Elisabeth Manteuffel

A native of Heidelberg, Germany, Elisabeth received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees specializing in music from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Education Degree from Mount St. Vincent University.  She is also a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music, with an ARCT in piano performance.  She has taught music in Toronto, Washington DC, Boston, Halifax, from her piano teaching studio at her home in Hammonds Plains, and has held the position of music director of Bedford Baptist Church.  Elisabeth has consistently been an active participant in choral workshops and other professional forums at home and abroad, including the National Choral Conductors’ Symposium, given by Jon Washburn and the Vancouver Chamber Choir, as well as Music Festival adjudicator.  She has directed Bedford Singers for more than twelve years.

As conductor and musical director of Bedford Singers, each member can tell the story of how Elisabeth has stood at the podium before them and turned every piece of work into her very own animated dance.  Every vibrant fiber of her being culminates in precise and planned direction that evokes the very best from each performer.  Equally as important, she stands behind her choir as emphatically as she does each individual, past and present, to teach,encourage, coach, and coax every glorious note she has the faith and belief they are capable of.  Her confidence is transmitted from the tip of her baton to way-down-deep in the soul of each singer, making each rehearsal something to look forward to, and each performance finished, a source of pride.

We dedicate this page to Elisabeth with immeasurable gratitude for the talents, energy, and strength she shares with all who know her and this is no less a measure than the dedication she has had for Bedford Singers.  Her philosophy is to take on any challenge; her belief is that no masterful work is beyond consideration for the choir even though, humorously, she has said it is often more fun to sing than to listen. But for singer and audience member alike, to hear the result of her effort is always an uplifting experience.  To watch her in her dance is no less enjoyable.  She is quick to recognize the gifts she considers a “God-send,”and truly, it takes one to recognize another.  We recognize and are grateful for our gift of Elisabeth – Kapellmeister extraordinaire.