Dynamic. Choirs Ontario s Newsletter. Dynamic March 2013 volume 41, issue 3. Connect chorally. Make life sing!

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1 Dynamic Choirs Ontario s Newsletter Connect chorally. Make life sing! Durham Girls Choir Dynamic March 2013 volume 41, issue 3

2 Dynamic is published four times a year by Choirs Ontario. Reproduction or translation of any work herein without the express permission of Choirs Ontario is unlawful. Editor Stéphane Potvin Design & layout Stéphane Potvin Printed by The Printing House Limited Subscriptions Subscriptions are available through membership in Choirs Ontario. Advertising For information on advertising contracts, rates, and specifications, contact the office at info@choirsontario.org or Ad materials should be sent to info@choirsontario.org Editorial Dynamic welcomes your letters, commentary, photos, audio clips, video files, and article submissions by . Send to info@choirsontario.org Choirs Ontario A 1422 Bayview Avenue Toronto ON M4G 3A7 t: t: f: e: info@choirsontario.org w: Charitable registration number: rr0001 Content President s message 3 Choral Composition Competition 4 Albert Greer receives Order of Canada! 5 Choral Techniques for Conductors 7 Choral Administration Workshop & AGM 9 Growing and changing to serve you better! 10 How to series 21 Join the discussion! 22 President s Leadership Award Upbeat 24 Bach Music Festival of Canada Mass Choir! 24 Cellar Singers 25 Chorus Niagara 26 County Town Singers 28 The DCAT Chorus 29 Duet Club of Hamilton 32 Time to renew your choir membership! 33 Durham Girls Choir 34 Durham Philharmonic Choir 37 Orpheus Choir of Toronto 38 Get up, move up, power up! 41 Vocal Music Academy at Ryerson Community School 43 Shevchenko choir 45 Supporting choristers in a rural setting 46 Summer institute of church music 48 Toronto Children s Chorus 49 University of Toronto Choral Conducting Symposium Young Singers 51 Concert listings 53 Festivals and events 55 Board of Directors President Dean Jobin-Bevans, Thunder Bay Past President Ken Fleet, Komoka Vice-President Shelagh Cohen, Toronto Secretary Diane Murray-Charrett, Georgetown Treasurer W. Edward McCall, Toronto Directors Mark Bell, Toronto Michael Bourgon, Mississauga Robert Filion, Ottawa Sarah Morrison, Oakville Laurel Oger, Thunder Bay Stéphane Potvin, Hamilton Rachel Rensink-Hoff, St. Catharines Executive Director Elizabeth Shannon Office Administrator Eli Clarke 2

3 President s message Dean Jobin-Bevans Dean Jobin-Bevans completed both a master s and doctorate degree in choral conducting at McGill University. While in Montreal, he directed the Ensemble vocal Musica Viva, was the Interim Director of Music at The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, and Director of the McGill Conservatory of Music where he taught and coached voice. In September of 2005, he moved to Thunder Bay to join the faculty at Lakehead University, where he founded the Lakehead University Opera Studio and directs choral activities. When the list of recipients named to the Order of Canada was released at the beginning of January, among the names of artists to be honoured was our very own Albert Greer. Albert has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a tenor soloist, organist, pedagogue, and choral conductor. He has conducted the Ontario Youth Choir, and has hosted the choir on several occasions at St. James Anglican Church in Orillia Ontario where he currently lives and works. On the subject of vice regal, Patricia Abbot was awarded the Queen s Diamond Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on January 14 in recognition of her service to the choral community and specifically for her work with young people. In addition to her work in choral music, Patricia is currently the Artistic Director of the CAMMAC Lake MacDonald Music Centre, and the past Executive Director of the ACCC. On behalf of the members of the Board for Choirs Ontario, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to both Albert and Patricia for their recent honours, and wish them both many more years of continued musical successes. On January 26, Choirs Ontario hosted Choral Techniques for Conductors, where choral conductors spent a day working with two of Canada s finest choral conductors Zimfira Poloz and Michael Zaugg. Many thanks to the 80 registrants who were able to participate in the day and also to the many volunteers who helped to make this event a tremendous success for both the participants and the conductors. And last, but not least, Choirs Ontario is undergoing a Restructuring of the Board of Directors. The new structure will create the position of President Elect, and provide for greater regional representation. We are excited about the changes and the opportunities that it will bring for better serving our choral community. I invite you to read more about this important change in the Executive Director s message in this issue of Dynamic. 3

4 Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition Call for Submissions Choirs Ontario is pleased to announce the 2013 Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition. The competition exists to provide Canadian composers with the opportunity of contributing to Canada s rich choral tradition through the writing of original choral works. The winning entry receives a performance with one of Canada s leading choirs as well as a cash award. The winner of the 2013 award will receive a premiere performance by the Elmer Iseler Singers, conducted by Lydia Adams, in the spring of 2014 and a cash award of $1,000. One of Canada s foremost musicians, Ruth Watson Henderson is renowned internationally both as a composer and pianist. Her works are acclaimed, performed, and recorded worldwide. The Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Competition was established in 1996 to recognize Ms. Watson Henderson s invaluable contribution to the art of choral music. Submission details Entry deadline: September 30, 2013 Duration: 4 6 minutes Type of work: The work must be an original composition for SATB choir. It may be a cappella or accompanied by piano. Texts may be sacred or secular, in English or French. For complete regulations and an entry form please contact Choirs Ontario at or visit Entry fee: $25 The award winner will be announced in November Open to all Canadian Citizens and landed immigrants. Participating composers must reside in Canada. There is no age limit. Choirs Ontario A 1422 Bayview Ave. Toronto ON M4G 3A7 Phone Fax info@choirsontario.org 4

5 Albert Greer receives Order of Canada! Choirs Ontario would like to congratulate Albert Greer on his recent appointment as a member of the Order of Canada, an honour he received to celebrate his distinguished service to music and his community. Over the past fifty-two years, Greer has had concurrent careers as a conductor, singer, educator, and composer, touching the lives of thousands of singers. The Order is the centerpiece of Canada s honours system and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. Born in Toronto in 1937, Greer s first love was singing. He started performing in high school and, despite being initially rejected from the Jarvis Collegiate Glee Club, was later the tenor lead in a high school performance of HMS Pinafore. He got his first church singing job while still in grade twelve. After high school, Greer s father wanted him to take over the family accounting business, so he took a CA course by correspondence. Deciding that accounting was not for him, Greer successfully applied to medicine, taking two years of pre-med at the University of Toronto followed by one year of medical school. During these years, he worked as a singer, and was drawn in more and more by music. Greer withdrew from medicine in 1958 and took one year of voice lessons from tenor Aksel Schiøtz. Aside from these lessons and some training in high school, Greer is self-taught, partially through the use of a tape recorder. That didn t stop him from taking the ARCT Gold Medal for Voice in Congratulations Albert! 5

