Conductors Emeriti

John Barron, C.M., was a pioneering Canadian music educator, conductor, arranger, author, and choral visionary whose work helped redefine elementary music education and elevate Canada’s profile on the international choral stage. As co‑founder of the Amabile Youth Singers—the original Amabile Choir—he inspired generations of young musicians over more than four decades, helping countless children discover confidence, joy, and community through singing.

A passionate advocate for musical literacy, John transformed classroom music instruction at a time when resources and structured approaches were scarce. Drawing on the Kodály method—an approach grounded in singing, folk traditions, movement, and play—he developed a uniquely Canadian curriculum that incorporated national folk music and cultural materials. His work established new standards for elementary music education across the country, turning what had often been a sporadic classroom activity into a cohesive, engaging, and highly effective learning experience.

John possessed a remarkable ability to motivate young people and unite large groups in song. In rural communities with limited opportunities, he organized choirs that grew to nearly a thousand voices, offering young singers the chance to experience the power of collective music‑making. Beginning in the 1960s, he taught secondary school choral music in Toronto and London, Ontario, where he developed programs that brought choral singing to hundreds of students. He also sang with Canada’s renowned composer Healey Willan and was a member of the Festival Singers under the direction of Elmer Iseler. John later took his young family to Kecskemét, Hungary, where he studied for two years at the famous Kodály Institute.

In 1975, he led the Ontario Youth Choir to win both the Grand Prize at the CBC Biennial Choral Competition and the European Broadcasting Union’s Let the Peoples Sing competition. Sir David Willcocks, one of the judges, declared the OYC “the finest youth choir he had ever heard.”

A decade later, John’s path took a defining turn. At the close of the 1985 London Kiwanis Music Festival, he and fellow music educator Brenda Zadorsky took their respective triple trios—who had competed against each other—for ice cream to celebrate. When the twenty‑seven girls spontaneously stepped onto a set of mall risers and began to sing “just for fun,” the beauty of their blended sound sparked the idea that, by September, became the Amabile Youth Singers. What began as an impromptu moment has grown into an internationally celebrated choral organization of nine choirs for children, youth and adults of various ages and abilities. 

Under John’s co‑direction, the Amabile Choirs won the CBC National Choral Competition more times than any other ensemble. They have performed across Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, earning numerous international awards. The Amabile Youth Singers alone won two gold medals at the 1999 International Choir Festival of Preveza, Greece; two golds in Bremen, Germany; and returned to Greece years later to earn two more.

At John’s urging, Amabile placed a major emphasis on Canadian choral music, commissioning over 100 new works—including more than thirty by Stephen Hatfield, whom John affectionately called Amabile’s “composer in non‑residence.” The choirs have recorded or participated in more than fifteen CDs.

John’s own publications include Reflections of Canada, an award‑winning series of Canadian folk song arrangements; How to Make a Recording (part of Choirs Ontario’s 2007 “How To…” series); and his music textbook Ride With Me: A Journey from Unison to Part‑Singing.

John was known not only for his musical brilliance but also for his generosity. He frequently provided bus fare so choristers could attend rehearsals or performances. His financial support also included a choral award for the 2013 Kiwanis Music Festival and, most significantly, the “John and Lowell Barron Endowment Fund,” established in 2003 to provide bursaries to at‑risk choristers. 

Beyond Amabile, John was a mentor to countless conductors and educators and a tireless advocate for Canadian composers. His achievements earned him numerous honours, including his appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2007 and multiple lifetime achievement awards from national choral organizations.

Despite his accolades, John remained humble, grounded, and deeply connected to those he taught. He cherished hearing from former students and choir members and took pride in the role music played in their personal and artistic development.

John Barron’s legacy lives on in the tens of thousands of children who discovered their voices through his teaching, in the thriving choirs he helped create, and in the educators who continue to draw inspiration from his methods and philosophy. His passion, musicality, and kindness continue to resonate in classrooms and concert halls across Canada.

Sing your song….

Whatever the tune

however poor or pleasing your voice,

Sing your song.

It’s yours.

No one else can sing it like you do.

That was what choral conductor Ken Fleet spent his life urging his choristers and students to do.

Ken grew up in Corunna, Ontario, graduated from high school in Sarnia – where he met his wife, Janet – and then attended Western University in London, Ontario to study music, majoring on French Horn. During his 1st year, he was recruited to the Faculty Singers with his sonorous deep bass voice and switched his passion to a lifetime of singing and choral music, studying with Professor Deral Johnson who would become his mentor throughout the rest of his life. Upon graduation he taught at Medway High School for his entire 30-year career continuing the choral legacy of the legendary Alex Clark. Ken used his summers for professional development and in 1986 received his Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Princeton University. Ken joined London Pro Musica as a singer after graduation under the direction of Professor Johnson and later served as its conductor for 23 years. He was a beloved co-conductor of the Amabile Boys and Men’s Choir for 15 years. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Choirs Ontario, Ken conducted the Ontario Youth Choir in 1999 and was a tireless supporter of the program. Ken was honoured to work with composer and dear friend, Nancy Telfer and coedited a series of choral octavos, published by Neil A. Kjos Music. He was recognized as an adjudicator, clinician, and educator.

