Celebrating the Retirement of Elvera Froese: 40 Years of Music, Mentorship, and Meaning at Laurier

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After four decades of extraordinary service to the Faculty of Music, Elvera Froese is retiring from Wilfrid Laurier University. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, excellence, and deep musical impact.

Elvera joined Laurier after studying musicology and completing degrees at the University of Manitoba and the University of Toronto. While exploring academic paths, she heard about a job opening at Laurier and came for an interview with then-Dean Anne Hall. That moment began a lifelong connection to the university and its students.

Elvera taught Music Appreciation and Musical Skills when the Bachelor of Music program was still in its early days, with just 15 students in a class. Over the years, her roles expanded to include coach-accompanist, voice instructor, and director of the Maureen Forrester Singers and Chapel Choir.

A gifted pianist and passionate educator, Elvera found joy in the "everyday-ness" of coaching vocalists. She guided generations of students through diction, language, and musical expression. She taught the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to incoming voice students, helped performers prepare for national competitions, and worked closely with faculty members including David Falk, Kimberly Barber, Brandon Leis, Daniel Cabena, James McLean, and Jennie Such.

Her highlights are too many to count. She accompanied mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy during the Canadian Nationals, directed the Faure Requiem with the Chapel Choir and Jan Overduin on organ, and saw the Maureen Forrester Singers place first in their category at a national choral competition in 2015–16. Above all, she says, she learned just as much from her students as she taught.

Elvera reflects on her years with deep gratitude:
"What a spectacular privilege for me to have been at Laurier's Faculty of Music these many years. I loved the time spent as coach/accompanist, instructor, and choir director and have endless memories to treasure. As I retire, I thank you all — students, colleagues, and administration — for making it wonderfully rewarding."

As she prepares for her first September outside of the academic calendar, she looks forward to a new season of open-ended exploration, with music continuing to play a central role in her life.

Congratulations, Elvera, and thank you.