About Us Staff & Board

Staff

Lawrence Cherney, Artistic Director

Lawrence Cherney’s first professional engagement as oboist was under the baton of Igor Stravinsky with the CBC Symphony Orchestra. He then embarked on a career as an oboe soloist of international distinction, commissioning more than 150 works for his instrument, and recording and touring these works on three continents. Cherney became founding artistic director of Soundstreams in 1982, and in the intervening nearly 40 years, has been at the forefront of Canadian music, often referred to as Canada’s “Ambassador of New Music”. Under his leadership, Soundstream produces an eclectic annual series in Toronto featuring new music and music theatre/opera and has become one of the leading organizations of its kind in the world.

Beth Brown, Executive Director

Beth Brown comes to Soundstreams from Nightwood Theatre, Canada’s foremost feminist theatre, where she held the Managing Director role for over seven years and was able to grow the organization, ensuring financial stability in order to further its impact and reach. Beth graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Music Degree, and went on to study Technical Theatre Production at the National Theatre School of Canada. Upon graduating, Beth worked as a Stage Manager and Production Manager on productions in Toronto and abroad for many years. In 2010, Beth became General Manager of Theatre Direct Canada where she contributed to the opening and managing of a new facility. Beth is a Board Member for the Toronto Alliance of Performing Arts (TAPA) where she chairs the Dora jury nomination committee. She is also a proud board member of the WeeFestival and Eldritch Theatre Company.

Kayla Milmine, Administrative Coordinator

Kayla Milmine joined the Soundstreams administrative team in November 2022. Kayla holds a BA in jazz performance from Concordia University in Montreal, where she lived before moving to Toronto in 2014. She has toured, recorded, and performed over the past 15 years as a soprano saxophonist involved in various musical projects. Her interest in arts administration, presenting concerts and performing, inspired her to co-found the Women from Space Festival in Toronto in 2019; a festival that celebrates the musical and artistic achievements of women in the fields of avant-garde music, improvisation and new music, during International Women’s Day week (March 8).

Leiki Kopvillem, Development Manager

Leiki has a background in client and stakeholder relations, fostering engagement, and building communications. With a BA from the University of Toronto, she has several years of experience working in development at a community-based financial institution. In addition to time spent in the advertising world, these experiences contributed to her strong interest in storytelling and championing organizations. With a personal passion for the arts, Leiki is a keen supporter of the sector, and is excited to be joining Soundstreams to help develop funding initiatives and opportunities.  

Amy Wilford, Company and Programs Manager

Amy Wilford brings over a decade of professional experience across Arts & Culture, Education, and Technology sectors, with a focus on education & community outreach initiatives, program management, and event coordination. She has graduated from Western University with degrees in Music Performance and Arts Management, and is thrilled to be joining the Soundstreams team as Company and Programs Manager.

Board of Directors

Kate Applin, President

Although Kate Applin joined the board of Soundstreams in 2019, she joined the audience of the company in her childhood and is proud to continue supporting the organization in this new capacity. Kate works in business development at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. A lifelong lover and performer of music and the arts, she is a classically-trained singer and founder of MYOpera.

Coco Chen, Secretary

Coco Chen began playing the violin at the age of four. She studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and earned her bachelor’s in music performance at the University of Toronto. A passionate performer of Canadian music, Coco has recorded works by Canadian composers including John Weinzweig and premiered works by contemporary composers during her undergrad days at U of T. Coco also holds a JD/MBA from U of T. She previously practiced corporate law at an international law firm and is currently an M&A underwriter at AIG Canada. 

Passionate about Canadian music and the performing arts, Coco is excited to combine her background in music performance and skills in her legal and business work to serve and further advance the vision and mandate of Soundstreams.

Tobi Oyebola, Treasurer

Tobi is currently a Business Program Manager at Microsoft Canada. She possesses over 15 years financial and investment management experience spanning across several industries including Financial services, Retail, E-commerce and Technology. She is a Chartered Accountant (ACCA) and a Certified project manager (PMP). She is passionate about empowering youths and adults alike to achieve more with what they have at their disposal. She and her family love and have a profound appreciation for arts and music.

Lawrence Smith, Past President

Larry Smith is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 40 years of experience with senior roles in many industries including retail, food services, cosmetics, entertainment, and home health care franchising in both financial and operational roles. Larry’s enthusiasm for franchising began when he co-founded a franchise system that specialized in gourmet cookies in 1993 and has never left the franchise world since then. After 15 years as Franchise Operations VP with a national home healthcare system, Larry opened a consulting business to help small businesses develop and launch their own franchise model. Larry has been involved as a member of the board for numerous non-profit organizations including his current position as Past President of Soundstreams.

Michael Low

Michael is a Senior Wealth Manager with Raymond James Ltd.  He is cross border licenced helping clients across North America and beyond.  He has held executive positions in banking, payroll, pension and benefits, audit and was a CFO at one of Canada’s largest institutions.  He is past Vice Chair of the Annex Residents’ Association and past Chair of the Parks and Trees Committee.  He is passionate about protecting the environment and is also an avid cyclist.  As a new Board Member, Michael is looking forward to helping Soundstreams accomplish its many missions and objectives.

Volunteer

If you have specific skills that you want to share, we would like to find opportunities at Soundstreams Canada for you. Enjoy volunteering in a creative, diverse and dynamic environment!

How Do I Become A Soundstreams Volunteer?