6 On the advice of Lloyd Bradshaw, Greer took his pre-med credits and applied them to an undergraduate degree in English, graduating from the University of Toronto in This is the year that also launched his solo singing career when he performed the St. Matthew Passion with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and conductor John Sedgwick. Greer s first musical posting was a church job in Timmins and a teaching job at South Porcupine High School, where he taught geography, history, English, band, and orchestra. He did this despite having never conducted before. In his whole conducting career, his only formal training would be three years of summer courses with the Department of Education in Toronto. In 1963, after three years in Northern Ontario, Greer returned to Toronto, teaching high school and working as a singer. He continued as a singer all throughout his teaching career, performing many of the roles in the standard repertoire. Expanding his conducting résumé, Greer worked under Elmer Iseler and Lloyd Bradshaw, and was the assistant conductor to Bradshaw for the North York Youth Choir. It was 175 voices strong and all of them went to Montréal to perform at Expo 67. Greer taught music in Toronto until 1975, when he sold his house in Thornhill and moved to Orillia to live on the lake. He wasn t sure at the time that moving to Muskoka was a good idea, as it wasn t at the centre of the musical action; however, it turned out to be just the right idea. He started conducting the Cellar Singers in 1977 and was with them for 35 and a half years until his retirement in He became famous for his one rehearsal with orchestra concerts. On December 6, 1981, he started as the organist and choir director at St. James Anglican Church in Orillia. He wasn t really an organist, but as with singing and conducting, he learned on the job. He is still there today as the organist and conductor of the church choir. He talks about how rewarding it is to work with this group of amateurs. In 1980 he also began teaching part-time at York University, which he did for the next twenty-five years. When asked what convinced him that pulling out of medicine was the right decision, Greer talks about his experience conducting the 1974 Ontario Youth Choir. OYC had 75 singers that year, filling two buses on their tour. Greer says when he looks back on the repertoire that the difficulty and sheer volume of it impresses even me! The repertoire was heavily Canadian, including Harry Freedman s Keewaydin and Healy Willian s Apostrophe to the Heavenly Hosts. Many of the singers in the choir that year went on to work in their communities as singers, music educators, and conductors, including Bob Anderson, Susan Cooper, Brian Emery, Robert Hall, Lilian Kilianski, Gloria Jean Nagy, Alexa Petrenko, and Brenda Uchimaru. Greer married his wife Nynka Greer 26 years ago, having been married before for 25 years. Greer says I have been married all my life! He has four children with his first wife and raised one with Nynka. Greer feels that his unique contribution to the central Ontario region was to produce music of the same type and quality as is found in bigger cities. In moving away from Toronto, he left behind a major cultural centre, yet in doing so created a cultural centre in Muskoka. Greer could never completely retire and still hasn t, continuing to touch the lives of Orillia church-goers through his music. And for anyone who can make it to London on July 20, 2013, he will be singing the tenor solo in the St. John Passion with Gerald Fagan. 6

7 Choral Techniques for Conductors Zimfira Poloz and Michael Zaugg, Clinicians Over 70 conductors descended on the Rose Theatre in Brampton to attend the Choirs Ontario workshop Choral Techniques for Conductors with Master Conductors Zimfira Poloz and Michael Zaugg. Zimfira and Michael presented effective techniques in Getting the Best Sound Out of Your Choir, Rehearsal Planning and Techniques, and Effective Conducting Gestures. It was a treat to watch them work with Conducting Masterclass participants Cassie Luftspring and Kasia Constanty! Zimfira Poloz demonstrating choral tone qualities Workshop participants conducted by Michael Zaugg 7

8 Conducting Masterclass participant Cassie Luftspring gets a tip from Zimfira Poloz Michael Zaugg demonstrates choral intonation with his favourite instrument: the tuning fork! Conducting Masterclass participant Kasia Constanty in action 8

9 Choral Administration Workshop & Choirs Ontario Annual General Meeting Saturday, June 8, 2013 Agricola Lutheran Church, 25 Old York Mills Rd., Toronto 9 a.m. 12 p.m. Registration Required Free to all Choirs Ontario members. $60 special introductory fee for new members (includes membership) Visit for more information. We invite you to consider standing for election to the Board of Directors. Nominations are welcome from all individuals, particularly those with development, law, and accounting expertise. Please contact us at ( ) for more information. 9

10 Choirs Ontario Growing and changing to serve you better! by Elizabeth Shannon, Executive Director There have been many exciting changes at Choirs Ontario. These include our new online Member Forum, the launch of Choir 101, a new training programme for adult choristers, and last but not least, important changes to the structure of our Board of Directors. Member Forum Join the discussion Have a question about repertoire? Want to ask other choirs about chorister recruitment? Looking for a concert venue? This is the place to do it. Choirs Ontario has just launched a new online Member Forum. The Forum was created to provide you with an opportunity to exchange and share information related to all things choral. and join the discussion! Choir 101 In our search to better serve our chorister members, we are retiring the VOCAL project and replacing it with Choir 101 / 201. This one-day immersion for choristers will include sessions on score reading, music theory, sight-reading, and vocal technique. Just the thing to prepare you for a year of enjoyable choral singing! Watch the Choirs Ontario website for registration details. Restructuring The Choirs Ontario Board of Directors has been undergoing a Restructuring exercise which has resulted in the proposed changes to the Bylaws below. If these proposed changes are approved, the Board will be restructured to create the position of President Elect and accommodate the creation of six Regional Board Chairs who will act as representatives of and liaisons to six Ontario regions.* These six Regional Chairs will be instrumental in the delivery of regional choral activities and in the outreach plan to promote Choirs Ontario activities and encourage growth and diversification of our membership. The Regional Chairs will reside in or have a close connection with their region. This will require an increase of the total number of Board Members from fourteen to fifteen. *The six regions are: 1. North Ontario Region 2. North-Central Ontario 3. Central Ontario 4. East Ontario 5. South-West Ontario 6. South-Central Ontario 10

11 Far north Near north Central Southwest East South Central 11

12 Far north / near north Southwest / South central / Central regions Southeast 12

13 Bylaws Proposed Changes to Choirs Ontario Bylaws The proposed changes to the By-Laws will: In order to better serve and represent Ontario s choral community, the 1 Increase the maximum number of Directors from fourteen to fifteen. Board of Directors of Choirs Ontario has undertaken a restructuring process that requires changes to the structure of our Board. Because this 3 Eliminate the position of Vice-President. 2 Create the position of President Elect. restructuring affects the Choirs Ontario By-Laws, the proposed changes 4 Establish a rotation which would see the President Elect move to the position must be presented to and approved by the members of the organization. of President and then to Past President for non-renewable terms of two years Many of these changes are the result of removing the title of Vice President in each position. and replacing it with President Elect. Only those sections which are undergoing revision are presented below. Upon approval, calls for nominations 6 Establish a member-wide election every two years for the position of 5 Establish a maximum of 6 consecutive years for the incoming President Elect. for the newly created position of President Elect will be announced. A President Elect. member-wide vote for the incoming President Elect will take place as part of the 2013 Annual General Meeting. To obtain membership approval, an electronic member-wide vote will be distributed on April 15, Each member of the organization will receive voting instructions via on April 15, There will be a one-week window to register votes, after which the voting will be closed. Individual or Corporate/Institutional Members are entitled to one vote, and each Choir Member is entitled to two votes. 13