Ken did not focus on people as singers, rather he used singing to help them understand more about themselves and who they could become. He was a person who could motivate people to be the best that they could be by using their own voice. Ken worked toward and established a standard of excellence for choral music and his legacy lives on through those who sang with him.

Colleagues, family and students gathered around Ken as he developed early onset Alzheimer’s and in spite of the difficulties over the 11 years since his diagnosis, he kept pulling songs out of people. He was able to listen to familiar music and then continue to bring the best out of any choir in front of him.

Ken’s many accomplishments have been recognized through the numerous local, national and international awards won by his choirs over the years and being named to the Don Wright Faculty of Music Alumni Wall of Fame. An annual scholarship – the Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship – was created in his memory to support emerging choral conductors in Ontario. (Information about this scholarship fund can be obtained through the London Community Foundation website.)

Brenda's journey with the Amabile Choirs began in 1985, in an unexpected and unforgettable moment. After a day of competing at the London Kiwanis Music Festival, Brenda and fellow local music consultant John Barron took their respective choral groups—27 girls in total—for ice cream at what is now Cherryhill Village Mall in London, Ontario. As they enjoyed their treat, the girls spontaneously climbed onto a set of risers, and without any prior planning, began to sing. The harmony that emerged from their voices was nothing short of magical, a serendipitous moment that would lay the foundation for what would become the Amabile Youth Singers— a choir, a space where young voices could soar beyond the ordinary— and eventually one of the most respected and renowned choral organizations in the country. 

That first choir was like the first taste of a new flavor, sweet with possibility. They named it Amabile—“lovable” in Italian—a name that carried the warmth of their vision. One became two. Two became four. Four became nine.

The voices grew, layered like harmonies in a grand crescendo, each choir adding its own unique timbre to the ever-expanding Amabile sound. They sang their way across Canada and beyond, gathering awards, friendships, and unforgettable moments along the way. 

And to think—it all started with an idea, a shared dream, and perhaps, just perhaps, an ice cream moment.

A Legacy of Growth and Inclusivity

Brenda’s impact on Amabile Choirs extended far beyond the podium. She was instrumental in shaping the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that Amabile is known for today. As the organization grew, so did the opportunities for young singers, with the creation of multiple choirs that cater to a wide range of ages and vocal ranges. Inspired by the exceptional music-making of the Amabile Youth Singers, the Amabile Boys Choir was founded, creating a space for young male singers. This choir later evolved into the Amabile Boys and Men’s Choir. As interest in joining the Amabile Youth Singers grew rapidly in its first five years, the demand for more opportunities led to the creation of the Junior Amabile Singers. This new, younger ensemble allowed even more girls to participate in a high-quality choral group, while also providing foundational training to support the remarkable growth of youth choral music that the Amabile Youth Singers had already begun to pioneer. What started as a single choir in 1985 has since expanded to nine different ensembles, covering a range of ages and voice types. This growth reflects Amabile’s strong reputation in choral excellence, both nationally and internationally.

A Journey of Excellence: National and International Recognition

Under Brenda's (and John’s) leadership, the Amabile Youth Singers flourished, earning accolades at both the local and national levels. The choir’s performances quickly gained attention for their precision, emotional depth, and powerful vocal blend. They captured numerous prestigious awards and accolades in the country, establishing themselves as a pillar of excellence in youth choral music. The choir’s success wasn’t limited to competitions; they became known for their breathtaking concerts, inspiring generations of young singers and music lovers alike.

But it wasn’t just national recognition that the choir received. The Amabile Youth Singers’ reach extended far beyond Canada’s borders. The choir’s commitment to musical excellence earned them invitations to perform at international festivals, where they earned rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Their performances at renowned festivals across the globe showcased their versatility and exceptional talent, representing not only London but also Canada on the world stage.

Throughout her tenure as co-conductor and eventually sole conductor, Brenda worked tirelessly to ensure that the choir’s musical repertoire was both challenging and inspiring, pushing the boundaries of what young voices could achieve. Her dedication to her singers and her passion for music created an environment where young people could grow not only as musicians but also as individuals.

A Lasting Influence on the London Community

For Brenda, retirement marks the end of one chapter, but the legacy of her work will live on through the thousands of singers whose lives she touched. From the girls and boys who found their voices with Amabile, to the music teachers who followed in her footsteps, Brenda’s influence on London’s musical community cannot be overstated. She has not only cultivated a high standard of excellence but has also fostered a deep sense of community and belonging among her singers, many of whom have gone on to become music educators, professional musicians, and dedicated members of their communities.

The Amabile Choirs’ continued success, both locally and internationally, stands as a tribute to Brenda’s leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Under her guidance, the choir has become more than just a musical institution—it has become a family, one that celebrates the beauty of music, the joy of collaboration, and the transformative power of the arts.

On behalf of all the singers, past and present, and the broader London community, we thank Brenda for her unwavering commitment, her love of music, and her dedication to creating a space where every voice is valued. The Amabile Choirs of London will forever be a reflection of her vision, passion, and the beautiful voices she helped nurture into being.