For the Love of Music and Community

An evening of music in support of United Way KFL&A featuring pianist Valery Lloyd Watts, cellist Jill Vitols, and clarinetist Chris Alfano. All funds raised during this event will support United Way KFL&A’s initiatives to prevent and end homelessness in our community.

Doors will open at 7:00pm

Concert begins promptly at 7:30pm

https://loveofmusic2026.eventbrite.ca

About Valery Lloyd-Watts

From the age of four, Valery knew that she wanted to “play the piano” That desire has evolved to wanting to share her love for music as widely as possible. Now she is enjoying the opportunity of making music with her esteemed colleagues Jill Vitols, cello, and Chris Alfano, clarinet.

Valery was born in Vancouver, BC, studied music at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, the Royal College in London, England, and the University of Wisconsin. Her beloved teachers included Paul Badura-Skoda and Menahem Pressler.

In addition to her many recordings, books and TV series, “Music Meant for You”, Valery was an early proponent of the Suzuki Method for Piano and she and her music partner, Carole L. Bigler, presented the summer workshop, SuzukiKingston, for over 30 years.

Valery has performed widely in Canada, the US, England and Australia and has lived in Kingston, ON, for many years.

For a more complete bio, please visit valerylloydwatts.com

About Chris Alfano M.S.M.

Chris is active as a musician performing on clarinet, saxophone and flute in both classical and jazz idioms. He has performed with many noted Canadian jazz musicians, and with the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Kingston Symphony. Most recently, he has taken up the Baroque Oboe and has performed with the Kingston Baroque Consort.

Chris completed his PhD in 2009, at McGill University, Montreal. In November of 2016, Chris was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.) presented by the Governor General of Canada, for his work and research in intergenerational music learning and seniors’ health.

Chris has previously been on the Faculty at St. Lawrence College and the Faculty of Education, Queen’s University.

From 1982 to 1992, Chris was an Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force and was appointed to the rank of Major. He also holds degrees from St. Francis Xavier University, Western University and from the State University of New York, College at Potsdam.

In October 2023, Chris completed his training as a Private Pilot.

About Jill Vitols

Jill Vitols, cello, has enjoyed a long career playing a multitude of orchestral, chamber, stage, television and recording performances. Highlights include her 1991 live CBC broadcast solo performance of Medins’“Arija” for HRH the Prince and Princess of Wales and her critically acclaimed role as “onstage cellist” in the 2001 Stratford Festival production of Henry V.

Jill has performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kingston Symphony Orchestra where she was Principal Cellist from 1988-1992. She has accompanied many choral ensembles, pop/rock/country music performers and has recorded for numerous film and television productions.

Chamber music collaborations include the Kingston Chamber Ensemble, the Lorien String Quartet, Quartessence and LUSH, a cello quartet.

Jill is honoured to be sharing the stage today with Valery and Chris.

About United Way KFL&A
United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington works closely with community partners to ensure that people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live with hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This vision is realized by building on deep-rooted local community knowledge and relationships to empower people to make an impact.

The United Way raises funds for programs that support immediate needs while also tackling complex social issues collaboratively. Led by volunteers, driven by a small professional staff team, the United Way KFL&A is a unifying force, encouraging people to get involved to support our most vulnerable.

Thanks to the continued generous support of the community, United Way KFL&A is proud to rank fourth among United Ways across Canada in dollars raised related to the size of our market.

Stay up to date by following their social media channels – Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn or visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca

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