14 Bylaws Part I Bylaws: Objectives and Purposes Proposed Amendments: 2. IN THESE BYLAWS: Current Bylaw: Proposed Bylaw: Executive refers to the Executive Committee, and means the Provincial Executive refers to the Executive Committee, and means the Provincial body body of representatives elected by the membership as in Part IV 7. of these of representatives elected by the membership as in Part IV 7. of these Bylaws, Bylaws, and consists of the President, the Vice President, the Past President, and consists of the President, the President Elect, the Past President, the the Secretary and the Treasurer. Secretary and the Treasurer. 14

15 Part II Management 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Current Bylaw: Bylaws Proposed Bylaw: The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of no more The affairs of the corporation shall be managed by a Board of no more than fourteen (14) and no fewer than ten (10) Directors, each of whom than fifteen (15) and no fewer than ten (10) Directors, each of whom shall shall be elected for a two-year term. At the time of election or within ten be elected for a two-year term. At the time of election or within ten (10) (10) days thereafter and throughout the term of office, each Director shall days thereafter and throughout the term of office, each Director shall be an be an Individual or Honorary Member of the Corporation. In addition, Individual or Honorary Member of the Corporation. Subject to what is hereinafter provided, the Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting to hold the immediate Past President shall be an ex officio Director (when not an elected Director) and shall be entitled to vote. Subject to what is hereinafter provided, the Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting to hold Elected Directors shall not be eligible to serve for more than three (3) con- office for a two (2) year term. office for a two (2) year term. secutive terms or six (6) consecutive years in office, unless being elected into Elected Directors shall not be eligible to serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms or six (6) consecutive years in office, unless continuing as Past Elect will be held every two years. Directors shall be eligible for re-election office as President Elect. A member-wide vote for the position of President President or President or being elected into office as President. Directors shall after a one (1) year absence as a Director. be eligible for re-election after a one (1) year absence as a Director. 15

16 Bylaws 8. QUORUM AND MEETINGS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Current Bylaw: Proposed Bylaw: Directors meetings may be formally called by the President or by the Vice Directors meetings may be formally called by the President or by the President President, or by the Secretary on direction in writing by four (4) Directors. Elect, or by the Secretary on direction in writing by four (4) Directors. The Board of Directors shall meet immediately following the annual The Board of Directors shall meet immediately following the annual meeting meeting of the Corporation, or so soon thereafter as is practicable, to of the Corporation, or so soon thereafter as is practicable, to elect a Secretary elect a President, Vice President and Secretary and to elect or appoint a and to elect or appoint a Treasurer and to conduct any other business. Treasurer and to conduct any other business. 10. VOTING, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Current Bylaw: In the absence of the President, his or her duties may be performed by the Vice President. If the Vice President is not in attendance, his or her duties may be performed by such other Director as the Board may from time to time appoint for the purpose. Proposed Bylaw: In the absence of the President, his or her duties may be performed by the Past President. If the Past President is not in attendance, his or her duties may be performed by such other Director as the Board may from time to time appoint for the purpose. 16

17 Part III 1. EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS Current Bylaw: Bylaws Proposed Bylaw: Deeds, transfers, licenses, contracts and engagements on behalf of the Deeds, transfers, licenses, contracts and engagements on behalf of the Corporation shall be signed by either the President or Vice President and Corporation shall be signed by either the President or President Elect and by by the Secretary, or any two of the three, and the Secretary shall affix the the Secretary, or any two of the three, and the Secretary shall affix the seal of seal of the Corporation to such instruments as require the same. the Corporation to such instruments as require the same. Contracts in the ordinary course of the Corporation s operations may be Contracts in the ordinary course of the Corporation s operations may be entered entered into on behalf of the Corporation by any two of the President, the into on behalf of the Corporation by any two of the President, the President Elect, Vice President, the Secretary or by any other person or persons authorized the Secretary or by any other person or persons authorized by the Board. by the Board. The President, the President Elect, the General Manager or equivalent, the The President, the Vice President, the General Manager or equivalent, the Secretary, the Treasurer or any one of them, or any person or persons from Secretary, the Treasurer or any one of them, or any person or persons from time to time designated by the Board of Directors, may transfer any and all time to time designated by the Board of Directors, may transfer any and all shares, bonds, or other securities from time to time standing in the name of shares, bonds, or other securities from time to time standing in the name the Corporation. of the Corporation. 17

18 Part IV Officers and Committees 1. OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION Current Bylaw: Bylaws Proposed Bylaw: The Officers of the Corporation shall be as follows: The Officers of the Corporation shall be as follows: A President who shall be a Director of the Corporation. A President who shall be a Director of the Corporation. A Vice President who shall be a Director of the Corporation. A President Elect who shall be a Director of the Corporation. A Secretary who shall be a Director of the Corporation. A Secretary who shall be a Director of the Corporation. The Board of Directors shall annually, or as may be required, elect a President, The Board of Directors shall annually, or as may be required, elect a Secretary of Vice President, and Secretary of the Corporation. the Corporation. In case of absence or inability to act of the President, the Vice President In case of absence or inability to act of the President, the Past President or any other Officer of the Corporation, or for any other reasons that the or any other Officer of the Corporation, or for any other reasons that the Directors may deem sufficient, the Directors may delegate all or any of the Directors may deem sufficient, the Directors may delegate all or any of the powers of such office to any other Officer or to any Director, provided that powers of such office to any other Officer or to any Director, provided that a a majority of the Board of Directors concur therein. majority of the Board of Directors concur therein. 18

19 Bylaws 2. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT AND PAST PRESIDENT Current Bylaw: Proposed Bylaw: The President shall be the Chief Officer of the Corporation and shall be The President shall be the Chief Officer of the Corporation and shall be responsible for the general management and supervision of the affairs and responsible for the general management and supervision of the affairs and operation of the Corporation, and shall perform all duties incidental to the operation of the Corporation, and shall perform all duties incidental to the office or as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Executive office or as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee. When present, the President shall preside at all meetings of Committee. When present, the President shall preside at all meetings of the the Corporation, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. Corporation, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. The President shall appoint all Committee Chairpersons except the The President shall appoint all Committee Chairpersons except the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee and serve as an ex officio Chairperson of the Nominating Committee and serve as an ex officio voting voting member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. The member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. The President President with the Secretary or other officer appointed by the Board shall with the Secretary or other officer appointed by the Board shall sign all by-laws. sign all by-laws. During the absence or inability of the President, his or her During the absence or inability of the President, his or her duties and powers duties and powers may be exercised by the Vice President or such other may be exercised by the Past President or such other Officer appointed by the Officer appointed by the Board. The Vice President shall perform such Board. The Past President shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by duties as may be prescribed by the President, the Board of Directors or the the President, the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee. Executive Committee. 19

20 3. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT ELECT Current Bylaw: No such entry exits. Bylaws Proposed Bylaw: In preparation for the position of President, the President Elect shall by observation, contribution and consultation with the President, familiarize him or herself with the inner workings of the organization. Following a two-year term of office, the President Elect shall succeed to the office of President and Past President. Following the resignation, disability or death of the president, the President Elect shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President and shall perform such other duties as shall from time to time be assigned to them by the President, Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors. 8. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Current Bylaw: The President, the Vice President, the immediate Past President, the Secretary and the Treasurer shall constitute the Executive Committee, and each member shall be entitled to vote. Proposed Bylaw: The President, the President Elect, the immediate Past President, the Secretary and the Treasurer shall constitute the Executive Committee, and each member shall be entitled to vote. 20

