Born in South Africa, André began organ, composition, and vocal studies in high school.  In 1982, he founded the Johannesburg Chamber Choir and Orchestra which he conducted for ten years. André was on the medical staff of Johannesburg General Hospital’s Department of Cardiology from 1985-1991, but left medicine to pursue a career in music. He received his Licentiate Diploma (LTCL) in piano teaching from Trinity College of Music (UK), then came to the US in 1992, where he obtained a Master of Music degree from the University of Central Arkansas.

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André was selected to participate in the 1998 Karelia International Conducting Master Class in St. Petersburg and Petrozavodsk, Russia. He returned to Russia the next three summers to continue conducting studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. 

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In 2002 André was appointed Minister of Music and Principal Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he directed a diverse music program.  He also conducted several musical theater performances, and was adjunct professor of music at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff from 2007 to 2013.

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In 2013, André became Director of Music and Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, Arkansas, where he also regularly performed as Principal Pianist with the Symphony Orchestra of Northwest Arkansas.  In 2018, André became Organist and Director of Music Ministries at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey. He has performed at the Bay View Music Festival and became Chorusmaster of the GLCO in 2020, which he prepared for this year’s performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

 

André joined the Little Traverse Choral Society as Director in 2022.

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                                                        Ellen Kendall 

Pianist

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Charlevoix based free-lance pianist who has performed throughout the Midwest and Pennsylvania.  Ellen has a BM degree in piano performance from Michigan State University where she studied with concert artist Joseph Evans as well as an MA from the University of Michigan.  She is a member of the Windover Piano Duo which specializes in performing the music of women composers as well as standard repertoire for two pianos and duet.  She has been a noted for accompanying young performing artists in regional and statewide concerts and competitions.  

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2022-2023 

 

Board of Directors

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​President - Frank Nemecek 

Vice President - Drex George

Executive Director - Julie Falls

Secretary - Maureen Delaney-Lehman

Website Design - Ruth Music

Poster Art - Millie Janka

Bobbie Barger​

Cheryl Staats - Program Layout 

Ethel Larson   

Eric Shea

Meg Brodie Ideker 

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Music Director - Andre Strydom 

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Treasurer - Carol Bosche (non-board member) 

Librarian - Carolyn Klender

 

 

 

Our History

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1989 Changed name to Little Traverse Choral Society 

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1990 Received IRS  tax-exempt status

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1991 & 1993 Chorus for Michigan Opera Theater

• Verdi's "La Traviata" 

• Rossini's "La Cenerentola"

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2010 Received eddi award for Arts and Cultural Organizations

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2014 New logo designed by Millie Janka

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Commissioned Work: "My Father's Love" by   Wendal Werner

inspired by marquetry panels depicting the life of Christ

created by

Ed Lantzer of Kalkaska

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Premiered Chorale "Prelude on St. Crispin"

composed by Tom Woehrman of Harbor Springs

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Premiered "American Requiem" based on letters and poems

written by American servicemen during Viet Nam War

composed by 

Jerry Westerman of Petoskey

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