Elise Naccarato
Artistic Director
Elise Naccarato (she/her) is a conductor whose journey is characterized by innovation. First introduced to choral music through the Hamilton Children’s Choir, this fortuitous encounter sparked a lifelong passion for choral music. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Myriad Ensemble, Elise has overseen its remarkable transformation over the past four seasons to a thriving ensemble of over 50 members.
Elise obtained her Honours Bachelor of Music and Diploma in Voice Performance from McMaster University, and her Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Toronto. In 2024, she completed her Master of Business Administration with a specialty in Innovation Leadership at the University of Fredericton.
She has served as the Apprentice Conductor of the Ontario Youth Choir in 2016 and 2018, and was the Associate Conductor of Chorus Niagara and Orpheus Choir of Toronto, under the leadership of her mentor, Robert Cooper. She was also the Conductor of the Hamilton Estonian Choir, a role that led her to the Estonian Song Festival as a Canadian representative in July 2019.
Elise’s passion for creating innovative programs and championing women in the arts has been recognized widely. In 2021, Elise received the St. Catharines Emerging Artist Award and was nominated for the Halton Women of Distinction Award. In 2022, she was recognized for her leadership and vision when Myriad won their categories at the World Choir Festival and was the only North American Choir to place in the top ten.
Today in addition to her role as Artistic Director of Myriad, she balances her roles as the Managing Director of Chorus Niagara and a board member of Choirs Ontario.