04/30/2026
I was heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Lary Benson. Our lives circled each other in the most wonderful ways, starting long before I even realized it.
Lary surprised me by mentioning he remembered me as a little girl in ballet class with his daughter, Rebecca, back in the 80s. To me, however, he was always the "master teacher" in this city —the acclaimed tenor and singing voice specialist at MacEwan's Musical Theatre program and the Alberta College Conservatory of Music.
Our journey together came full circle over the decades:
2001: I finally shared the stage with him in Edmonton Opera’s Carmen. He was El Remandado, I was Mercedes. We had an absolute hoot!
2007: We became dear friends and colleagues when I joined the faculty at the Alberta College Conservatory of Music. I always aspired to match his level of mastery and grace as a voice teacher.
2015: As the Chair of the Alberta Music Education Foundation (AMEF), it was a true honour for me to present Lary with the AMEF Recognition Award for his lifetime of excellence at Music Conference Alberta, amongst his music education peers.
2021: During the COVID lockdown, Lary and I collaborated in an online, live-streamed vocal masterclass with my students. He was insightful, constructive and generous.
From NATS meetings, concerts, recitals, operas to run-ins at Allard Hall to watch the MacEwan musicals, Lary was a constant, kind, and funny presence. I will deeply miss his stories, his leadership, and his warmth. Rest in peace, Lary.❤
04/16/2026
Another year, another group of amazing MacEwan MTP students who have taught me more than I could ever teach them. ✨ I'm so incredibly grateful for their curiosity, their resilience, and the joy they bring. Enjoy your summer, you brilliant souls! You deserve it. 🌱🥺
04/16/2026
Another year, another group of amazing MacEwan MTP students who have taught me more than I could ever teach them. ✨ I’m so incredibly grateful for their curiosity, their resilience, and the joy they bring. Enjoy your summer, you brilliant souls! You deserve it. 🌱🥺
