Collaborative Pianists

Cantare is proud to have partnered with many of Calgary's finest pianists over its history. Their level of musicianship is unparalleled and our program would not be what it is without their incredible support.

 
 

Claire Stevens

collaborative pianist for Cantare since 2022, British-Canadian collaborative pianist Claire Stevens is passionate about creating and sharing music with fellow musicians for audiences of all shapes and sizes.  A versatile artist at home in styles from art song to musical theatre, she thrives on building supportive, encouraging partnerships. 

Performing interests include instrumental and vocal duos, chamber music, orchestral, rehearsal pianist and continuo roles, many of which she was able to explore as Principal Keyboard player of the Kantanti Ensemble, a chamber orchestra of young professional musicians based in the south of England.

Claire enjoys a busy freelance career that includes vocal coaching, accompaniment for recitals, masterclasses, auditions, competitions and lessons, intimate house concerts, background music for special events, coaching on editing orchestral reductions for piano and, crucially in COVID times, remote support services including accompaniment tracks and videos.  She has worked extensively with choirs, assisting with the preparation of massed choruses for NAC orchestral concerts, as well as creating the ‘Piano Facts’ series for the Ottawa Children’s Choir.

 
 
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Pamela Fast      

collaborative pianist for Cantilena and Cantiga since 2000, earned a Bachelor of Church Music degree with a major in piano performance from the Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, under the guidance of Jean Broadfoot. She continued her studies at the University of Manitoba where she completed both a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education degree.

In Winnipeg, Ms Fast taught elementary school music and accompanied several community children's choirs. As a singer, she has performed with many choirs including the CMBC Singers, University on Manitoba Singers, the Mennonite Oratoria Chorus and ECCO. She offers private lessons in piano, flute and theory. Ms. Fast also serves as a musicianship instructor / workshop clinician for our choirs.

Pamela is a mother to three active boys, all of whom have sung in our Cantaré program.