2021 CHORAL DIRECTORY

Welcome to The Canary Pages - The WholeNote’s 19th annual directory of Ontario choirs.

We hope you’ll enjoy browsing these profiles where choirs introduce themselves, in their own words. Are you new to the region, maybe a lapsed chorister looking to sing again, a chorister on the hunt for new challenges? Are you secretly thinking of joining a choir for the very first time? This is the perfect place to start your search. There are choirs that have been around for decades, and groups new to the scene. There are choruses of hundreds of voices, small chamber ensembles, children’s and youth choirs, auditioned choirs and those open to all, for every level of skill and commitment. Whether you want to sing or listen, there’s a rich world of choral music just waiting for you to discover and enjoy. At time of writing, mid-pandemic as we still are, the profiles found here do not represent the full scope of our rich choral community. Profiles will be added on an ongoing basis as more choirs figure out their plans for the future, so please check back frequently for additions and updates.

For information on how choirs can join, contact canary@thewholenote.com or phone Karen Ages at 416-323-2232 x26.

canary sitelinkGail MacLennan
905-857-2737
info@achill.ca
www.achill.ca

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20200405083809 ChoirAchill is a welcoming 80-member community choir, which strives to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. We have been performing quality choral music since 1982, with a repertoire that includes classical, contemporary, and traditional works.

Our artistic director, Shawn Grenke, is also director of music at Eglinton St. George’s United Church, accompanist to the Elmer Iseler Singers, and for 15 years was the associate conductor and collaborative accompanist for the Amadeus Choir. Our talented collaborative pianist is Nancy Sicsic.

We normally rehearse in Orangeville and perform in Alliston, Bolton and Orangeville, however during the COVID pandemic, we are rehearsing and producing concerts virtually. New members are welcome. To join Achill and learn more about us, please visit our website.

canary sitelinkMary Gray
416-446-0188
info@amadeuschoir.com
www.amadeuschoir.com

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Enlivening Toronto’s arts community for 47 years, the award-winning Amadeus Choir is a semi-professional choir of auditioned voices from Toronto and the surrounding areas. The Choir champions the best of choral music and premieres works of Canadian and international composers through a self-produced Toronto concert series, guest performances, and special events. Known well beyond Toronto through tours, festivals, recordings, and national and international radio broadcasts, the Choir collaborates with many professional performing arts organizations in the GTA. In 2019, after the 35-year leadership of Lydia Adams, the Choir welcomed Kathleen Allan as artistic director and conductor.

 

canary sitelinkJoanne Eidinger
416-458-4434
joeidinger@gmail.com
www.annexsingers.com

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Annex SingersNow in its 42nd year, The Annex Singers is a spirited 60-voice auditioned choir with an eclectic repertoire spanning seven centuries. The Annex Chamber Choir, a smaller ensemble drawn from the main choir, is dedicated to presenting gems from the chamber repertoire. Under the dynamic and creative leadership of artistic director Maria Case, we perform three concerts annually, collaborating with a wide array of professional soloists and ensembles. Recently performed large-scale works include Poulenc’s Gloria, Dobrogosz’s Jazz Mass, and Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor.

We provide ongoing professional development to choir members and encourage young singers with a sponsorship program. Monday evening rehearsals are at St. Thomas's Anglican Church (or on Zoom, as required). Please visit our website to arrange your audition.

canary sitelinkMeriel
belcantoms371@gmail.com
www.belcantosingers.ca

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Bel Canto Singers is a four-part community choir with singers of various ages. Under the guidance of our accomplished music director, Peter Smith, members enjoy the rewards and challenges of a varied repertoire, including classical masters, Broadway and movie tunes, opera choruses and pop songs. Traditionally, rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings, 7pm to 9:30pm, from early September through May at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Road. Presently, we are meeting virtually, but we will return to rehearsing in person and performing in concerts as soon as it is safe to do so. We invite experienced and committed choristers to contact us about auditions and membership. Please visit our website.

canary sitelinkIan Davies
519-319-5847
celticchoir@iandavies.com
www.celticchoir.ca

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20200325213630 ccc 2017 crop tightFounded in 1996, conducted by Paul Grambo (also emcee) and accompanied by Jean Willadsen, the Canadian Celtic Choir is a London-based SATB choir of more than 50 voices that has built a solid reputation as one of the most in-demand choirs in SW Ontario. Our repertoire features songs primarily from Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, and the Maritimes. Recipients of the Mayor’s Award from the City of London for our cultural contributions to the city, we won the Most Popular Classical Choir at the Forest City London Music Awards in 2015 and were nominated in 2021.

