Q&A With Musician Marque Smith

Interviewed by Richard Young

Pianist/vocalist Marque Smith is a very busy, well-known musician in the London area. Since moving to London in 2007, he has been the musical director for plays with Musical Theatre Productions, London Community Players and Original Kids Theatre Company, to name a few. He is also a very experienced choral musician and has been a member of The Karen Schuessler Singers, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, The Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir and The Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus.

He has performed with many of the city’s leading soloists, choirs and ensemble groups, including Denise Pelley and London Symphonia. He is currently the Accompanist/Band Leader of the London Gospel Collective.

Marque was the Recipient of the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Governor General for dedicated service to his peers, his community and to Canada.

What follows is an edited Q&A Interview with Marque conducted by The Beat Magazine’s Publisher and Content Manager, Richard Young.

(Pictured: Marque Smith.)

Some basic stuff first: Where were you born? How long have you lived in London?

I was born in Toronto. I lived in London from February 2007 to September 2025. I moved to Port Stanley in October 2025.

Was yours a musical home? Did you have any professional training, or are you self-taught? A bit of both? Could you tell me about your early musical endeavours as a child and teenager?

Yes, music was played quite a bit in my home. I studied classical piano at The Royal Conservatory of Music and jazz piano at Humber College. I sang in The Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus, The Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and The Karen Schuessler Singers.

Do you remember the moment when you made the decision that music was going to be a big part of your life?

I was in my last year of high school when I decided to pursue music as a career.

How long have you been playing music professionally?

I have been playing music professionally for twenty-seven years.

Other than keyboards, do you play any other instruments?

I am a vocalist. In elementary school, I played the Baritone and in high school, I played the guitar.

(Pictured: Marque Smith.)

What are your main musical influences?

I love classical, jazz, disco, R & B, hip hop, rap, gospel and pop music.

What influence does your Christian faith have on your music?

I grew up in the church, and faith has had a huge impact on my life.

Tell me about the various groups and musicians you have played with since you started playing professionally. Who are you currently playing with?

The list is long indeed. I perform with a variety of vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs.

Tell me about any recordings you have made in your career.

I recorded two albums with Nathaniel Dett Chorale, one album with Elizabeth Paddon, one album with Cindy Ashton and one album with Angus Sinclair.

(Pictured: Marque Smith in concert with London Symphonia, The Sounds of Home, December 6, 2025.)

Your social media posts suggest that you are a very busy musician. What projects are you currently pursuing? Do you have any gigs coming up this month or two you would like our readers to know about?

I have a concert on Saturday, December 13 in London with London Gospel Collective and one on Saturday, December 20, with Maggie Grace and Guitar Gord in Port Stanley. There will be more in 2026.

In addition to your musical endeavours, are you involved with any other arts organizations or activities in the London community?

I am a collaborative pianist at the Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts in London. I occasionally perform for The London Arts Council, as well.

Is there anything else you think our readers should know about Marque Smith the musician and Marque Smith the individual?

I am the music director at Grace United Church, Sarnia and have been since October 30, 2022. I have been happily married to my husband, Andrew Koornstra, since September 28, 2024.