Mary Bella, Music Director, Local Vocals

Mary has a passion for the power of music and singing to bring people together and build community.  She began conducting about 15 years ago, when she took over the Mimico Children’s Choir, and initially started the adult Local Vocals as a fundraiser for the children's choir. 

A classically trained soprano, Mary has performed in over 40 mainstage productions with the Canadian Opera Company chorus, sings with VIVA Chamber Singers whenever she can, and conducts the VIVA Voices treble choir. She also runs her own web design business, Maestra Web Design.

Becky Wicks, Piano Accompanist, Local Vocals

Becky trained classically in piano and violin at an early age, along with her three older sisters, encouraged by her musical parents. She learned to love jazz through listening to and playing with her father, a jazz saxophonist.  After graduating from Western with a Bachelor of Music degree, she taught high school music and was a consultant with the Toronto Board for 30 years. She has played with a variety of choirs and ensembles. Since retirement, she has been busy as a freelance musician, playing for church services, weddings, choirs, and subbing for jazz bands. She continues to compose and arrange music.

Judy Verseghy, MC

Judy Verseghy has been enthusiastically answering Mary's call for over a decade, as a volunteer and then Community Engagement Coordinator of the Mimico Children's Choir, then as a Local Vocal herself. She believes in the importance of community and the power of song, both of which can soothe an aching spirit. She hopes each of you takes time to connect with a bit of music every day, and she is absolutely delighted to be your host for this evening.  

Sharon Heldt, soloist

Sharon has over 40 years of experience in the acting profession and has performed across Canada on stage, in films and on television. Theatre appearances have included Stratford Festival, Blyth, Grand Theatre, Theatre Aquarius, and Drayton Entertainment. Film/ TV appearances included National commercials, Handmaid's Tale, and soon to be released Indy, One more before we go. sharonheldt.com

As Artistic Director of ACTING OUT Kids Theatre, she prepares young students for their arts high school auditions  and also runs a summer program offering youth a chance to

hone their Music Theatre skills! 

masterclass-series.com actingoutkidstheatre.ca

And finally Sharon hosts an adult improv community group in Mimico called MIMPROV in which several of our choristers participate. Come join us and have some fun!

Charlie Sadler, baritone soloist

Charlie Sadler is a singer and educator from Toronto, Canada. He is passionate about mentoring, teaching and inspiring the next generation of singers, providing them with support and enthusiasm. 

Charlie currently holds Bass Lead position at VIVA Singers Community Choir and the Trinity St. Paul’s Church. He is the recipient of the U of T Faculty of Music Lobodowsky Choral Scholarship in 2022, and the Arthur Edward Redsell Scholarship in 2023. Currently Charlie is the President of University of Toronto SNATS (Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing), leading a team of passionate student executives who aim to inspire and teach fellow students about vocal pedagogy. 

Charlie holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice from the University of Toronto and a Master's of Music Degree in Vocal Pedagogy.