Tours are planned every three years. Our two most recent CDs are: A Celtic Noel (2013), and Celtic Inspiration (2014) and are available from our website. More recent recordings are on YouTube. Our conductor emeritus is William “Bill” Zadorsky (retired June 2020).

canary sitelinkCheryll Chung
cantabilechambersingers@gmail.com
www.cantabilechambersingers.com

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Cantabile Chamber SingersLed by artistic director and founder Cheryll Chung since 2006, the Cantabile Chamber Singers (CCS) performs an eclectic mix of choral music that spans six centuries and premieres works of Canadian and international composers through a self-produced Toronto concert series, guest performances and special projects with local orchestras, festivals and choirs. CCS is known for its informed interpretation, audience engagement and innovative programming.

Performing and commissioning new Canadian music is part of our mandate, with over 50 new works premiered since 2006. We are an inclusive choral community. Contact us for an audition! Check out our recordings on iTunes or YouTube, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CantabileTO and Instagram. Auditions are held throughout the year for tenors, basses and sopranos.

canary sitelinkDiana McAdorey
905-934-5575
cnadmin@becon.org
www.chorusniagara.org

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Chorus NiagaraChorus Niagara, the Power of 100, is a passionate group of singers of diverse ages and walks of life. As the Niagara region’s premier auditioned symphonic chorus since 1963, Chorus Niagara performs classic choral masterpieces, innovative new modern, and seldom-heard works, providing a showcase for emerging Canadian talent. Chorus Niagara attracts singers of all ages through its Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir (CNCC), Side-by-Side High School Chorale (SXS), Robert Cooper Choral Scholars program (RCCS) and its Apprentice Conductor program. CN performs in Partridge Hall in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St.Catharines, and our artistic director is Robert Cooper, CM.

View our flash mob with over 54.5 million views on YouTube. Please visit chorusniagara.org and chorusniagaracc.org for more information.

canary sitelinkMary-Lou Montgrain
905-884-7922
mlmontgrain@rogers.com
www.chorusyork.ca

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Chorus York is a growing community auditioned SATB choir newly inaugurated in February of 2016 and already grown to about 30 voices. Led by our passion for singing, we are setting out to inspire the growth of choral music in our community through the performance of a variety of choral music ranging from Bach to Broadway, Show Tunes to Classical.

canary sitelinkArianne Schaffer
647-296-9775
member@citychoir.ca
www.citychoir.ca

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Launched in 2010, City Choir is an exciting non-auditioned SATB choir. Our five well-known directors have worked with us since then – Waleed Abdulhamid, John Millard, Patricia O’Callaghan, Greg Oh, and Suba Sankaran.

Open to all who love to sing, we perform music of many styles, as well as original compositions. The choir has continued to meet virtually ‘live’ through Jamulus and Zoom throughout 2020 and 2021. During this time we have presented two concerts and a coffee house and look forward to meeting together in person as soon as possible.

We have sung at the Tranzac Club, the Drake Underground, the Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre, with the Mixed Choir in “Apocalypsis” (Luminato Festival), and in the “SING!” a Cappella Festival.

canary sitelinkCummer Avenue United Church
416-222-5417
taylorsullivan@yahoo.com
www.cummeravenueuc.ca

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The Cummer Avenue United Church choir looks forward to returning to our newly renovated building in the fall of 2021 (included in the renovations will be a refurbished Casavant pipe organ). We are a group of volunteer singers, supported by professional section leads, that provides strong musical leadership for Sunday worship services.  Music is provided by a combination of small group ensembles and full choir. Plans are also in place for concerts and other musical events encompassing a wide range of musical styles. Initially, activities will be online, with a gradual return to in-person events as public health protocols allow.

canary sitelinkAlan Gasser, artistic director
416-779-5554
info.echo@gmail.com
www.echowomenschoir.ca

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Echo WomensCelebrating our 30th year, Echo is a 50-voice, non-auditioned community choir open to women from all walks of life. Echo performs at city-wide grassroots events, and traditionally holds Fall and Spring concerts. Echo aims to build community with a strong, varied and vibrant singing culture. Repertoire includes music from worldwide village singing traditions and newly commissioned music. Echo keeps membership fees accessible to all.

