Turner holds an Associate in Piano Performance with the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as a Licentiate in Recital Performance with Great Distinction from the London College of Music, London University (England). Mark was awarded the Gold Medal from London College for his Licentiate performance.
Turner has had an exciting performing career winning numerous prestigious accolades. Turner was previously the winner of the Gordon Wallis Piano Competition, recipient of a Govenour General Millennium Award, winner of the Florence Bowes Competition, and the recipient of the Dorothy Bee Scholarship. Turner recieved praise for his performances of Haydn, Brahms, and contemporary Canadian composers such as Vincent Ho, Josselyn Morlock, and Heather Schmidt.
Turner is sought-after as a collaborative artists and accompanist - he has worked with many choirs, instrumentalists, but mostly spends his time working with singers. He has worked with over 200 hundred soloists in the last ten years, having amassed a massive vocal repertoire. Turner frequently works with the vocal studios of Marilyn Whitehead and Sheila Scott, and is often seen in performance with students from both studios. Turner has had the privilege to work with incredible international talents, including Alan Monk, Dawn Upshaw and Mary Lou Fallis.
Since 2004, Turner has worked with lyric soprano Danika Loren. Together the two are known for their energetic and emotional performances. Always complimented on their tight teamwork and commanding stage presence, they have gained praise for their performances of the lied of Schubert and Strauss, Ned Rorem songs, new Canadian compositions, countless art song and melodie, and opera arias that showcase Mark's sensitive support of the singer and Loren's sparkling range and tremendous high notes. In the summer of 2011, the two performed at the National Music Festival Finals, where Ms Loren was named the national champion in voice.
Turner was thrilled to have been the collaborative artist for dramatic soprano Sarah Vardy. Vardy and Turner were known for their lieder work and daring repertoire choices. They performed at the 2006 Gordon C. Wallis Opera Competition, where Vardy placed first with glowing reviews.
Turner’s time is filled with a studio of gifted students - he has a passion for music and arts education. His students are successful scholarship and award winners. Students in the studio are encouraged to take chances to attend the symphony, opera, concerts, and other arts events; they take in art galleries, and live theatre. The studio has a focus on senior repertoire, but also includes younger studies, theory, music history, and Lieder studies.
Turner is the Past President of the Saskatoon Registered Music Teachers Association, and the Co-Artistic Director of Saskatoon Youth Music Theatre. He has worked as musical director for musicals and churches, presently director at St Andrews College. He has worked with the Cecilian Singers, Refienrs Choir, and is the pianist for the Saskatchewan Honour Choir. Turner is an adjudicator for the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association, and does freelance work for the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Currently, Turner is on the board of directors for the Third Ave Centre for Community Enrichment, and works as a producer of concerts for the Saskatoon Opera and Saskatoon Symphony. Turner is thrilled to have worked with piano sensation Jan Lisiecki - quite possibly the brightest talent in the world of classical music.
