STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark Fewer | Artistic Director

Mark Fewer is a versatile violinist and music professional. He has performed globally as a soloist, chamber musician, and conductor, in venues like Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall. Known for his "genre-bending" performances, Fewer has played with symphonies in Vancouver, San Francisco, Melbourne, and collaborated with jazz artists such as Dave Young. He has taught at McGill, Stanford, and other prestigious institutions. Fewer is the founding Artistic Director of the SweetWater Music Festival and has led Stratford Summer Music since 2018. His students have achieved success in major ensembles across North America and Europe.

Crystal L. Spicer | Executive Director

Crystal L. Spicer, Executive Director of Stratford Summer Music, has over 20 years of experience in performing arts across music, dance, and theatre. A Grant MacEwan University graduate, she has worked with prestigious organizations like Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Stratford Festival. She served as Technical Director at the National Arts Centre and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s Production Manager. Returning to Stratford with her family, she brings a deep understanding of artistic production, administration, and community roots. This appointment marks a homecoming, having previously been Stratford Summer Music’s Production Manager for three seasons.

Elizabeth Thomas | Administrative Coordinator

Liz (she/her) is an arts administrator who got their start in Stratford Summer Music’s Production Team. She studied Theatre Studies at Dalhousie University, and Arts Administration and Cultural Management at Humber College. Her background includes theatre, music, and visual arts.

John A Miller | Founder & Artist Producer Emeritus

For the past 34 years, John Miller has specialized in promoting Canadian arts and music. His career began in 1980 at the Stratford Festival’s Marketing Department, followed by his role as National Director of the Canadian Music Centre, where he supported Canadian composers and helped establish Chalmers House. He later led projects for the Glenn Gould Foundation, including the Glenn Gould Prize. In 2001, Miller founded Stratford Summer Music, which Gramophone named one of North America's top summer festivals. In 2014, Stratford honored him with a star in the city, alongside luminaries like Glenn Gould and Christopher Plummer.

Board of Directors

  • Jeremy Wreford

    CHAIR

    Jeremy, a former Toronto film industry production designer, returned to Stratford in 2006 to run Bradshaws, his family's retail business. He's a vinyl enthusiast and music lover.

  • Jean Anne McLeod

    PAST CHAIR

    Jean, former Chief Operating Officer at Stikeman Elliott LLP, held senior roles in Ontario Ministry of Finance, Transportation, and Realty Corp. Past Chair, Seneca College Board.

  • Barbara Smith

    VICE CHAIR

    Barbara, a fervent advocate for music and education, served as CEO and Artistic Director of The National Youth Orchestra of Canada, nurturing young musicians.

  • Robert Lemon

    SECRETARY | TREASURER

    Robert G. Lemon, an award-winning architect and writer from St. Thomas, Ontario, studied at Carleton University, with international experiences in Paris, London, and the High Arctic.

  • Taylor Briscoe

    Taylor Briscoe, government relations and public affairs leader, serves as a City Councilor for the city of Stratford.

  • Andrea Feddema

    Andrea, raised in rural Middlesex County, resides in London with her family. As an Ernst & Young LLP managing partner, she oversees national teams, boasting 20+ years' experience across sectors.

  • Jessica Leney

    Jessica, an Avon Maitland District School Board educator, advocates for youth exposure to music and art, viewing them as vital for nurturing creativity and learning skills

  • Helen Friedman

    Helen, Retired Partner at Miller Thomson LLP, specialized in first-party insurance claims and risk management. A community leader, she chaired various organizations, now contributing to Stratford Summer Music.

  • Monique Hancock

    Monique has 35+ years of business experience in marketing, finance, management, and health administration. For 12 years, she’s led the STAR Family Health Team, engaging in provincial and regional committees.

  • Andrew Hilton

    Andrew, a Stratford native, has a journalism and communications background, now running a consulting firm in development and sustainability. He formerly directed Toronto’s Redpath Waterfront Festival.

  • Michael Lutzmann

    Michael currently manages a large, not-for-profit wine club. Working with SSM Board allows him to combine his love of music and the arts with his love for business.

  • Dianne Wolfenden

    Diane Wolfenden, angel investor and General Partner at Phoenix Fire, focuses on investing in women entrepreneurs. Active member of Golden Triangle Angel Network, volunteer, and community leader.