Laurie Evan Fraser is a choral conductor, pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. She is the co-founder and Artistic Director of the Upper Canada Choristers and the chamber ensemble Cantemos, both based in Toronto. Active as a performer and teacher, she has worked exclusively in music throughout her career in roles spanning collaborative pianist, singer, conductor, adjudicator, and composer.

COMMON GROUND: SONGS OF EMPATHY, KINDNESS AND LOVE

music by Laurie Evan Fraser lyrics by Jacqui Atkin, Jacinto Salcedo

WORLD PREMIERE by Upper Canada Choristers. Ayako Ochi, Conductor.
May 8th, 2026, at Grace Church on-the-Hill, Toronto. Canada

Photo by Laura Morales Balza

Preview

Jacinto Salcedo recounts the creation of Common Ground, a choral work by Laurie Evan Fraser with lyrics by Jacqui Atkin; blending poetry and music to confront division, war, and injustice, ultimately offering a hopeful artistic call for empathy, belonging, and shared humanity through a tapestry of stories and voices.

Read the Article

Testimonials

“Laurie has been my musical mentor ever since I came from Japan. Her breadth of knowledge and precise guidance has inspired me.”

Ayako Ochi
“Being able to write lyrics for Laurie has been a dream come true. The care and dedication comes through the music."

Jacinto Salcedo
“It is always a pleasure to come back to work with UCC and Laurie. She has been a key supporter in the development of my career."

Bradley Christiansen