About Drew
Drew Aarssen is a Canadian composer currently residing in Waterloo, Ontario. He studied composition at Wilfrid Laurier University from 2020-2024 and returned for a Diploma in Opera from 2024-2025. He studied under composers Barbara Assiginaak and Dr. Matthew Emery. He is the Artistic Director for the newly formed Eternal Voices Choir based in Kitchener-Waterloo, as well as the 2026-2027 Neufeld Emerging Artist for the Guelph Chamber Choir.
Composition
In January 2024, Drew composed and conducted the premiere of his small chamber work A Sailing Ship with soprano Priya Khatri and mezzo-soprano Delaney Dam. In 2025, his choral work Be at peace was workshopped by the Excultate Singers and performed by Voices Toronto. Weep Yet Awhile was also workshopped by the Elmer Isler Singers in June 2026. Drew also enjoyed conducting the premiere of another choral work of his titled Buried Love with the Guelph Chamber Choir in early May of 2026.
Looking ahead
In the future, Drew is looking forward to the release of his choral work Weep Yet Awhile recorded by Coro Volante, as well as the release of his art song The Beginning performed by soprano Leslie Fagan and pianist Guy Few.
Outside of music, Drew enjoys volleyball, reading poetry, playing euchre with friends, and camping around the country with his family.
