Blue Pages 2019

Read Profile

The Toronto Choral Society (TCS) was founded in 1845 to foster a positive musical environment in which members can learn and develop their musical ability and choral repertoire. This December 6, 7:30pm at Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre, we will be performing: “Messiah & Carols, A Christmas Celebration!”

What better way to launch the holiday season than an evening of the uplifting sounds of Handel’s Messiah and traditional Christmas carols! The 150-voice Toronto Choral Society will fill Koerner Hall with the rich and emotional sound of one of the Western world‘s best known choral works. Handel wrote this, his most iconic work, in just 18 days. And, it is said that he “wept while he composed the Hallelujah chorus, and claimed he saw visions of angels while he worked on this piece.” Could we be so fortunate while listening? The magnificent choir will be accompanied by the Talisker Players, a unique ensemble of musicians whose strength and reputation lies in the accompaniment of choirs. Throughout the evening, Christmas carols will be interspersed in the program as well as some audience sing-alongs, creating the perfect festive concert. Geoffrey Butler is our artistic director, joined by William O’Meara, accompanist.

Read Profile

The award-winning Toronto Children’s Chorus is currently marking its 42nd season and its 13th year under the baton of artistic director Elise Bradley, MNZM. The Chorus comprises a family of choirs: KinderNotes for children aged three to six (no audition required), four Training Choir levels, Main Choir (six ensembles) and Toronto Youth Choir (aged 16 to 30). Each year, more than 400 choristers develop their skills in vocal technique, sight-singing and music theory, and perform an array of season concerts and guest performances. The Chamber Choir also performs nationally and internationally, most recently representing Canada at choral festivals in New Zealand and Australia.

Highlights of the 2019/20 season include two fall concerts; the TCC’s annual holiday concert in collaboration with Roy Thomson Hall on December 15; the family-friendly, movie-themed concert in February; TCC’s Main Choir concert with guest choirs from New Zealand on April 18; and the spring concert at the Toronto Centre of the Arts on May 2. Visit www.torontochildrenschorus.com/performances to view all upcoming performances and to purchase tickets.

Read Profile

Building on 50 years of concert performances, the Toronto Chamber Choir of around 40 skilled singers, now under artistic director Lucas Harris, has held a prominent place in Canada’s early music scene since 1968. It specializes in Renaissance and Baroque repertoire, collaborating regularly with Toronto’s rich pool of period instrumentalists, but also with forays into other periods while staying true to its early music roots.

Four concerts per season - two Saturday evening concerts and two Sunday afternoon “Kaffeemusik” presentations - explore the cultural context of our repertoire through narration, often with a special guest expert. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall with occasional Saturday “retreats.” Auditions for new volunteer members are held anytime by arrangement with the director, while auditions for our Toronto Chamber Consort section lead program are held in May or June.

Read Profile

Toronto Beach Chorale (artistic director, Mervin W. Fick) is an auditioned SATB choir of up to 65 voices. Singers share a passion for great classical choral music, a strong commitment to sharing the gift of music and engaging their community in quality musical experiences. TBC invites professional musicians, soloists, actors and arts organizations to join in three to four concerts per season. TBC also organizes and participates in “Messiah for the City” – a free concert for the United Way charities – and in many local community events. TBC’s Choral Scholars Program offers subsidy and training to singers aged 19 to 24. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7pm to 9:30pm, September to May in the Beach area. Auditions are held in September and January. The ability to read music and choral experience are assets.