Biographies

Dr. Terry Pitt-Brooke, Director

AURA Chamber Choir has chosen a new Artistic Director:  Dr. Terry Pitt-Brooke.
Charged with renewing AURA’s mission as a first-rate amateur concert ensemble and developing innovative, exciting and entertaining repertoire, Dr. Pitt-Brooke has brought deep vocal and musical insights to bear, with exciting results.Pitt-Brooke’s academic résumé is impressive.  After undergraduate studies in Composition at the University of Toronto, he studied Conducting under Jon Washburn in Vancouver and took a Master’s Degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied under legendary choral conductor Robert Fountain.  He comes to AURA having completed a DMA in Choral Conducting (with a minor in Orchestral Conducting) at the University of Arizona.Since returning to the Okanagan, Dr. Pitt-Brooke has become an integral part of the music fabric of the area, being involved with the Vernon Proms, conducting two choirs, and working with Opera Kelowna.  His past experience as conductor and educator with school, church, community and professional choirs, and as a singer in the Vancouver Chamber Choir, has made him uniquely qualified to take on his new role as Artistic Director of Vernon’s AURA Chamber Choir.

Teresa McKnight, Accompanist

Teresa grew up on the prairies, grateful for her parents putting her into piano lessons from an early age.  Playing at church and nursing homes throughout her schooling and earning credits for being the choir accompanist in high school were just a few ways her love of collaborating musically came to be.  Spending her first years of marriage in Glasgow, Scotland gave opportunity to work with amateur music societies, growing a love for musicals and drama.  In Australia, Alberta and Vernon, Teresa has enjoyed leading choirs of eclectic minds, making a beautiful sound together, deeply appreciating how music unites us. 

The power of music in its many different genres gives Teresa an outlet for creativity and growth.  The role of accompanist with singers and musicians brings joy and energy to her life.  Thank you, AURA, for this opportunity of working with you!