The CCOC was founded in 1968 to give musical and dramatic training to children who would be available to participate in Canadian Opera Company productions requiring children’s voices. The organization also commissions and produces operas for children and presents these and concert programs in the Toronto region and on tour.  

Founder, Ruby Mercer also founded Opera Canada magazine, and formerly sang with the Metropolitan Opera.  Music Directors have included Lloyd Bradshaw, Derek Holman and John Tuttle. July 2000, Ann Cooper Gay was appointed Music/Artistic Director and main chorus conductor.

CCOC main chorus consists of up to eighty boys and girls – ages 7-16 – who perform choral and operatic repertoire. Since 1968, performances per season have grown from fourteen to over fifty. o accommodate the growing interest of younger musicians (ages 7-11), two Apprentice Choruses were established in 1988.  In 1999 a third training chorus, the Ruby Chorus – named in honour of our founder – was created to introduce 5-6 year-olds to the world of music.  Conductors Lynn Janes and Teri Dunn direct the Apprentice Chorus programs.