Music plays a vital role in worship – it gives us intimations of the infinite and brings us into closer relationship with God and with each other. The lyrics can be sustaining, challenging, comforting, and inspiring. At Kingsway-Lambton, we integrate music into the service as a whole, supporting the sermon, prayers, and other elements of worship. Music moves the heart and heals the soul.
We are extremely proud of our music team. We are moved by how their talent and dedication enhance our weekly worship services. Please click on "Choir Section Leads" tab on the left for detailed biographies.
Choir Section Leads:
NATHAN GRITTER (he/him) is a singer and conductor based in Toronto. He is currently studying choral conducting at the University of Toronto in a Masters degree program with Dr. Jamie Hillman. Nathan is the assistant conductor for the Tenor Bass Choir at U of T and Associate Conductor with Modern Sound Collective. He sings professionally with the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers, Soundstreams’ Choir 21 and the Pax Christi Chorale. During his graduate studies, Nathan was awarded the Elmer Iseler National Graduate Fellowship in Conducting. He also enjoys working behind the scenes, as Ontario Youth Choir Program Coordinator, and member of the 2022 PODIUM conference planning committee. When not singing or conducting, you can find Nathan running, swimming, playing board games, or spending time with friends and family. Nathan was first introduced to the Kingsway-Lambton United Church community when he joined the choir as Tenor Choral Scholar in 2017. Since then, he has been enriched by the music and spirit of KLUC, and has grown as a musician, collaborator, and friend through his time with the choir. Nathan is thrilled to now be Music Director. Every rehearsal and service is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. He is very excited about the music and memories to come.
SCOTT DOWNING is a solo and collaborative pianist based in Toronto. He obtained his Bachelors degree in piano performance from the University of Toronto and also studied at McGill University where he obtained a Masters degree and Graduate diploma both in piano performance. In 2018 he received a grant from the Art Song Foundation of Canada allowing him to attend the world renowned Oxford Lieder Mastercourse in Oxford, England where he studied art song with Wolfgang Holzmair, Roger Vignoles, Susan Manoff, Veronique Gens, Eugene Asti and Helen Abbot. In 2019, he and his duo partner Soprano Carolyn Beaudoin were selected to compete in the live rounds of the International Das Lied competition in Heidelberg, Germany. That year he was also named a fellow of Toronto Summer Music Festival’s Art of Song program. Interestingly enough, Scott began his musical studies just around the corner from Kingsway Lambton United church at Kingsway Conservatory of Music. At KCM, with the help of his teachers Elena Tchernaia and Sharon Burlacoff, he was able to develop a strong musical technique at the piano and a visceral passion for the beauty of classical music. Scott is also currently a full time staff pianist at Canada’s National Ballet School.