21 How to series Choirs Ontario is an incredible source of information for choirs, conductors, singers and administrators. One of those resources is the Choirs Ontario How to series. The collection currently counts nine titles: How to apply for a charitable license How to audition singers How to build a budget How to fundraise How to incorporate How to manage a choir How to manage a library How to organize a concert How to plan a programme The series was originally produced in 1994, first updated in 2007 and is now going through a second revision. To make this compendium ever more useful we want to expand the series to include a number of new titles. We are seeking people interested in to helping us develop theses new titles. If you have expertise in budgeting, finances, management, human resources, touring, etc, and are able to share your expertise, please contact us at info@choirsontario.org 21

22 Join the discussion! Choirs Ontario launches online member forum Looking for new repertoire ideas? Want to know how other choirs handle chorister recruitment? Choirs Ontario has just launched a new Member Forum. The Forum was created to provide you with an opportunity to exchange and share information related to all things choral! The Artistic Forum is for discussions and questions related to the artistic side of choral music anything to do with repertoire, rehearsals, performance, programming, warm-ups etc. The Administrative Forum is for discussions and questions related to the administrative side of choral activity, for example, revenue development, touring logistics, governance, chorister recruitment etc. The first topic for discussion is already posted! To post a comment, login using your User Id and Password. 22

23 President s Leadership Award 2013 The award Established in 2001 to commemorate Choirs Ontario s 30th anniversary, this award recognizes individuals who, through their support or engagement in choral music-making, have made an exceptional contribution to the promotion and advancement of choral music in their communities. The Award is presented annually and alternates between those who support choral music executive directors, administrators, volunteers, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and those who are directly involved in the performance of choral music singers, conductors, and accompanists. Candidates must have demonstrated an exceptional leadership role, vision and cultural activism and must be nominated by a Choirs Ontario member choir or individual member. In 2012, the award was presented to Jean Ashworth Bartle, in recognition of her long and distinguished career in promoting and supporting choral music in Canada and beyond. Previous recipients include: Marilyn Ala-Kanti, Albert Greer, Robert Henderson, Mark Sirett, Jessie Iseler, Gerald Fagan, and Barbara Clark. In 2013, the award will be presented to a choral music supporter who through their work as an executive director, administrator, volunteer, corporate sponsor, or philanthropist has made a significant contribution to the choral art in his or her community. Applications must be received by April 30, 2013 The process Candidates must be nominated by a Choirs Ontario member choir or individual member. Each nomination must consist of a completed application form supported by three letters of recommendation and a written submission of not more than three pages outlining the candidate s contribution to the choral art. Complete the attached application form and send it along with supporting documentation to: President s Leadership Award, Choirs Ontario, A-1422 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3A7. Applications must be received no later than April 30, The Award is juried by a three person panel of Choirs Ontario past presidents who are appointed by the Choirs Ontario Board of Directors. Eligibility Nominees must be residents of Ontario who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and advanced the role of choral music in their community for a minimum of five years. The presentation The recipient receives a framed certificate and a Choirs Ontario honorary lifetime membership at a recognition ceremony to be held at the Ontario Youth Choir concert in Toronto, August 25, For more information and application form please visit 23

24 Bach Music Festival of Canada Mass Choir! by Gerald Fagan O Ont The Bach Music Festival of Canada held its first Festival in July of 2011 in Exeter Ontario and literally took the province by storm! Concerts, workshops, master classes, a fantastic week long mass children s choir program (conducted by Brenda Zadorsky), and a gala performance of the B minor mass, with an adult choir of 150 singers, soloists, and orchestra players. July we present the second Bach Music Festival of Canada. One of the great joys is the formation of a Massed Choir, this year to perform the monumental St. John Passion. Experienced choristers come from all over Ontario, Canada and the United States. Choir members are given their music two months before the Festival week, and come to the first rehearsal with the music learned. Pre-Festival rehearsals are held during June and early July in Stratford, London, and Exeter, to accommodate singers in the area who are eager to learn the music with other musicians, prior to the first Festival rehearsal. The Festival massed choir is joined by the Bach Festival Chamber Choir and the Bach Festival Orchestra, two permanent ensembles created to partner the performance and augment the Festival programming. The soloists bring professional experience in Baroque performance. Soloists for this year s Festival include Albert Greer (Evangelist), John Avey (Christus), Bud Roach (tenor arias), Anita Krause (alto arias), and Leslie Fagan (soprano arias). Any chorister interested in taking part in an action-packed, exciting week of performances and rehearsals is encouraged to contact the Bach Music Festival of Canada. Contact information bachmusicfestival@bellnet.ca PO Box Main St Exeter Ontario N0M 1S6 Gerald Fagan has been an Artistic Director, Guest Conductor and Clinician for over 50 years. The Bach Music Festival of Canada is his most current musical passion! 24

25 Cellar Singers by Audrey Willsey Exciting end to 2012, promising 2013 ahead for Simcoe and Muskoka s renowned community choir, the Cellar Singers. The Cellar Singers had an exciting end to the year 2012 with two well-received performances of Handel s Messiah in snowy Orillia and Bracebridge with their fabulous new artistic director, Mitchell Pady, and established soloists, Virginia Hatfield, soprano, Marion Newman, mezzo-soprano, Albert Greer, tenor, and Sean Watson, baritone. Also in the month of December, a small group of Cellar Singers members caroled in downtown Orillia as apart of the city s Christmas festivities and were a big-hit with passing shoppers and families. To start the new year, Albert Greer, former artistic director of the Cellar Singers, was honoured the Order of Canada for his dedication to Canadian music. Now back to their weekly rehearsals, the Cellar Singers are busy preparing for their March 23rd concert, Where Pines and Maples Grow, which will celebrate Canadian composers. But before their third concert, the Cellar Singers will present their biennial fundraising performance, Cellar Singers Got Talent, with musical acts by Cellar Singers members, light desserts, refreshments and a silent auction beforehand. Cellar Singers Got Talent will be held at St. James Anglican Church in Orillia on February 9, 2013, just in time for Valentines Day. The Cellar Singers final concert of the season will take place on May 12, 2013 in Orillia. Audrey Willsey is a board member, publicity coordinator and former member of the Cellar Singers. She studies Communications and French at York University. Audrey calls Toronto and Orillia home. Direct your music needs to our hands 25