Our next term begins on Tuesday, September 7 with a series of online mini sessions, which include open workshops with special guest artists, sectional and social breakouts, and the creation of virtual recordings. All are welcome! To join us, register on our website - “Singing with Echo”.

canary sitelinkGilles
416-461-6816
evlesvoixducoeur@gmail.com
www.lesvoixducoeur.com

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Ensemble vocal Les voix du coeurLes Voix du Cœur is a vocal ensemble of more than 40 amateur singers that, for 25 years, has offered lively concerts showcasing the richness of French popular songs from Canada and abroad. Our shows present choral singing and cabaret style numbers, combining music, theatre and dance in a highly entertaining performance. The only group of this nature in the GTA, we reach an ever-growing public, and we play a dynamic role in the French-speaking cultural community in Toronto.

Please visit our website to discover who we are and what we do, all in French!

canary sitelinkLauren Mayer
416-433-5495
info@etobicokecentennialchoir.ca
www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca

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Etobicoke Centennial ChoirEtobicoke Centennial Choir (ECC) is a welcoming, inclusive SATB community choir. We enrich the lives of our choristers and audience members through inspired performances of diverse choral repertoire, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions and popular music. ECC offers a challenging and supportive choral music experience facilitated by a professional music director, accompanist and section leads.

After a year of virtual rehearsals, we hopefully anticipate a return to in-person rehearsals and performances next season. Plans for a December concert include Saint-Saëns Oratorio de Noël and Rutter’s Brother Heinrich’s Christmas. Our April 2022 concert features Beethoven's Mass in C Major and Dobrogosz' exciting, jazz-inspired Mass. In June, Musica Borealis features diverse works from northern climes.

canary sitelinkVivian Moens
416-971-9229
info@exultate.net
www.exultate.net

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Exultate Chamber SingersExultate Chamber Singers is an auditioned group of 28 skilled singers who enjoy performing a variety of chamber choir repertoire, both a cappella and accompanied, including many works by Canadian composers. The choir is under the direction of artistic director Mark Ramsay and will be recording its sixth album this season. In addition, the choir commissions new works, collaborates with guest artists, and supports aspiring young music professionals with singing and conducting opportunities. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays from 5:45pm to 7:45pm at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church, 383 Huron St. Please contact Exultate for audition information.

canary sitelinkLaurent Thibault
647-203-7795
lthibault@cogeco.ca
www.georgetownchoral.ca

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20200407083104 Lavender 05GCS, with some 80 amateur singers, started in 1971. Our rehearsal and performance home is the Christian Reformed Church in Georgetown, Ontario. Our choral director, Christopher Dawes, is a freelance professional musician and is among Canada’s leading church musicians, concert organists and choral accompanists. He performs across a wide spectrum of the Toronto music scene.

GCS is a registered charity performing a variety of musical genres, including classical, pop and folk, and from sacred to secular. It has performed at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, the Mississauga Living Arts Centre, and also in Holland and Ireland.

We have not been able to perform live during the pandemic, but continue to meet online. We hope to resume live activities in the Fall of 2021. See website for recently recorded virtual performances.

canary sitelinkAlbert Wong
416-392-1509
harbourfrontchorus@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/harbourfrontchorus

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As choral singing contributes to health and happiness, Harbourfront Chorus, a non-auditioned community choir, has been meeting via Zoom twice a month. We perform a wide range of music that spans from early Renaissance music to contemporary popular songs. Traditionally, rehearsals have run Tuesdays from 7:45pm to 9:15pm at the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, located at the south-east corner of Queens Quay W. and Bathurst St. from September through May. Our next season will begin as soon as it is safe to sing together.

canary sitelinkPat Keating
416-485-1988
jaffa1@sympatico.ca
www.jubilatesingers.ca

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The Jubilate Singers have adjusted to our needs as people who want to sing together without spreading the virus. We are a community choir who offer opportunities for singers of varied interests and musical experience. Jubilate’s tradition is to sing music from many cultures and time periods, in the original languages. This season has included German, Arabic and Swedish as well as a rollicking Newfoundland sea shanty. We invite all who are interested to look at our website, where you will find some examples of our singing. We can also be found on YouTube.

