OVC Team

Cassandra J. Dueck (Cass Bessette) is a Canadian choral conductor, composer, and arranger known for their bold, theatrical approach to choral music. Based in Calgary, they serve as Artistic Director for multiple community choirs and through them, explore a diverse range of musical experiences, tackling challenging repertoire, thought-provoking emotional themes, and lighthearted, fun performances. Over the years, Cass has enjoyed the privilege of sharing the stage with many esteemed artists, including Tanya Tagaq, Chris Hadfield, The Tenors, Jake Runestad, and Eric Whitacre.

A passionate advocate for meaningful and innovative choral experiences, they challenge singers to push artistic boundaries while fostering a spirit of collaboration. Their work often bridges disciplines, incorporating elements such as dance, videography, soundscaping, and immersive storytelling to deepen the choral experience.

Beyond the podium, Cass is an avid recording enthusiast, expanding their craft through independent audio-visual projects. When not creating, they enjoy time with family, gaming, and exploring Calgary’s thriving restaurant scene.

One Voice Chorus is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Kallio (he/him) as our Colaborative Pianist for the 2024-2025 Season! Welcome Matthew!.

Matthew Kallio was born in Sudbury, Ontario where he took his first steps in music through the Royal Conservatory of Music.  After RCM studies in piano he furthered his music education through Cambrian College's music department earning a diploma in piano performance and finished his studies in piano performance and organ at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Matthew is an experienced keyboard collaborator having performed with orchestras (Sudbury Symphony Orchestra, YES Theater Orchestra) as well as choral groups (Young Sudbury SIngers, Laurentian University Chorus, Sudbury Chamber Singers, Octatonic Decadence, Acadia University Chorus).  He has also performed in many musical theater productions through the Toronto based theater company YES theater.  In addition, has also led successful music programs as a music director in several churches across Canada and concertized extensively.  Matthew loves collaboration with other musicians in chamber music, duo ensembles, voice and most recently, four handed piano works.

Outside of music, Matthew enjoys downtime by cooking, reading, and spending time with his husband Jamie and their two dogs Audrey and Maverick.

Since 2014–2015, Liz has been an active chorister, singing with several ensembles, including One Voice Chorus, Calgary Men’s Chorus, and the Calgary Renaissance Singers and Players. Her commitment to choral music is reflected in her ongoing participation and leadership roles within these groups. Liz is currently a board member of GALA Choruses.

Following her retirement as a Financial Controller, Liz transitioned into working with Unison Choruses Canada, where she now serves as Financial Administrator. Previously, she contributed eight years as the Board Treasurer for Unison Choruses Canada, demonstrating her financial expertise and dedication to the organization.

Liz is passionate about aiding smaller nonprofit arts organizations in setting up strong financial foundations. She provides guidance and recommendations about financial infrastructure, reporting, and overall compliance. Liz is enthusiastic about fiscal management, finding excitement in a well-prepared Balance Sheet and sound financials, though she acknowledges that others may not share her enthusiasm for these aspects of organizational work.

As a registered Society in the Province of Alberta, the Governance and Management of the Society falls to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of OVC is a volunteer body which governs the Society and is responsible for managing and operating the Society. The powers and duties of the Board include: a. promoting the purposes of the Society; b. promoting membership in the Society; c. making policies for managing and operating the Society; d. maintaining and protecting the Society’s assets and property; e. approving an annual budget for the Society; f. financing the operations of the Society and raising monies; g. paying the expenses for managing and operating the Society; h. paying persons for services; i. protecting persons from debts of the Society; j. approving all contracts for the Society; and k. selling or disposing of any or all of the property of the Society.

Artemis Baker (President) Nic Elliott (Vice President) Melanie Sheridan-Smith, (Treasurer) Rayne Rousell (Secretary) Rikka Lauzé (Director) Jennifer Engracio and Max Badea-Hasasian (Chorus Ombudspersons)