26 Chorus Niagara From a spark to a flame by Trish Crawford The year 2013 marks the fiftieth anniversary season of Chorus Niagara. Founded in 1962, with its debut performance in March of 1963, the Chorus Niagara organization has grown from 44 to over 150 singers and has achieved musical acclaim far beyond the Niagara region where we make our home. The premier 110 voice choral ensemble in Niagara, Chorus Niagara, led by visionary Artistic Director Robert Cooper for the past 24 years, has expanded its choral family to include the Side-by-Side High School Chorale; 20 committed singers from local high schools who participate in one performance each season, and the Chorus Niagara Children s Choir, now in its seventh season with 31 young singers (ages 7 17) conducted by its own dedicated Artistic Director, Amanda Nelli. The last few seasons have seen Chorus Niagara adding some exciting engagements to its regular 4 concert line-up. The Chorus appeared at the Opening Gala for the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, performed Beethoven s ninth Symphony with the Hamilton Philharmonic, was featured with Sir Anthony Daniels in Star Wars In Concert at Copps Coliseum, and sang at the Olympic Torch Ceremonies, the Niagara Wine Festival and the 25th Tree of Lights Ceremony. In 2009 Chorus Niagara performed in England, and will tour Scotland this May, singing in Glasgow and Inverness. Our successful 2010 Flash Mob of Handel s Hallelujah Chorus at Welland s Seaway Mall generated unprecedented exposure and outreach. The Youtube video, produced by Alphabet Photography, has been viewed over 41 million times and has set records as The Most Watched Flash Mob and The Top Rated Video of All Time in Canada. The success of this Flash Mob led to a live reprise on CTV s Canada AM, as well as numerous mentions on major American and Canadian news networks. Presenting newly commissioned works by Canadian composers such as Imant Raminsh, Allan Bevan and John Estacio has been integral to our mission. In March of this year we will premiere A Mighty Cry, a new work by Niagara composer Michael Kositsky celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of We were honoured to receive a Cultural Capital of Canada Grant to develop and perform this locally relevant work. Also planned is a new commission by composer John Estacio scheduled for the Chorus s concert season. Singathon, our annual major fundraiser, generates not only substantial operating funds but also a great deal of excitement for choristers and shoppers alike. Held at Welland s Seaway Mall on a February Saturday, Singathon showcases Chorus Niagara, under the direction of Robert Cooper and many surprise guest personalities, in a fivehour marathon of choral classics and audience favourites. Last year s event raised $48,000 and this year we have set a target of $50,000 to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. 26

27 Our Anniversary celebrations will culminate this May at the spectacular Lake Street Armoury in St. Catharines with a Gala performance of Verdi s monumental Requiem, featuring a superstar operatic quartet, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, the Fanfare Trumpets of the Lincoln Welland Regiment and our specially created Chorus Niagara Community Chorale. Following the concert, audience members will be treated to 50th Anniversary Cake as we light our 50 Celebration Candles. The arts are flourishing in Niagara and we look forward to the opening of the much anticipated St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre. Artistic Director Robert Cooper has been a fervent advocate for its development. While singing is an egalitarian experience for all, notes Cooper, choral music is a performance art. To sing and to listen in the acoustic splendour of the new Concert Hall will be a transformational experience for all. Our audiences will be poked, prodded and excited by the magnificent interplay of creative and human endeavour afforded by this new performing space; our singers and guest artists will be stimulated, challenged and inspired, not just by the bricks and mortar of their new surroundings but also by the revitalized community of artistic colleagues who will surround us; and our community will experience a renewed cultural vibrancy that will have lasting ripple effects of positive artistic energy across the Region. Chorus Niagara s future is bright! We look forward to the next 50 years of entertaining, educating and inspiring through the performance of fine choral music. Trish Crawford has been singing with Chorus Niagara for the past 5 years and is an active member of the Chorus Marketing committee. 27

28 County Town Singers The County Town Singers are pleased to introduce our new Director, Michael Morgan. Michael graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Music, Voice Performance and is an active performer on opera/ operetta, oratorio, and music theatre stages. As an international man of music, Michael is most passionate about creating positive musical learning environments and experiences. He maintains this long term commitment through a private teaching studio as well as his work with the Oshawa Little Theatre as youth group vocal director for Music Man, active committee member and vocal director for the upcoming production of The Producers. Watch for Michael s latest project to unfold as he launches Cantareh Durham s newest and hottest show choir for singers and dancers aged 13 to 19. Job posting Artistic Director Singers wanted All SATB Tenors and Basses Mississauga Children s Choir Etobicoke Centennial Choir Etobicoke DCAT Chorus Toronto County Town Singers Durham 28

29 The DCAT Chorus Esprit de Corps By Shiona Mackenzie-Morrison Music is the food of love; sing on, quips Edna Kingsley, a longstanding member of the DCAT (Drum Corps Alumni Toronto) Chorus. This is the sentiment that brought a small ensemble of untrained singers together almost 20 years ago and still resonates throughout the group, which has grown to some 50 active members, today. Many of us cannot read a score or play an instrument, but that doesn t get in the way of our love of singing and the camaraderie that comes with supporting one another to reach our goal: to entertain with panache and have fun doing it. The DCAT Chorus story began in 1994, when many Ontario drum and bugle corps alumni, like Don and Marg Gill, were facing the prospect of losing touch with the people and lifestyle they had enjoyed for years. One weekend, Don attended an event in Preston, Ontario, where The Princemen Chorus the offshoot of a drum corps alumni association formed in the U.S. performed. The Princemen s show presented a delightful means for them to keep on collaborating on music projects. The Princemen inspired me to go back home and see if I could gather a nucleus of people interested in forming a drum corps alumni group, Don explains. So, with a few friends gathered around their kitchen table one evening, Don and Marg started up a singing group as an outlet for their passion for music, to provide an opportunity to socialize on a regular basis and to experience in a new way the pageantry and wonderful team spirit that had infused their drum corps days. That spirit continues to unify DCAT Chorus members of all ages and backgrounds. While the foundations of the DCAT Chorus spring from a rich North American drum corps history, we are open to anyone and everyone who likes to sing, says Ort Beaumont, the DCAT Chorus President. You don t need a drum corps connection to join us. I can attest to that. In 2008, I ran across the dynamic group performing at the Zoomer Show and was invited to visit one of DCAT s regular Wednesday evening rehearsals at Estonian House in Toronto. There, I was warmly received and treated to a moving rendition of You ll Never Walk Alone. That night, the members made me feel so welcome I made up my mind to join, even though I did not read music and knew nothing about drum corps. I ve been enjoying their fine company ever since and my confidence to sing in public has been boosted enormously. 29

30 Ana Amez, a member for about five years now, says she joined DCAT for the opportunity to sing and socialize with other music lovers, too. You see, we may come for the music, but we stay for the friendships... and the chance to play a part in something that brings happiness to others. Our Music Director, Wyatt Gill, tells us that a positive attitude can be more important at our weekly practices than musical knowledge or skill. His patient guidance brings out the musicality in us. Our Music Director, Wyatt Gill, tells us that a positive attitude can be more important at our weekly practices than musical knowledge or skill. His patient guidance brings out the musicality in us. My litmus test to check whether I have got a song selection right or not is the immediate feedback I receive when announcing the song, Wyatt says. If I get a good audible gasp or a stir in either the chorus or the audience or both, I know that the selection was a good one. Unlike a lot of choral groups that perform with books in hand, our members memorize the music, allowing for greater freedom of expression when performing and for feeling the music while engaging and connecting with the audience through eye contact. No doubt, for an amateur singing group to perform without relying on music books can be challenging, but when we think we ve bitten off more than we can chew, each member s effort helps us succeed as a whole. We work hard and share lots of laughs and good times along the way, too. What the Chorus manages to pull off sometimes comes as a surprise, even to us. Wyatt s unbridled enthusiasm and commitment to growth and professionalism is infectious. He brings a lot of joy to conducting, not to mention exceptional skill in teaching and motivating a disparate group of people to achieve their very best. The DCAT Chorus repertoire encompasses many genres and styles, including Broadway favourites, traditional songs, folk, pop, patriotic songs, devotional/gospel, and classical (songs without words), all delivered with theatrical flair, big sounds and high energy which characterizes the performances of the DCAT Chorus. 30