Zoom provides us with a “virtual rehearsal hall” on Tuesday evenings from 6:45pm until 8:30pm. Our director, Isabel Bernaus, provides instruction and voice training. The choir is also blessed with section leaders who provide instruction.

 

canary sitelinkPeter Sullivan
705-739-7281
pesullivan71@gmail.com
www.kingedwardchoir.ca

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King Edward ChoirFounded in 1952 by Jean Dobson, Barrie’s King Edward Choir today is a group of 50 dedicated musicians encompassing all voices, under the direction of interim conductor, Leanne Edwards. We strive to present a broad repertoire that is engaging for both chorister and audience: recent years have seen performances of works by Britten, Mozart, Bernstein, Vivaldi, Mark Sirett, Stephanie Martin, Imant Raminsh and Ruth Watson Henderson, along with offerings of Renaissance motets, Spirituals, folk songs and show tunes. The choir frequently collaborates with other artists and groups, and enjoys community sing-outs. Rehearsals for our three annual performances take place Monday nights, and new members are always welcome! We don’t yet know what the new season will bring, but KEC will be there!

canary sitelinkMatthew Boutda
647-981-3705
matt@leasideuc.com
www.leasideunited.org

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Music is central to worship at Leaside United Church. The rich music program includes the Chancel Choir, Junior Choir and C-Flats Jazz Band.

The Chancel Choir consists of a group of approximately 20 voices. This includes  a professional core and volunteer singers. The choir enjoys a repertoire from medieval chant to 21st century anthems, motets and spirituals. The choir provides musical leadership at the Sunday 10:30am weekly worship services, and rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

The Junior Choir, under the leadership of Nancy Stewart, provides musical leadership and sings anthems several times a year. They rehearse on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:15pm.

The C-Flats Jazz Band is directed by Cynda Fleming and is open to anyone in grades 7 to 12. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:pm to 7:45pm.

canary sitelinkGord Bibby
416-509-5249
info@menofnote.com
www.menofnote.com

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Men of NoteThe Men of Note four-part non-auditioned male voice choir of over 30 strong, based in Stouffville, Ontario, has recently celebrated 20 years of song. Our main desire is to have fun singing. Always hoping to grow, we invite men of all ages with a similar passion to join. We rehearse every Monday night at the Stouffville United Church, 34 Church St., Stouffville. Choir members hail from across the GTA, from Toronto to Uxbridge. Men of Note is built on a foundation of Fellowship, Community Service and a quest for musical excellence. Our choir’s goal is to provide music across many genres, to entertain locally and to develop musical connections with other choirs, both across Canada and abroad.

canary sitelinkBill McLean
905-875-1730
info@miltonchoristers.com
www.miltonchoristers.com

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This dynamic four part community choir has entertained audiences in Halton Region and beyond. The 50-member choir performs two major concerts annually, often including premier guest soloists and musicians. We also perform at numerous local events. Our director, Rachel Cleland, is expanding our already varied repertoire. From classical to contemporary, sacred to secular, we sing it all. Rehearsals are Tuesday night from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. From September to June. A love of singing, some sight reading would be helpful but not necessary, and a sense of humor are all you need to become a Milton Chorister.

canary sitelinkSandy
905-290-7104
info@mcschorus.ca
www.mississaugachambersingers.ca

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MCS ChorusLed by artistic director, Mervin William Fick, Mississauga Chamber Singers perform classical choral repertoire, from a wide range of A Capella works to timeless works for choir and orchestra.

