Biography

Laurie Evan Fraser

Laurie Evan Fraser is a Toronto-based conductor, composer, and educator whose career has been shaped by a lifelong devotion to music and community. Born in Troy, New York, she discovered her passion for the piano at age six. At fifteen, a transformative summer at the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in Toronto—where she studied with George Lambert and took part in a masterclass with legendary contralto Maureen Forrester—sparked the beginning of her Canadian musical journey. She returned the following year to pursue full-time studies in piano, organ, and voice at the RCM, later joining its faculty as a teacher of piano and theory.

Fraser’s early years in Toronto blended teaching with an active career in church music. She served as soprano soloist, organist, choir director, and music director in several congregations, including St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Forest Hill United Church, and the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto. Alongside her musical leadership, she organized national conferences for church musicians, experiences she describes as both formative and foundational.

In 1994, Fraser co-founded the Upper Canada Choristers, a community choir dedicated to both musical excellence and service. As Artistic Director and Conductor, she has shaped the ensemble into a vibrant, multicultural choir recognized for its adventurous programming and deep commitment to accessibility. The Choristers have brought music to audiences across Toronto and beyond, including those unable to attend traditional concert settings.

Her passion for cultural diversity led to the creation of Cantemos in 2008, a chamber ensemble within the Choristers that specializes in Latin American repertoire. What began as a group of singers from Venezuela and Colombia has grown into a dynamic ensemble that celebrates global traditions through music.

Fraser’s artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that music is both sound and relationship. She focuses on cultivating a unified choral sound, curating repertoire that reflects cultural breadth, and creating programs that respond to the world around us. With an eye toward the future, she champions emerging composers, encourages cross-cultural exchange, and seeks to expand both singers’ and audiences’ horizons through music.