31 We couldn t have managed this without creative direction, passion and perseverance. One of our newest members, Maxine Willan, a fellow alto, is a qualified music teacher, pianist and composer who joined DCAT because she wanted to participate in a group that sings secular music with good arrangements. I love the harmonies, she says. The chorus sounds very beautiful. Wyatt s original six- and eightpart a cappella arrangements have impressed audiences across North America. The DCAT Chorus has performed at Roy Thomson Hall, on Breakfast Television, at the Hamilton International Tattoo, at the South Street Seaport in New York City, at Great Alliance of Seniors reunions in Boston and Gettysburg, and more. Our own annual show, Love of Music, is held at the City Playhouse Theatre in Vaughan. DCAT also supports community-building efforts, performing often at the Veteran s Wing of Sunnybrook Hospital, and is available for hire to perform at fundraising events. Don sums it up: Our closeness and warm family ambiance, our accomplishments as an entertaining group and our Esprit de Corps make me proud. Shiona Mackenzie-Morrison is a communications professional with 17 years of international experience and a lifelong love of music. 31

32 Duet Club of Hamilton For the joy of it by Susan Ricketts Founded 123 years ago in 1889 by piano teacher Ellen Ambrose, the Duet Club is the longest running women s musical club in Canada. Over the years many eminent musicians, including Gerald Moore, Jan Rubes, and Gladys Swarhart have performed for our concert series. Part of our general membership is the Duet Club Chorus, mostly retired musicians from greater Hamilton area. The chorus presents several area concerts during the year including a variety of music from classical to contemporary. Our focus is twofold. Along with our Chorus, which presents concerts in our community during the year, the Duet Club also helps promote young musicians in the greater Hamilton area. As well as creating a platform on which to perform, namely its yearly concert series, the Duet Club provides nine piano, vocal and instrumental scholarships for promising music students and choral groups with first class standings. Funds for these scholarships are raised from our concert series, donations and membership fees. Our concert series opener in October 2012 presented three talented young musicians, Maggie Morrison, piano, Emily Lukasik, soprano and Emma Morrison, violin. In November the Duet Club presented our Scholarship Winners in Recital, where scholarship winners performed and then received their scholarships. There are two events still to come in our season. The fifth Annual Michael Geryk Memorial Piano Competition, hosted by the Duet Club will be held on February 24 at Melrose United Church, Hamilton, as are all our events. On Sunday April 21, 2013, the Duet Club Chorus will share a concert with a student choir from Hamilton. This Annual Spring Choral Concert will be under the baton of our Music Director, Stéphane Potvin, with accompanist Erika Reiman. 32

33 Time to renew your choir membership! Top 7 reasons to renew your Choirs Ontario membership: Connect with Ontario s choral community through our new Member Forum! Free online concert listings, job postings and singers wanted notices Reduced advertising rates in Dynamic, our quarterly newsletter Eligibility for professional development grants Access to thousands of choral titles through the Choirs Ontario Music Library Membership Fees Choirs with up to 40 members $100 Choirs with 40 members and over $140 as well as the choral libraries of provincial choral federations across Canada Reduced insurance rates for choirs Automatic membership in the Association of Canadian Choral Communities Renew online 33

34 Durham Girls Choir by Michelle Azavedo The Durham Girls Choir, currently celebrating their 40th anniversary, has a history of providing enriching musical experiences for its members. Founded in 1964, the organization was first established when the Oshawa Folk Arts Council asked local musician Elsie Drygala to form a choir to perform for an annual celebration. They continued to rehearse and perform after the event, and renamed themselves the Oshawa Festival Singers. They remained together for a few years before disbanding. In 1973, Drygala re-established the Oshawa Festival Singers; the group was comprised mostly of her own vocal students. Her small choral group eventually grew to an ensemble of more than 50 members. Little did she realize at the time that 40 years later, the choir would still be sharing the gift of music thanks to her original vision and effort. Mrs. Drygala was director of the Oshawa Festival Singers for 17 years. During this time, the choir took three major tours to Europe and per- formed at local festivals, never earning a mark of less than ninety percent. In 1990, the directorship of the choir was passed on to Lorie Easton. A major highlight from this period saw the choir perform in the Toronto run of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond. Choristers at this time also experienced the opportunity to perform at many other venues, both at home and abroad. Mary Jane Corradetti took over the directorship in For fourteen years, the choir toured Italy, Germany, France, the Czech Republic and Austria, where they received a 3rd place finish at the Vienna Youth Music festival. Choristers participated in life-altering performances when they sang at the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, and for a Holocaust survivor at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site in Germany. Choristers from this time period will also remember enthusiastically sharing their love of song so much that sometimes making music became more about inadvertently making mischief! The Hall of Mirrors in Versaille offered such incredible acoustics that the girls couldn t help but start to sing. As an appreciative and captive audience formed, one very distraught guide approached the choir, informing them that they would have to stop or be asked to leave, as at that time no one had ever performed there! In 2001, the name was changed from the Oshawa Festival Singers to the Durham Girls Choir. While at one time there had been young men in the choir, this was no longer the case. The new name established the group as an all girls choir, and reflected the geographic draw of its members from the entire Durham Region. The Durham Girls Choir continues to perform throughout Europe. In July 2012 the choir visited Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. Through international festivals and exchanges with 34

35 other Ontario choirs, girls have made music, and have formed friendships that span continents. As choristers share the gift of music, they receive many riches in return. While members change over the years, so do directors. In September 2012, the DGC welcomed new director Michelle Azavedo. Michelle s new directorship kicked off with our annual camp weekend. The weekend was filled with rehearsals, activities such as archery and swimming, and the building of new friendships. A highlight of the weekend was a clinic with composer Dr. Mark Sirett, whose compositions we were preparing for our Christmas concert. The concert was well-attended with guest performances by harpist Liane James and soprano soloist Serena Meharchand, as well as a number of student musicians. The girls celebrated their success with a holiday potluck and secret Santa exchange. Our new year began with a free workshop for girls in the community. Our workshops take place twice a year and give prospective members the opportunity to learn new music and have fun while performing alongside current members. Many new girls were in attendance, and all choristers learned some new techniques, played new games and made new friends. The workshop featured returning guest conductor Mary Jane Corradetti. Some of the senior girls were excited to work with her again for the afternoon, and newer members enjoyed experiencing her unique and fresh style. It also gave her an opportunity to reflect back on her years with the choir. As she shared: I can remember laughing so hard at some rehearsals and openly crying over the beauty of the sound of the girls at concerts, dancing on the organ bench to keep them alive and engaged in rehearsal, and dancing to African music with them in concert. I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful girls and adults. Through the history of the choir, girls have also been very lucky to have learned from the many directors and accompanists that gave of their time to enrich young lives. Today, the choir continues to be full of vibrant young women that enjoy giving back to the community through their gift of song. Being involved in an organization like the Durham Girls Choir reinforces the need for women to support each other through all walks and stages of life. And while there have been countless opportunities for performance, perhaps the most touching are the community events, where choristers can see the difference they are making close to home. When singing to a crowd at a nursing home, the joy is palpable. In recent years, our girls have participated in Relay for Life, organizing a team, raising funds, and walking in support of cancer research. Each year the organizers of the choir continue to be amazed at the generosity of the choristers, and it is a joy to watch them use their gifts to give to those around them. 35

