A graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, Mervin holds more than 35 years of creative leadership as artistic director, conductor, voice teacher, clinician and adjudicator. One of the greatest gifts that Mervin brings to singers under his direction is his ability to inspire truly joyful singing.
Mervin directs MCS Chorus, Toronto Beach Chorale, the PCS Singers/Brampton, and the National award-winning Esprit Chamber Choir, an acapella ensemble founded on an academy of choral singing with intense study involving discussion, demonstration and practice of choral skills. Mervin has led three choral tours in Europe, showcasing Canadian works. Mervin is also the Director of Music at St Anne's Anglican Church, Toronto.
Biography
Mervin Fick’s dynamic leadership has been engaging and inspiring singers and audiences for over 40 years. One of the greatest gifts Mervin brings to performances is his ability to inspire truly joyful singing from choristers and soloists under his direction. His extensive knowledge of repertoire and innovative programming leads to expressive and powerful performances. A strong proponent of life-long learning, Mervin enjoys opportunities to introduce singers and audiences to the history and context of the music.
Mervin’s charismatic personality and enthusiasm is evident throughout concert experiences, from the first rehearsals through to each performance. Assessing individual chorister’s musical abilities, he transforms singers by advancing their vocal skills, musicality and stage presence.
Artistic Director and conductor of the Mississauga Chamber Singers and PCS Singers Brampton, Mervin is also the founding Artistic Director of the Toronto Beach Chorale and Esprit Chamber Choir. He has led a variety of workshops, including Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Singsation Saturdays and CAMMAC events. His dedication to singers’ development encourages choristers to strive to higher levels of choral excellence, integrating period performance techniques where stylistically meaningful.
Recognizing the importance of engaging next generation audience members, as well as potential choristers, Mervin developed and delivers an innovative interactive arts education program to elementary students in the Peel District School Board. Integrating Canadian visual art, poetry and music, the program showcases Ottawa composer James Wright’s song cycle ‘Gallery of Song: Spirit of the Land’, inspired by Group of Seven paintings and poetry written by Ontario students.[JC1]
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Mervin also holds Royal Conservatory ARCT diplomas in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, as well as Royal Canadian College of Organists Colleague and Service diplomas.
