Jun 28, 2023

Musician Anna Schwartz Joins Admin Team

Recent Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) graduate, Anna Schwartz, has joined the administrative team as Executive Assistant. She started her position started earlier this month, replacing tenor Kyle Briscoe who will be continuing his voice studies at McGill University this fall.

Anna will be providing direct assistance to the General Director & CEO and the Director of Operations, as well as working with the entire staff team, assisting where needed. Her tasks will include taking meeting minutes, organizing the calling for the telemarketing campaigns, and coordinating the Student Ambassador Program. 

“I’m so excited to be able to continue to be part of a team that creates such fantastic art for our province,” said Anna. “I enjoyed working with the team this past season so much that I didn’t want to stop!” 

Anna was a participant in the MO Student Ambassador Program in 2022/23 and also received a mentorship placement with the company from January to March through the Opera Artists Resilience Program. She researched local company sponsorship opportunities and contributed to both grant applications and reporting.   

“I’ve always loved organization (I was one of those kids who colour-coded her closet), and so I’m excited to see what every department does and learn how all those pieces fit together. I’m also looking forward to getting to know the amazing people who attend our events!” 

This young artist grew up in Northwestern Ontario on a small farm (cats, dogs, and horses) and just graduated from Canadian Mennonite University this year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Comprehensive Music. Anna was also the Valedictorian for her graduating class and received a President’s Medal.  

“My two passions since I was in Grade 7 or so have been music and health care,” explained Anna. “When I started my university degree at CMU, I was convinced I was going to do a degree in music with a minor in biochemistry and then apply to medical school. How paths can change! My current career aspirations tend to fluctuate about once a day.  

I love the arts and want to continue making an impact in that world, but I also have a passion for helping others. My dad is a pharmacist, and his work has always inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Currently, I’ve been researching the possibility of completing a Masters in Physiotherapy and opening a practice where I specialize in small-muscle injuries (the injuries musicians tend to get most frequently).  

I did a project in February 2022 with the WSO and local artist/musician Shirley Elias about music and the brain, and it was one of the most fascinating projects I’ve ever been a part of.  If I can find a way to combine music and medicine in my career, that would be my dream.” (Click here for more information on this project: https://www.shirleyelias.com/spectrum) 

In her spare time, when there is any, Anna enjoys kayaking, rock climbing, and downhill skiing (side effects of growing up in the Canadian Shield).  She loves being outside and is looking forward to exploring some of the hiking/biking trails in Manitoba this summer. Books and above all, cats, also make her “favourites” list. Growing up, Anna had two cats – Fuzzy and Sally – who were her best friends and instilled in her a lifelong love of felines. 

Welcome to the staff team, Anna!