The Mississauga Chamber Singers current musical ensemble of approximately 30 auditioned singers evolved from the Mississauga Choral Society, which was a large (80 voice) oratorio society, founded in 1975.

The Mississauga Chamber Singers performs a diverse season of extensive community engagement events, multi-generational musical education programming and ticketed concerts.

canary sitelinkKrzysztof Rumian
905-848-1885
novisingerstoronto@gmail.com
www.novisingerstoronto.ca

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Novi Singers TorontoLed by Matthew Jaskiewicz, Novi Singers Toronto performs an ambitious multilingual repertoire including classical sacred and secular, jazz, cabaret and opera. We enjoy an ongoing collaboration with Toronto Sinfonietta, distinguished soloists and guest musical ensembles. Our programming includes the eagerly anticipated and sold-out annual Christmas concert, events celebrating Polish heritage and oratorio performances. Continuing to meet virtually, the choir recorded a few “uplifting” songs and is preparing new “jazzy” arrangements for future concerts.

NST welcomes new members with a commitment to excellence.  We meet on Wednesday evenings at 71 Judson Street, Etobicoke. For further information, please contact Matthew at matthew.jaskiewicz@gmail.com or visit our website.

canary sitelinkAlan Gotlib
416-500-7040
info@oasisvocaljazz.com
www.oasisvocaljazz.com

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Oasis Vocal Jazz, Toronto’s longest-running close harmony ensemble, has been making a unique contribution to the city’s artistic life since 1985. Influenced by pioneers Lambert, Hendricks and Ross and inspired by modern-day masters of the genre such as New York Voices, Take 6 and Toronto’s own Cadence, we enjoy sharing our love of vocal jazz with a wide range of audiences. Whether performing in community or corporate events and charitable fundraisers, or putting on our own concerts backed by some of the city’s top jazz instrumentalists, we have always valued both the pursuit of musical excellence and the joy of making music with each other.

We are always looking for new voices to add to our blend. For more information, contact us. Why not become a fan of our Facebook page?

 

canary sitelinkChoir Administrator
416-346-7918
info@orianachoir.com
www.orianachoir.com

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Oriana is an auditioned ensemble of 30 to 40 amateur upper-voice singers who perform at a high artistic standard. With artistic director Mitchell Pady, Oriana explores the possibilities in choral music for the female voice, collaborating with diverse artists to push the boundaries of typical expectations for upper-voice ensembles. We foster the creation of Canadian choral music, regularly commissioning works from Canadian composers for upper voices. In rehearsal we are focused but friendly, and maintain an inclusive, respectful and supportive environment. Oriana meets on Tuesday evenings - we met virtually throughout the past season, working together on musical skills, and we look forward to resuming in-person rehearsals and performances in 2021-2022. We welcome potential new singers to join our rehearsals at any time.

canary sitelinkCynthia Hawkins
647-718-2222
executivedirector@paxchristichorale.org
www.paxchristichorale.org

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Under the leadership of artistic director David Bowser, Pax Christi Chorale’s overarching aim is to experience the deep joys of choral singing, and to communicate that joy to our audience. We perform a vast repertoire, from the historic masterpieces of the oratorio tradition to newly commissioned works by Canadian composers. We encourage the development of a cohesive choral culture in which choristers are invited to contribute and encouraged to improve their musicianship. We aspire to a disciplined atmosphere of respect and professionalism in our rehearsals and concerts, and warmly welcome audience members, choristers and volunteers from all backgrounds and walks of life. For information on Pax Christi Chorale activities for the 2021/22 season, visit our website.

canary sitelinkCharlotte
info@serenatasingers.ca
www.serenatasingers.ca

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Serenata Singers is a 50-voice, four-part adult community choir who rehearse during the day. This fall we begin our 46th year, under the guidance of our accomplished Artistic Director, Jonathan Wong. Serenata’s repertoire covers a wide range of music, including classical, show tunes, pop, and folk. Due to COVID-19 and its variants, our rehearsals will continue in the fall in a virtual format. When it is safe to do so, we will return to choral singing in person. At that time, rehearsals will be held on Wednesday mornings at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd., Scarborough. Anyone interested in joining a fun and caring choir is encouraged to visit our website for further information.

