A creative and multifaceted native of Ottawa, Élise Letourneau has already achieved remarkable milestones. She is an award-winning Canadian composer, accomplished songwriter, and arranger. Her expertise extends to music production and performance on various instruments. Ottawa Ski takes a closer look at her journey.
A Berklee Graduate
Élise Letourneau graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned a Master of Education degree. Her primary specialization lies in creative arts. She also studied at Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As an associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre, she has received numerous accolades for her choral compositions. Her works have been performed not only in Canada but also in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. Élise’s versatility and dedication serve as an inspiration to many.
“Pure Talent”
Those familiar with Élise Letourneau describe her as possessing “pure talent.” Barry Kernfeld, author and editor of What to Listen For in Jazz and the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, has praised her impeccable sense of rhythm and melody, meaningful lyrical delivery, rich tone, and outstanding improvisational skills.
Beyond composing and recording, Élise is engaged in several key roles:
- Director of Voices Rock Canada – A 21st-century rock choir that blends discipline and fun under professional leadership. Participants gain experience through live rehearsals, concerts, and engaging events while performing unique arrangements of contemporary music. Élise assumed leadership of the choir in September 2022.
- Studio Vocalist – Alongside Normand Gload, she forms a dynamic vocal team and has released The Fieldown Sessions album. Their collaboration includes backing vocals, choral arrangements, and work with composers and sound engineers.
- Educator – Élise is committed to enhancing music education for students of all ages. Since 2006, her Alcorn Music Studios has provided training from professional musicians.
- Instructor at the Ottawa Singer Song Camp – Élise coaches aspiring songwriters at this annual summer program. Having started songwriting at just six years old, she now teaches her students to think outside conventional boundaries. Registration is required for participation, and the camp typically takes place in early July.
Ottawa’s Choir for Female Physicians
Notably, Voices Rock Canada offers various rock choirs catering to different groups, including children, adults, seniors, and even women in medicine. Voices Rock Medicine consists exclusively of female doctors who share a passion for singing.
Élise Letourneau and Normand Gload
Their well-coordinated partnership spans multiple genres, including classical, rock-pop, and jazz. While Élise’s contributions are well-known, Normand Gload’s background is equally intriguing.
Gload owns and operates Morning Anthem Recording Studio in Cumberland, Ontario. He is a highly respected professional in the audio industry and has been part of Ottawa’s music scene for over 25 years, performing live and working as a studio musician.
Life in Ottawa
Élise lives in Ottawa with her husband, Tim Bedner. Beyond her musical endeavors, she is a fibre artist, crafting unique wallpapers and innovative installations.
Additionally, she designs dog sweaters and pet beds, which she sells through her boutique stand, Love That Doggie.
Gardening is another of her passions.
A Multifaceted Talent
Élise Letourneau exemplifies a multi-talented, extraordinarily skilled woman. Her professional pursuits span diverse fields, yet she remains dedicated to her hobbies. Every endeavor she undertakes achieves success, highlighting her determination and strong character.
