Elise Naccarato
Artistic Director
Elise Naccarato is a dynamic and innovative conductor, whose journey in choral music began in the Hamilton Children’s Choir, igniting a lifelong passion that has shaped her career. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Myriad Ensemble, Elise has nurtured the ensemble's extraordinary growth over the past five seasons, transforming it into a thriving collective of over 60 members.
Elise holds an Honours Bachelor of Music and a Diploma in Voice Performance from McMaster University, as well as a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Toronto. In 2024, she further expanded her leadership skills by completing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Innovation Leadership at the University of Fredericton.
Her early career included roles such as Apprentice Conductor of the Ontario Youth Choir (2016 and 2018) and Associate Conductor of both Chorus Niagara and Orpheus Choir of Toronto, where she worked under the mentorship of Robert Cooper. Elise also served as the Conductor of the Hamilton Estonian Choir, leading the ensemble to represent Canada at the Estonian Song Festival in 2019.
Elise is known for her creative and forward-thinking approach to programming, as well as her commitment to supporting women in the arts. Her contributions have earned her recognition, including the 2021 St. Catharines Emerging Artist Award and a nomination for the Halton Women of Distinction Award. In 2022, Myriad Ensemble’s remarkable achievements at the World Choir Festival, where they were the only North American choir to place in the top ten, highlighted Elise’s visionary leadership.
In addition to her work with Myriad Ensemble, Elise balances her roles as the Managing Director of Chorus Niagara, a guest clinician, and a board member of Choirs Ontario, continuing her mission to innovate, inspire, and elevate the choral music community.