Elaine Quilichini has a unique gift for inspiring a love of music in others. Her passion and expertise allow her to guide others toward musical and personal excellence. This gift has brought her recognition and accolades at home and around the world. 

In 1995, she founded the Calgary Girls Choir, and with her vision and passion it continues to stand as a model of choral excellence for others. She is the Artistic Director of summer choral programs at Wichita State University and the recipient of numerous awards including Choir Alberta’s ‘con spirito’ award, Global Television’s Woman of Vision award, the Alberta Kodály Association Teacher Recognition Award and the Richard S. Eaton Award of Distinction in recognition of exemplary service to choral music in the province of Alberta. Most recently, Elaine received the 2025 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award. These awards celebrate the passion, talent and commitment she embodies, and are fitting recognition of Ms. Quilichini’s achievements.

A native Korean pianist, Dr. Minsung Pyo enjoys a versatile career as both a performer and teacher. Dr. Pyo holds a Bachelor and a Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance at Ewha Women’s University where she studied with Prof. Soojung Seo (Seoul, South Korea) and the recipient of Honors scholarship. She also holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at the Michigan State University under the tutelage of Prof. Deborah Moriarty where she was the recipient of a Music School Scholarship.  

As an active pianist, she appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Canada, Italy and Korea.  As a teacher, she taught at many prestigious schools such as Sunhwa Arts School , Gyewon Arts School and Wonkwang University. In addition, she served as a judicator to many competitions such as the Incheon Student Music Festival and Wonkwang University National Student Music Competition. As a dedicated teacher, she runs her private piano studio actively. She has been an accompanist at Calgary Girls Choir since 2017.

Maegan is a choral and elementary music specialist committed to creating joyful and meaningful experiences for children through music. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music (Southern Virginia University), a bachelor's degree in education (University of Lethbridge), and certification in the Kodály method (Intermuse Academy and Holy Names University). Her love of children and music naturally led to a career in music education and she has taught at several elementary schools in Calgary in addition to conducting community children's choirs. Maegan first taught with the Calgary Girls Choir fifteen years ago and is honoured to be part of the community once again.

Allison Grothman has sung with the Calgary Girls Choir for over ten years, during which time she has participated in symposia and festivals in Edmonton, San Francisco, and Wales. Currently, she is a member of Espressa. She received her grade 10 piano performance certificate with the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2018, and has been the accompanist for Dolce since 2019. She is currently studying computer science and linguistics at the University of Calgary. Allison is excited to be working with Dolce once again this year! 

Susan Varcoe is a versatile and sought-after collaborative pianist from Calgary, specializing in the fields of art song, musical theatre, and opera. She has worked for Calgary Opera, Cowtown Opera, Stage West dinner theatre, and the prestigious Banff Centre summer opera program, among others.

After spending some time down in the mountain city San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, where she played concerts, silent movies, and jazz clubs, Susan is back in Calgary where she is teaching piano and voice as well as keeping up her busy performing schedule.

Nicole Harbauer, President

Tim Adzamli, Treasurer

Lisa Grothman, Interim Secretary

Rhonda Allen, Executive Committee

Amy Harper, AGLC Chair

Vanna Harnack, Fundraising Committee

Alexandra Gousseva, Director

Karen Hall, Director

Misty Kolozetti, Director

Brent West, Director

Are you passionate about the choir? Are you brimming with ideas and energy? Would you like to work with a motivated and collaborative team to help with choir operations and to deliver new projects to improve the way we do things? We’d love to meet you!

The CGC Board of Directors are looking in particular for members with experience in the areas of accounting, human resources, law and leadership, though any skill set is welcome.  Please contact board@calgarygirlschoir.com if you are interested in becoming a part of our team.