36 The girls are currently rehearsing repertoire composed exclusively by Canadians, featuring many local composers such as John Burge, Mark Sirett, Lori-Anne Dolloff and Lydia Adams. Choristers are enjoying the opportunity to learn about some of the most celebrated local composers while working toward performing their music. In addition, they continue to work hard to prepare for many upcoming community events and concerts. The future of the Durham Girls Choir is full of promise. Our membership continues to grow; we currently have groups at both the junior and senior levels, allowing for an enriching experience where choristers can challenge themselves and meet friends in an age-appropriate setting. Our faculty and executive continue to meet to discuss our many visions for the organization. Plans for the upcoming years include a commissioned piece by a Canadian composer, composer and specialist workshops and rehearsals, and music appreciation and performance-focused trips. Our next European tour is scheduled for the summer of Though the exact destination is still to be decided, fundraising efforts are already well underway and choristers are looking forward to the trip. Further plans include a new recording, a website overhaul and the purchase of recording equipment aid in rehearsals. We are excited to see these ideas come to fruition and look forward to continue achieving a level of musical excellence, while contributing to the community and having fun! See picture on cover page Michelle holds a Bachelor of Music from Queen s University, as well as a Masters in Musicology/ Ethnomusicology from York University, and a Bachelor of Education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She has performed in a number of choirs in both Kingston and Toronto including the Queen s University Choral Ensemble, Polyhymnia, and the Palestrina Chamber Chorus. She was the co-founder and director of the Durham Youth Choir, and conducted the northwestern branch of the Schola Cantorum children s choir, with which she participated in two performance tours to Italy. Michelle has an active private studio, and still enjoys performing. She teaches music and English at a high school in Toronto. Share Dynamic with your choristers online The password for this issue is maple 36

37 Durham Philharmonic Choir by Robert Phillips The Durham Philharmonic Choir, conducted by Robert Phillips, is celebrating its twentieth Anniversary season with a few special projects. The DPC was delighted to have Mark DuBois as special guest for the Annual Christmas Concert in December. Along with featuring several past Young Musician s Scholarship winners in concerts throughout this season, including vocalists Brittany King, David Espeut and Melinda Delorme, the choir has an upcoming collaboration with the Canadian Sinfonietta. Of special note is the fact that the DPC recently took delivery of Two Scottish Folk Songs ( Farewell to Tarwathie and Johnnie Cope ) commissioned by the choir and written by Canadian composer Mark Sirett. The DPC has also engaged Mr. Sirett for a choral workshop in April. The choirs printed concert programs this season will feature some of the work of the Oshawa Camera Club. The DPC, with 20 years of performances Durham Region, continues to strive for musical excellence through a wide variety of choral programming and the engaging of top calibre vocal soloists, orchestral players and young school and community choirs. Volunteer with Choirs Ontario You can make a meaningful difference to our organization. In as little as 1 or 2 hours per week Even a few days per year. From the comfort of your home anywhere in the province. Help with mail-out projects, or our telephone campaign. Help with other administrative and research projects. Call: , , or info@choirsontario.org 37

38 Orpheus Choir of Toronto by Johnny Isip This season, the Orpheus Choir of Toronto celebrates the tenth anniversary of Artistic Director Robert Cooper. Under his dynamic leadership, the choir has evolved into a forward thinking ensemble, discovering new works, singing important Canadian premieres, and collaborating with international artists. Armed with the mission to expect something different, the choir has recently worked with a diverse array of musicians, from operatic soprano Adrianne Pieczonka, to popular crossover singers Mark Masri and the Canadian Tenors. Orpheus welcomes Latvian composer, Ēriks Ešenvalds March 22 This spring, Orpheus welcomes the arrival of Ēriks Ešenvalds, the young and talented Latvian composer whose works are quickly being hailed as contemporary classics by the international press. To coincide with the composer s visit, the choir will reprise its Canadian premiere performance of Ešenvalds Passion and Resurrection, a deeply moving and powerful oratorio. Composed in 2005, the work has already been recorded twice, signifying its impact and importance to the choral repertoire and to contemporary music. Robert Cooper s dedication to contemporary composers such as Ešenvalds has recently proven rewarding for the choir. Last season, the Orpheus was invited to join the Toronto debut performance of I Believe: A Holocaust Oratorio for Today by award-winning Canadian composer Zane Zalis. The sold out performance at Roy Thomson Hall proved a season highlight. This year, to compliment Passion and Resurrection, the choir will once again explore the music of popular British composer Howard Goodall. The concert will feature the Canadian premiere of Goodall s newest work, Every purpose under the Heaven, composed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Such successes have resulted in a renewed mission to enthrall and entertain audiences with rare and new choral music. This season, Robert Cooper s 10th anniversary, represents a symbolic milestone in the revitalized growth of the choir, and its ever successful collaboration with its dynamic Artistic Director. For details go to Johnny is a second bass who has been singing with Orpheus for three seasons. He is also a Director on the Orpheus Board. He is currently doing his Masters at Columbia and is the music director at Commonwealth Avenue Baptist Church. 38

39 Eriks Ešenvalds was born on January 26, 1977 in Priekule, Latvia. He studied at the Priekule School of Music ( ) and the Liepāja first Secondary School ( ), studied at the Latvian Baptist Congregation Theological Seminary ( ). He received his Bachelor s degree (2002) and Master s degree (2004) in composition with Selga Mence at the Latvian Academy of Music. He furthered his study at international master classes, including the Latvian Young Musician Camp in Ogre (2000, 2002) with Martin Herman and Dana Paul Perna, as well as the De Villecroze Summer Academy in France (with Richard Danielpour, 2001), Česki Krumlov in the Czech Republic with Michael Finnissy, Guy Reibel, and Marek Kopelent (2001), in Germany with Klaus Huber, the international Gaudeamus music week in Amsterdam, the Netherlands with Trevor Wishart, David Land, Richard Ayres (2003), in France with Jonathan Harvey and Philippe Manoury (2004), in Norway with Ole Lützow-Holm and Nils Henrik Asheim ( ), and others. He has been rewarded with the Jāzeps Vītols (1999, 2002) as well as the Vernisāža Musical Centre and Latvian Creative Fund (2002), and the Latvian Culture Ministry Scholarships (2003, 2004). For his work Iespaidi Sāremā (Impressions Of Saaremaa), he received an honourable mention diploma at the International Clarinet Association organized competition in Miami (USA, 2000). He has received the Latvian Great Music Prize in 2005 and For his work Legende de la femme emmurée (Legend of a walled-in woman) he was awarded first place at the 2006 International Rostrum for Composers in the Young Composers category. He is a laureate of the AKKA/LAA Copyright Award (2006) and Diena s Annual Culture Award (2007). British Composer Awards Nomination (2010). The Year s New-Composer 39

