Katie Birt is an Ontario-based collaborative pianist, music director, and educator whose artistic practice blends classical training with an interest in contemporary issues, including environmental themes. Currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in Performance and Literature at Western University, she holds a Master’s in Performance and Literature from Western, as well as Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from Queen’s University.

As a performer and collaborative pianist, Katie has performed in Germany, Italy, Quebec, and Southwestern Ontario. She has worked widely as a pianist and music director, most recently serving as Music Director for Knox St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Dutton, ON), and on theatre productions with Original Kids Theatre Company (London, ON), Musical Theatre Productions (London), Musiktheatre Bavaria (Germany), and St. Lawrence College’s Musical Theatre Program (Brockville). As a choral pianist, she played with the DAN School’s Polyhymnia Vocal Ensemble from 2017-2020. She is currently working as a collaborative pianist at Queen’s University and as Music Director for Crossroads United Church.

As a researcher, Katie’s doctoral work explores the intersection of classical performance and climate activism, with a focus on how musicians can contribute to social change through performance practice. She is a Canada Council for the Arts recipient and Ontario Graduate Scholar. The Isabel Voices’ vision of highlighting traditionally underrepresented groups, championing new works, and delivering performances targeted towards contemporary audiences is one that she is thrilled to be a part of.