Biography

Raphaël Ashby is native from the city of East-Angus in Eastern Townships, Quebec. He has a varied background in human sciences, music and organ building. He started studying the organ with the Montreal organist Nicolas-Alexandre Marcotte. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees with Jonathan Oldengarm and Hans-Ola Ericsson at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University. In September 2021, he will start a Doctorate in the same institution focusing on Canadian organ building and Quebecer organ compositions. Raphaël is presently Organist and Choir director at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Beaconsfield. Although his principal instrument is the organ, he has a large experience as a trombonist and singer. Raphaël performed in Canada and United States in important venues such as the Saint Joseph’s Oratory, the Sanctuary of the Cap-de-la-Madeleine and the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Syracuse (NY). Raphaël is the co-founder of the McGill chant club, which promote the historical practice of singing Gregorian chant. He is also involved in a few organisations dedicated to the promotion of the organ such as Les Amis de l’orgue de Montréal.