Orpheus Choir of Toronto
Orpheus’ vision is to celebrate the transformational power of choral music as an agent of social change and a passionate medium of artistic expression. The 65-voice choir, under artistic director Robert Cooper, champions the new and unusual in choral performance, commissioning and introducing new works and performing overlooked masterpieces. Regularly working directly with living composers and singing a wide range of repertoire styles in concerts with high production values, Orpheus has introduced audiences to many fascinating and accessible works from the current generation of leading composers. Orpheus supports young emerging vocal talent through its highly respected Sidgwick Scholars Program and our newer Vocal Apprentice Program for high school singers. We welcome enthusiastic singers for an “expect something different” experience!
Lisa Griffiths, managing director
416-530-4428
info@orpheuschoirtoronto.com
www.orpheuschoirtoronto.com
Founded in 1997, Penthelia Singers has earned a reputation for presenting high quality, innovative concerts of choral repertoire in a multitude of styles and languages. A vibrant ensemble of women, we are committed to excellence in performing culturally diverse and musically sophisticated repertoire spanning the renaissance to the 21st century. The choir seeks opportunities to collaborate with special guest artists such as Suba Sankaran (world music), Raigelee Alorut (Inuit throat singing) and Steve Mancuso (Brazilian capoeira) to workshop different styles of music, as well as work with many talented instrumentalists who support our performances. Penthelia Singers is a welcoming group of women committed to high standards of music-making, diversity, community outreach and enjoyment through the learning process.
The Royal Conservatory School’s Children’s Choirs provide a full year of exciting activity, emphasizing well-rounded musical development through singing unison and simple two- and three-part pieces. Young singers will learn the rudiments of choral singing in a variety of languages and will be exposed to exceptional vocal training through fun, interactive exercises, activities and workshops. We offer three choirs for children, all of which do not require an audition: Let’s Sing! (ages 4 to 5), Royal Conservatory School Elementary Choir (ages 6 to 8) and Royal Conservatory School Children’s Choir (ages 9 to 12).
Experience choral singing in a friendly and relaxed environment! We cover repertoire from well-known classical selections to crossover music to choral arrangements of classic popular pieces. Specific repertoire selections depend on enrollment. No audition and no prior choral experience required, although music reading skills would be a definite asset. Students may enroll for 14 weeks or for 28 weeks.
Schola Magdalena is a six-voice ensemble singing medieval polyphony, chant and new music for women’s voices. Ensemble-in-residence at the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, Toronto, we have recorded two CDs (available on iTunes) and have toured from Stratford to Chicoutimi, from Waterloo to Waupoos. Our past season centred around touring, recording and holding workshops with amateur singers interested in learning about Gregorian chant and the music of Hildegard von Bingen. Our May 23rd concert celebrates 100 years of Votes for Women in Canada, with chant and polyphony, ancient and modern, and the organ music of Quebec composer Rachel Laurin. In the coming year we look forward to a return to Prince Edward County. For details, please visit our website, our Facebook page, or check out our Bravo Video on YouTube.