canary sitelinkSociety of Singers
416-785-5851
societysingers@gmail.com
www.societyofsingers.ca

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Society of Singers The Society Of Singers choir has been uplifting seniors with song since 1972. We are a non-profit, friendly choir of 40 people who love to sing a wide variety of music in four-part harmony. Although this is a non-auditioned amateur choir, our standards are high. If you love singing and are willing to practice, our wonderful musical director, Mr. Peter Ness, will have you harmonizing in no time at all. We rehearse on Wednesday afternoons from September through June. Performances (in Seniors’ Homes) occur one to two times per month on weekday afternoons. Our rehearsal space is in a church, but we have no religious affiliation.

canary sitelinkKathy Dixon, membership director
416-200-1731
membership@tempuschoralsociety.com
www.tempuschoralsociety.com

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Tempus Choral Society is a welcoming, 100-voice SATB non-auditioned community choir based in Oakville, led by director Brian Turnbull, who also leads Tempus4Us (our free-to-sing children’s choir) and our select Tempus Jazz Choir. Our repertoire is diverse, including contemporary, Broadway, sacred, classical, and jazz. We love to travel, and to reach out to our community. TCS has sung Handel’s Messiah at Lincoln Center, and performed Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem at Carnegie Hall, as part of an international choir of auditioned singers. In 2018 we completed a successful European singing tour.

We have been Zooming our way through 2020 and 2021, exploring the world of virtual choir productions. New members are welcome in January and September. Visit our website for more info.

canary sitelinkPeg McCracken
705-745-1820
singers@peterboroughsingers.com
www.peterboroughsingers.com

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Peterborough SingersThe Peterborough Singers was founded in 1993 under the energetic and creative leadership of artistic director Sydney Birrell. We are an auditioned 110-voice choir of adults and youth which attracts members and audiences from Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and throughout the Lakeshore. The Singers are proud of their tradition of supporting young emerging artists each season. We perform four concerts a year: a Yuletide concert, Handel’s Messiah, a popular music concert and a major oratorio.

If our 2021/22 season is able to move forward, we will be performing the songs of Paul Simon featuring a group of local musicians and featuring Beau Dixon. We are also planning a performance of Verdi’s Requiem and will be accompanied by a full brass ensemble alongside Leslie Fagan, Laura Pudwell, Jonathan Liebich and Ernesto Ramirez.

canary sitelinkLucas Harris
416-763-1695
lucasharris@live.ca
www.torontochamberchoir.ca

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Toronto Chamber ChoirToronto Chamber Choir has held a prominent place in Canada’s early music scene since 1968. An accomplished group of 30-40 auditioned singers, the TCC specializes in Renaissance and Baroque repertoire, collaborating with period instrumentalists, but also explores music from other time periods and diverse cultures. A typical season presents two evening concerts as well as two afternoon “Kaffeemusiks” that contextualize our repertoire through narration and a multimedia component.

Rehearsals happen Wednesday evenings with occasional Saturday “retreats” featuring guest presenters. In September 2021, we plan to sing together in person at our new rehearsal venue, Church of the Transfiguration. We are currently seeking new members. Auditions are held anytime by arrangement with the director. We welcome diversity in our members.

 

canary sitelinkDominic Eboña
416-932-8666, x221
info@torontochildrenschorus.com
www.torontochildrenschorus.com

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Toronto Childrens ChorusIn 2021/22, the award-winning Toronto Children’s Chorus marks its 44th concert season and 15th year under artistic director Elise Bradley, MNZM. The Chorus comprises a family of choirs: KinderNotes for children aged 3 to 6 (no audition required), and (by audition) four Training Choir levels, the Main Choir (five ensembles) and Toronto Youth Choir. The Chorus continues to meet virtually during the pandemic but, with the lifting of health restrictions, looks forward to welcoming singers to its Midtown or North York locations.

