Canary Pages 2013

Beautiful melodies, rocking sax solos, edgy new jazz arrangements of Handel’s Messiah– if any of this appeals to you, read on. The Waterloo-based Wayne Gilpin Singers is an auditioned (a singer-friendly audition, we promise!) chamber choir that sings a wide variety of music, including contemporary Christian, gospel, show tunes, spirituals and more. Resident composer/accompanist Andrew Gilpin pens unique arrangements for an ever-expanding Jazz Messiah, an annual event that twins Handel’s beautiful melodies with modern rhythms and musical styles. Also featured in concert are talented guest artists on bass, drums and saxophone, providing an unforgettable musical experience for both audience and choir.

Wayne Gilpin
800-867-3281
wayne@gilpin.ca

As the choir enters its 22nd season, Voices Chamber Choir has firmly established itself as one of the finest amateur choirs in Toronto. Our repertoire spans from the early Renaissance to brand new works by Canadian composers, from standard repertoire performed with orchestra to an all unaccompanied program. Our music challenges the singers to be their best and beyond with exhilarating results. If you would like to sing in a choir that will give you more than just a night out to socialize, a choir that will engage your musical senses, come and join us.

Ron Cheung
416-519-0528
rkmcheung@yahoo.ca
www.voiceschoir.com

The VOCA Chorus of Toronto is a dynamic, auditioned ensemble that performs eclectic repertoire (including premieres of arrangements by our artistic director) in collaboration with some of Canada’s finest artists. Each season consists of two major concerts, two retreats (one locally with guest clinician; one out of town), a cabaret, and community performances. Rehearsals are Monday evenings at Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave., Toronto. On Saturday, May 27, 7:30pm at Eastminster, we will present Carmina Burana, featuring the two piano/percussion version of Orff's monumental masterpiece, along with selections by Gjeilo (including an instrumental world premiere), Letourneau (an Ontario premiere) and Tate.  Director: Jenny Crober. Accompanist: Elizabeth Acker. Guests: TorQ Percussion Quartet, Shawn Grenke, Elizabeth Polese, Michael Nyby, Christopher Mayell.

Jenny Crober
416-463-8225
crober.best@gmail.com
www.vocachorus.ca

VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto, now in its 17th season, is a vibrant, inclusive choral organization with excellent musical opportunities for all singers from the age of 4 to adults. VIVA!’s Inclusion Program offers support for differently-abled singers. Diverse programming features age-appropriate choral training through instruction in vocal technique, private vocal instruction and music theory. Singers from the Junior Choir and up may choose to perform with VIVA! in the National Ballet of Canada’s Nutcracker. VIVA!’s fine musicians and mentors deliver authentic music-making in a supportive, singer-centred community. During the 2017/18 season, singers will explore music/arts that are inspired by First Nations and Indigenous cultures. For the older choirs, the season will culminate in a cultural/musical exchange to Canada’s north.

Susan Suchard, general manager
416-788-8482
info@vivayouthsingers.com
www.vivayouthsingers.com

Village Voices, a diverse, mixed-voice community choir of about 70 voices based in Markham, will enter its 29th season in September. The choir presents two major concerts annually and sings at seniors’ residences and special community events. Directed by Oksana Vignan, the choir performs a wide variety of choral repertoire, from the great standard classics to contemporary music. Village Voices has collaborated and performed with other choirs in Ontario and as guest artists of instrumental organizations such as the Markham Concert Band and the Kindred Spirits Orchestra. The choir’s musical skills are honed regularly through special workshops with outstanding choral musicians. On May 12 and 13, 2017, Village Voices is proud to celebrate Canada150, with the concert "Here's to Song," a mix of traditional and folk songs as well as Missa Pax, a contemporary score by Canadian Tim Corlis.

Ellen Dowswell
905-763-4172
info@villagevoiceschoir.com
www.villagevoices.ca