When the SSO embarked on the plans to do an auditioned chorus, we called Duff Warkentin – it was clear that he was the man for the job. He’s become Saskatchewan’s go-to guy for a Messiah chorus! Choral rehearsals have been filled not only with Duff’s musicianship, but his wonderful stories of meeting people like Ben Heppner and the legendary Robert Shaw.
Culture builds community! A strong believer in this truism, Duff Warkentin has had a significant and varied career as a choral singer, conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. His first intensive experience as a choral singer came when he was a student at Rosthern Junior College. Here he also had the opportunity to conduct the choir in the absence of their regular conductor. His post-secondary studies include degrees from Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg, University of Waterloo, and the University of Regina. He has served as Music Director at Rosthern Junior College, taught and conducted choirs for several years at the University of Saskatchewan, served as Choral Artist in Residence in the Battlefords and Rosthern, was the conductor of the Saskatoon Chamber Singers, conducted a number of church choirs, and is the founding conductor of the Station Singers of Rosthern. He is grateful for the opportunity to conduct Handel’s magnificent oratorio.