Each year, more than 400 choristers develop skills in vocal technique, sight singing, music theory and performance. In regular seasons, the Main and Youth Choirs also offer masterclasses, recording and touring opportunities, and guest performances, including with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

canary sitelinkKathleen Payne
416-986-8749
kathleenpayne@sympatico.ca
www.torontoclassicalsingers.ca

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Toronto Classical SingersToronto Classical Singers is the only choir in the country dedicated exclusively to the great choral/orchestral repertoire. For our upcoming 30th season, we plan to celebrate the glorious tradition of choral music in Canada as pandemic circumstances allow.

Known for its unique musical point-of-view and diverse and high-quality programming, the choir features lesser-known and rarely performed pieces as well as the beloved vocal/orchestral repertoire. Led by founding conductor Jurgen Petrenko, the choir has a long-standing partnership with Talisker Players who accompany the choir in their presentations of the great choral masterpieces.

We welcome new singers. Auditions, rehearsals and performances will occur under current guidelines established by health agencies. Please visit our website for updated information.

canary sitelinkMatthew Jaskiewicz
416-578-2546
torontoconcertchoir@gmail.com
www.torontoconcertchoir.ca

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Toronto Concert ChoirThe Toronto Concert Choir is a reincarnation of the Oakham House Choir, a 90-singer ensemble that was based at Ryerson University for 35 years. Like its predecessor, it will specialize in large-scale choral masterpieces and will be accompanied by the Toronto Sinfonietta orchestra. We hope that our first concert after the lockdown, at Knox Presbyterian Church, will feature several guest choirs; Mendelssohn's Elijah will follow in the spring. We particularly welcome young singers and Ryerson students, but membership is also open to Ryerson alumni, faculty and staff, as well as to singers from outside the university. The choir is led by its founding music director, Matthew Jaskiewicz. Choristers willing to learn challenging repertoire are invited to contact us by email about openings.

canary sitelinkAlan Leonard Sadegursky
647-389-8084
alansadegursky@yahoo.ca
www.welshchoir.ca

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The Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir (TWMVC) was established in 1995 by its founding member and first president, Gwyn Roberts. The choir continues to grow musically under the direction of William Woloschuk and his principal accompanist, Matthew Coons. Our blend of traditional and contemporary music, all sung off book in accordance with tradition, appeals to a broad audience. In September 2017, the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir was invited to perform at the NAFOW (North American Festival of Wales) Gala in Rochester, New York as the featured guest choir. The next travel stop was Newfoundland, in Atlantic Canada in July 2018; we performed four concerts in the east coast of this great country. The Choir is proud of its accomplishments and seeks to continue to grow by attracting new members and supporters.

canary sitelinkLaurie Evan Fraser
416-256-3809
laurieevanfraser@gmail.com
www.uppercanadachoristers.org

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20200407144724 UCC 19 cropped color adjustedThe Upper Canada Choristers is a mixed-voice community choir with a diverse membership that interweaves fun with the commitment to musical excellence and vibrant community service. Past performances have featured collaborations with international choirs, local children’s choirs, and professional instrumentalists and singers. Cantemos is an auditioned, a cappella latin ensemble within UCC. Led by artistic director Laurie Evan Fraser, the choirs perform three diverse choral programs annually. Weekly rehearsals for the Main Choir are Monday evenings from 7:30PM to 9:30PM at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. Cantemos rehearsals are generally on Saturdays. Since the pandemic, the choir has rehearsed extensively on Zoom and has produced live streamed concerts that are accessible on our website.

canary sitelinkNykola Parzei
416-246-9880
nykola@vesnivka.com
www.vesnivka.com

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Vesnivka ChoirVesnivka Choir, award-winning women’s ensemble established in 1965 by founding artistic director Halyna Kvitka Kondracki, has delighted audiences with its rich repertoire of Ukrainian liturgical, classical and traditional folk music. Its regular concert season comprises three major concerts in the GTA including its popular annual Christmas concert. Vesnivka, together with its partner Toronto Ukrainian Male Chamber Choir (TUMCC), are often joined by area musicians and professional soloists. New singers are welcome. Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings for Vesnivka, Monday evenings for TUMCC. Currently, rehearsals are being held online but we hope to resume in-person rehearsals once health regulations permit them, in order to be ready for our first concert, tentatively our annual Christmas concert in early January 2022.

