About the Chorus

Rudolf (Maestro) Heijdens – Artistic Director and principal conductor

Rudolf Heijdens, the founder of the Chorus, was born in 1934 in the Netherlands. His father was chief engineer in the Dutch merchant navy and his mother was an organist. The family, which also included two sisters, survived the German occupation of the Netherlands. It was during these difficult times that Rudolf commenced organ studies. In 1951, the family emigrated to Canada.

In Canada Rudolf continued his organ studies with Adelmo Mellici and Dr. Charles Peaker. In addition to being organist, he obtained his Ministry of Education Supervisor and Specialist of Music Certificates and Teaching Certificate and entered the educational field as music supervisor for schools in Orillia Township, Bowmanville, and Northumberland County. During this time he also obtained a Bachelor of Arts majoring in music (1971) from what is now Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Education from Queen’s University (1985). In 1986 he founded the Hastings County Board of Education Concert Choir, now known as the Hastings and Prince Edward Children’s Chorus. After having moved to Belleville, he was offered the position of Curriculum Coordinator-of-the-Arts with the then Hastings County Board of Education, a position that he held until his retirement in 1993. For thirty-three years Rudolf served as organist at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Belleville, Ontario, from which he retired in 2005 in order to devote all his time and energy to the Children’s Chorus. Rudolf is the conductor of the Youth Chorale which is the touring choir of the Chorus.

Luke Bell, Accompanist (Youth Choral)

Luke Bell plays piano at A.R.C.T. level and currently studes with Dr. Cynthia Tormann at Queen's University. In 2007 and 2009, Luke won the Quinte Rotary Music Festival's Silver Tray Award for Senior piano. In 2008 and 2009 he was recipient of the festival's Vera Anderson Scholarship. He also receievd the festival' Jimmy Corradi Memorial piano level.

Jennifer Curtis, Assistant Conductor of the Youth Chorale

Jennifer Curtis holds a B.Mus. and teaches in Madoc. She has been connected with the Chorus for approximately 15 years, from chorister on to her present position of assistant to the conductor.

Claudia Scott , Accompanist (Training Choir)

Claudia Scott began her piano studies at a very early age and obtained
her ARCT in Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto at
the age of 16, under the tutelage of Mr. Antonin Kubalek. She was a
finalist in the Toronto Symphony Young Performers Competition in 1982 at
the age of 12, and a guest soloist with the Etobicoke Philharmonic under
Eugene Kash. She has performed in public and private recitals, and been
the recipient of numerous scholarships. As an accompanist, Mrs. Scott has
worked with vocalists and instrumentalists of diverse musical styles, in a
variety of settings.

Since moving to the Belleville area in 2008, Mrs. Scott has become an
accompanist with The Hastings and Prince Edward Children's Chorus, and
also with the Quinte Ballet School of Canada.

Carol Booth, Administrative Assistant

Carol Booth, B.Sc., M.Ed., was a former teacher, psycho-educational consultant and school administrator until her retirement in 2003. She has been an active member of the Parent Support Group since 2002 when her daughter joined the choir, and has served as Chair of the then Chamber Choir , Choir Manager, and Administrative Assistant to the Director. She volunteers her time because she values the musical environment and positive experiences that the Chorus offers our young people.