Board of Directors
Chair- Juliana Elsinga
I moved to PEI when I was almost six so technically, I am “from away”. My mom and dad were both beautiful singers and I have sung all my life. My most favourite performances have mostly been in St. Mary’s Church for shows and weddings. I love choral music and this fabulous place is the best showcase there is for the voice. I am honoured to be part of the Under the Spire Music Festival board and we are looking forward to many more years of wonderful musical experiences “under the spire”.
Vice-Chair- Sue Urquhart
Sue Urquhart is the Executive Director of CAPACOA, the Canadian Association for the Performing Arts. Most recently Sue was the Director of Programming for PEI 2014 Inc., the organization responsible for the planning, promotion and implementation of the Sesquicentennial celebrations for that province. She was the first Executive Director of the Under the Spire Music Festival which is near and dear to her heart.
Secretary/Treasurer- Kathryn Herbert
Kathryn Herbert is thrilled to be on the Under The Spire Music Festival board of directors as their secretary/treasurer and is excited by the potential of this vibrant organization. Kathryn comes from a long line of artists and has worked in the creative arts for decades. She is passionate about the not-for-profit sector and how to maintain and grow its viability. Her grandparents settled in the prairies, and she has inherited the pioneering spirit to be innovative and seek new approaches. Kathryn enjoys reading, knitting, spinning, and dreaming of new adventures in her leisure time.
Will Howard
Will Howard lives in Montague and has been a festival goer since 2007. Will loves playing music as well as watching it being performed, and is currently grappling with an instrument collecting addiction that has expanded beyond instruments he’s even able to play. Please send help (or a tuba, he hasn’t got one of those yet).
Lorna MacGillivray
Although she works in Toronto, Lorna has a strong connection to PEI and spends as much time as possible in Seaview. She loves her dog, and concerts at Historic St. Mary’s.
Dean Perry
Dean Perry moved to PEI in 2018 after many visits, including at 6 weeks old on a family camping trip to Cavendish. He joined the USMF Board and brings his love of music and experience as an organist and choir director and work at the Royal Conservatory of Music after graduating in music from the University of Toronto. Dean practises acupuncture and Nutritional Therapy in Charlottetown
Beth Orford
My husband and I purchased a cottage overlooking Darnely Basin in 2019 after visiting PEI, on and off, from 1985. I grew up in the shadow of the Tanglewood Music Festival in Lenox, Massachusetts and my husband grew up with three music teachers. Music is woven into who we are and that is why I am a volunteer and board member of this extraordinary festival.
Brodie MacRae
Brodie MacRae returned home to Charlottetown in 2021 after living away for 18 years. He is a graduate of UPEI, a classically-trained singer and a labour lawyer. USMF has held a special place in Brodie’s heart for many years, combining as it does two things he is passionate about: beautiful music and the acoustic wonders of William Critchlow Harris’s architecture. He is thrilled to be able to contribute to its success by serving on its Board.
Patrick MacLellan
Patrick MacLellan was born and raised in Indian River, just down the road from St Mary’s. Patrick has many fond memories of the church, helping out and attending the early days of the festival. He is very excited to be a board member, and to see the church and its history being maintained and showcased alongside some talented artists.
Andrew Murphy
Andrew Murphy grew up in Kensington and spent many a Sunday in St. Mary’s Church. After working as a professional engineer in Nova Scotia and Alberta, he and his wife returned to PEI in 2019 to raise their boys. He is excited to join the USMF Board due to his love of music and long family history with the venue.
Staff Members
Executive Director
Lindsay Connolly
lindsay@underthespire.ca
Artistic Advisor
Robert Kortgaard
music@underthespire.ca
Communications Coordinator & Content Creator
Dani MacDonald
dani@underthespire.ca
Bookkeeper
Maggie Clarkin
finance@underthespire.ca
Office Phone Number
902-836-4933 or 866-836-3733