Edette Gagné

A charismatic and dynamic conductor, Edette Gagné has built a reputation for excellence in
musical performance in her work. With creative programming, exceptional rehearsal
technique and brilliant interpersonal skills, Edette has become a shining example of one of the “new generation” of conductors.

Presently, the Canadian West Coast is her home, where she is the Music Director and
Conductor of the Coast Symphony Orchestra, the newly appointed Artistic Director of the
Vivaldi Chamber Choir, the Choir Director for Kids Sing Chorus, the Conductor of the Town
Choir of the British Columbia Boys Choir and Associate Conductor of their International
Touring Choir. Edette also volunteers with the VWMS, where she supports emerging
professional musicians in her positions as Scholarship Chair and Vice-President.

Her passion for music is infectious. Fuelled by intense musicianship and attention to detail, Edette’s performances reflect both careful adherence to performance practice and the high standards she sets for both herself and her ensembles. Edette approaches every endeavour with zeal, energy and dedication.
Her conducting experiences have now circumnavigated the globe, with shows conducted across Canada; in Sydney, Australia; Bulgaria; Ukraine; Los Angeles; and New York City.
She is in great demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, vocal coach and lyric soprano. A strong proponent of new and rarely performed works, Edette has conducted several World, North American, and Canadian premières.

Edette holds a Master of Music degree in conducting from the University of Calgary, Bachelor degrees in arts and education from the University of Alberta, as well as Associate Performance Diplomas in piano and voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She has studied conducting with Helmut Rilling, Toshi Shimada, Paula Holcombe, Allan McMurray, Frank Klassen, Diane Wittry, Kenneth Woods, David Hoose, and Christopher Zimmerman.

Back to Conductors