canary sitelinkDeb Young
905-294-7373
info@villagevoices.ca
www.villagevoices.ca

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The Village Voices Community Choir has served the Markham area since 1989. It is a non-auditioned SATB choir of approximately 55 members, performing two large concerts annually (pre-pandemic) and 2 smaller outreach concerts. Our repertoire includes works from a variety of Canadian and International composers, including Ola Gjeilo, Frank Ticheli, Eleanor Daley, Tawnie Olsen, Elaine Hagenberg and Morten Lauridsen, as well as more traditional choral classics. Under the musical leadership of artistic director Shirley Madden, rehearsals are held once a week (Wednesday nights) at Unionville Presbyterian Community Church and we look forward to moving from online to in-person rehearsals soon! For more information, feel free to visit our website or contact us via email.

canary sitelinkCharlotte Burrage
416-788-8482
charlotte@vivayouthsingers.com
www.vivayouthsingers.com

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VIVA Singers Toronto choir offers members the opportunity to achieve artistic excellence in a singer-centred, collaborative choral community, featuring youth mentoring programs and the TD Bank Group Inclusion Program.

The family of VIVA choirs include: the Preparatory Chorus (ages 3-6); the Junior Chorus (ages 6-10); the Main Chorus (ages 9-18); the Senior Treble Chorus (ages 13 -18); the SATB Chamber Singers (youth and adults); non-auditioned VIVA Community Choir (SATB), and the Every Voice Matters Chorus for singers with disabilities.

VIVA's 22nd season highlights include performing with the internationally renowned fusion group, Autorickshaw. In response to challenges to chorister mental health throughout the pandemic, VIVA choirs have embedded a wellness and self-help focus in all programming.

canary sitelinkJenny Crober
416-931-8224
crober.best@gmail.com
www.vocachorus.ca

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VOCA Chorus of TorontoThe VOCA Chorus of Toronto is a dynamic, auditioned ensemble which performs eclectic repertoire (including Canadian premieres) in collaboration with some of Canada’s finest artists. Each season consists of major concerts, cabarets, workshops with guest clinicians and community performances. We’ve been meeting over Zoom for the entire 2020/21 season, and have just premiered our first virtual choir recording. Rehearsals are held on Mondays at Eastminster United, near Chester subway. We look forward to performing our "Star Songs'' program (including a world premiere by Cree composer Andrew Balfour) at Roy Thomson Hall (part of RTH's Noon Hour Choir and Organ Series) and at Eastminster United. Director: Jenny Crober. Accompanist: Elizabeth Acker. Guests: Colleen Allen, sax; Shawn Grenke, organ; Jamie Drake, percussion.

canary sitelinkTaylor Strande
647-388-3604
westtorontocommunitychoir@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/groups/westtorontocommunitychoir

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We are a mixed-voice, secular community choir serving Roncesvalles/Parkdale/Junction and surrounding communities. Our group performs two concerts per season as well as guest appearances at other community events, such as “Roncy Rocks and the Roncesvalles Tree Lighting Ceremony”. Music is a mix of contemporary choral, folk, and musical theatre, with a few pop tunes thrown in. Our vibe is fun and social, with a focus on community engagement and shared music-making. We have a mix of seasoned choristers and novices, and there are no auditions. We value the diversity of gender, age, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, and political perspective and are open to all. Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings 7:15pm to 8:45pm at Roncesvalles United Church. Will resume when precautions are lifted.

canary sitelinkAdam Iannetta
519-965-0130
adamiannetta@windsorclassicchorale.org
www.windsorclassicchorale.org

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Windsor Classic ChoraleFounded in 1977 by director emeritus Richard Householder, the Windsor Classic Chorale has become a core component of the local arts community, dedicated to achieving artistic excellence by maintaining a high level of musicianship with a rich palette of ambitious choral works. As with many musicians during this time of uncertainty, the WCC has made the necessary transition to a completely virtual format for its 2020/21 season and has presented two virtual concerts during this time.

The WCC considers it a privilege to perform in this community. Their love for choral music is what brings them together. While unable to have audiences hear them in person, this transition to a virtual format is providing the WCC with the opportunity to extend beyond Windsor and Essex County.

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