporary premieres, and the challenge of experimental compositions.  In addition to singing, Annette teaches voice and piano lessons out of her home studio.  In her role as teacher, she strives to foster a love of music that emerges as the intricacies of the voice are explored, or even as a beginner masters that first tune on the piano.  Aside from music, Annette loves reading excellent books with her children and exploring nature in and around the city with her family.