A rich full-bodied sound, innovative programming, technical precision, meticulous intonation, and versatility, coupled with an ever-present musical curiosity and commitment to the creation of new Canadian choral works, are qualities that have catapulted C...  moreA rich full-bodied sound, innovative programming, technical precision, meticulous intonation, and versatility, coupled with an ever-present musical curiosity and commitment to the creation of new Canadian choral works, are qualities that have catapulted Chor Leoni to National and interNational fame since its founding by Diane Loomer C.M. in 1992. The choir is regarded as a leader in the Canadian male choir movement, and acts as mentors and inspiration to choirs across the country. Erick Lichte was appointed Artistic Director in January 2013.  less

The highly regarded choir boasts upwards of 100 members under the direction of Sydney Birrell. World-class, professional Canadian soloists enjoy performing with with the choir time and again. Each season, the choir presents four or five concerts, incor...  moreThe highly regarded choir boasts upwards of 100 members under the direction of Sydney Birrell. World-class, professional Canadian soloists enjoy performing with with the choir time and again. Each season, the choir presents four or five concerts, incorporating a blend of repertoire from gospel to sacred to pop to oratorio. Classical highlights include St. Matthew Passion, Elijah, the annual Messiah, Carmina Burana, and Bach's B Minor Mass, which was a crowning achievement for the choir’s 10th and 20th anniversaries. Other popular concerts have featured the musical and comedic talents of Natalie Choquette, the famous and charismatic Michael Burgess, and the stirring sounds of spirituals under the direction of Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, whose own professional chamber choir, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, headed for Washington to join the celebrations around President Obama’s inauguration.  less

Recognized across North America as one of Canada’s best choral ensembles, the 80-strong, mixed-voice St. Lawrence Choir performs music from the classical choral repertoire as well as contemporary works by Canadian and other composers. 2011-2012 marks the...  moreRecognized across North America as one of Canada’s best choral ensembles, the 80-strong, mixed-voice St. Lawrence Choir performs music from the classical choral repertoire as well as contemporary works by Canadian and other composers. 2011-2012 marks the 40th anniversary season of the St. Lawrence Choir. Since 2008 the St. Lawrence Choir has been under the direction of Michael Zaugg. The Swiss-born musician has distinguished himself as an innovative and versatile conductor on the Canadian choral scene. Active as artistic director, guest conductor, pedagogue and clinician, Michael Zaugg brings a wealth of experience and creativity to his work. St. Lawrence Choir was formed in 1972 by Iwan Edwards and a group of singers residing in the West Island of Montreal. Concerts were presented in Lachine until 1983 when the Choir relocated to downtown Montreal. Since 1986, the Choir has regularly appeared with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra as the largest component of the MSO chorus, and has made numerous recordin...    less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] I ran a gospel singing weekend recently. One of the songs was flagging a bit so I suggested people ham it up a bit and be more “American”.  ...

The Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) continues to be on the cutting edge of the Canadian gospel music scene bringing their distinct gospel sound to the world stage. Seeds of this traveling ministry were sown during the choir’s initial recording session in Octo...  moreThe Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) continues to be on the cutting edge of the Canadian gospel music scene bringing their distinct gospel sound to the world stage. Seeds of this traveling ministry were sown during the choir’s initial recording session in October 1988. The choir’s debut album, Great Is Thy Glory, released in April 1990 on the Micah Communications label was re-released as The Early Years. TMC’s second live recording, God is our Hope was released in 1994, followed in April 1998 by its Juno nominated album, Follow Him. In February 2002, Instrument of Praise was released. That year the Gospel Music Association Canada (GMAC) awarded TMC a Covenant Award for Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year. In 2003, they picked up a Juno Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year; the Vibe Award for Urban/Soul Album of the Year, and the Urban Music Association of Canada Award for Gospel Recording of the Year. TMC’s music incorporates contemporary gospel, traditional gospel and Caribbea...    less

Live recording from Aula Nova, Poznan conductor: Marek Gandecki

CES is a renowned SATB chamber ensemble celebrating the choral music of North American and women composers.

Winner of the Edwin Fissinger Composition Prize, this piece is based on a text by Canadian poet Bliss Carman about the passage of seasons and the permanence of love.

Audio performance by Rosthern Junior College Chorale 2003. Chorale is a 38 voice mixed choir of 15-17 year olds from RJC, a small (circa 100) school in the middle of the Canadian Prairies.