40 Discovery, Philadelphia Inquirer, USA (2010). Composition Teaching Achievement Award by Riga Dome Choir School (2010). In 2012 the new CD O Salutaris of youth choir Kamēr... with choral music exclusively by Ēriks Ešenvalds wins the Latvian Music Records Award as the best academic music album of the year His music has been performed at the festival Young.euro.classic in Germany (2002), IV Bergen Internasjonale Kammermusikkfestival in Norway (2003), Festiwal Muzyki Nowej in Poland (2003), Europamusicale in Germany (2004), Klangspuren in Austria (2005), the New Music festival Arena in Latvia (2005), the XII Latvian Organ Music Festival in New York, USA (2005), Internationales Gitarren Festival in Munster, Germany (2006), World Choir Games in China (2006), Christopher Summer Festival in Lithuania (2006), NATO Summit in Riga, Latvia (2006), Aksamitna Kurtyna II in Ukraine (2006), Bodenseefestival in Germany (2007), Eckelshausener Musiktage in Germany (2007), Schwetzinger Festspiele in Germany (2007), Tenso days/3e Biennale d art vocal in France (2007), Kurzeme Song festival in Talsi, Latvia (2007), Glasperlenspiel in Estonia (2007), Riga Opera festival, Latvia (2007), the VIII and X International Sacred Music Festival in Latvia (2005, 2007), the XII Latvian Song festival in Indianapolis, USA (2007), Europalia.europa in Belgium (2007), the Haarlem Choir Biennale, the Netherlands (2009), Baltic Sea Festival, Sweden (2010), Usedomer Music Festival, Germany (2010), University of Louisville New Music Festival, USA (2010), St Machar Cathedral`s Festival of Sacred Music, UK (2011), Vale of Glamorgan Festival, UK (2011), 14th International Sacred Music Festival, Latvia (2011), Haarlem Choir Biennale, the Netherlands (2011), Voices Now, UK (2011), ACDA conference, USA (2011), XXX Siauliai International Music Festival Resurrexit, Lithuania (2012), Nordic- Baltic Male Choir Festival, Estonia (2012), American Guild of Organists National Convention, USA (2012), Internationalen Audi Jugendchorfestival, Germany (2012), Elora Festival, Canada (2012), MDR MUSIKSOMMER, Germany (2012), Spoleto Festival, USA (2012), Festival of the Sound, Canada (2012), Festival Les Claviers en Poitou à Bonneuil-Matours, France (2012), Riga Dom Cathedral International Organ Music Festival, Latvia (2012), Festival Europa Cantat XVIII, Italy (2012), Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen s, Northern Ireland (2012). He has worked as a teacher at the Riga 31st Secondary School , he performed in the State Choir Latvija. As of 2002, he is a member of the Latvian Composers Union. For he holds the position of Fellow Commoner in Creative Arts at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, UK. Ešenvalds is married and the father of 3 children. 40

41 Get up, move up, power up! Power Up workshops and the finale concert are back! York University music professor and Juno Award winning Toronto Mass Choir co-founder, Karen Burke, is bringing back another weekend of Power Up workshops that includes a free finale concert. Power Up is an annual weekend workshop event for lovers of gospel music, singing, song writing, dance and instruments such as; piano, keyboard and guitar. This is an experience that otherwise may not be available to some. It offers participants the opportunity of not only learning to sing gospel music in a mass choir setting, but also the opportunity to improve the skills of songwriters, musicians and dancers. Nothing re-ignites the passion for music more than finding out something new about it. Everyone who loves to sing is invited to enjoy high-energy, spirit-lifting, hand-clapping, toe-tapping gospel music, said Karen. Back by popular demand is the Power UP youth choir workshop. Designed for young people from 12 to 21, this exciting new session involves marrying great gospel lyrics to hip choreographed moves done only as young people can! The workshops were started by Karen Burke to inspire and help people grow their passion for gospel music. Historically, gospel music was prevalent amongst the Black community. The music kept their ancestors going; it empowered them, gave them strength and a sense hope. Today, everyone enjoys the sounds of gospel music. Perfect examples are the worldwide tours that the Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) has done in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Europe, most recently Romania; and TMC s 25 year anniversary this October. The workshops, held on March 1 3, are a good opportunity for emerging artists but also for those simply interested in learning to sing gospel music. Participants will be coached by seasoned professionals such as multi-award winning recording artist, Ali Matthews; sensational gospel vocalist, Amoy Levy; renown Canadian choreographer, Gregory Hines and many more. Participants will sing together in the Power Up mass gospel choir and be joined by the Toronto Mass Choir in the finale concert, which is free to the public. Everyone is invited to attend the finale concert on Sunday March 3, 7:00 PM at Global Kingdom Ministries. Workshop registration is open for all ages including students and groups. For more information and registration, visit 41

42 What: Power Up Workshops Registration: Where: York University, Accolade East Building, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON When: Friday, March 1 Saturday, March 2, 2013 Admission: Adult: $60; Student: $50; Group: $50 per member Finale concert: Sunday, March 3, 2013, 7:00 PM Who: The Power Up Workshop Mass Choir and the Toronto Mass Choir Location: Global Kingdom Ministries, 1250 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON Admission: Free About Toronto Mass Choir and Power Up Workshops Founded by Karen Burke in 1988, 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. This October will mark the TMC s 25th Anniversary. TMC s music incorporates contemporary gospel, traditional gospel and Caribbean music influences. In particular, TMC s combination of gospel lyrics with a variety of musical styles has resulted in a style unique in Canada. 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. Power Up is held annually and is in its 9th season. The workshops were started by Karen Burke to inspire and help people grow their passion for gospel music. 42

43 Vocal Music Academy at Ryerson Community School by Mark Bell, vice principal & Marlys Neufeldt, teacher The Voice This is the theme chosen by the staff and students of the new Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Vocal Music Academy downtown at Ryerson Community School for this inaugural year. Everybody has a voice ; all voices are unique and different ; give voice to your thoughts and dreams and voice your opinions. These are all familiar applications of the word, VOICE. At the Vocal Music Academy (VMA) at Ryerson Community School (CS) this holds especially true when we consider the wonderful chorus of voices that are present among the students and staff. On Thursday November 29, 2012 the Ryerson CS presented its Inaugural Concert followed by the Gala Opening Ceremony of the school. The students of the school were in fine voice as the concert opened with Ruth Moody s wonderful composition, One Voice. The musical program contained music from many different genres, languages and styles, from Bach s Bist du bei mir to a drumming, dancing and singing ensemble based on a song from Mali, to Bruno Mars Count on me. The capacity audience at the concert in the school s auditorium was very appreciative and the students shone. Greetings were shared by Chris Bolton, Trustee and Chair of the Toronto District School Board, the Honourable Olivia Chow, MP, Trinity-Spadina, Curtis Ennis, TDSB Superintendent of Education and Karen Falconer, TDSB Superintendent of Continuing Education. The music and teaching staff of the VMA are Marlys Neufeldt, Sarah Parker and Abby Pierce. These talented educators teach the required subjects of the Ontario curriculum, as in any public school, and they work together to provide the musical enrichment to our grades 4 through 6 boys and girls. In 2013, a grade 7 class will be added. The VMA draws students from the local community as well as from across the city, reflecting our city s diversity in many ways. Students attending the VMA have the opportunity to sing every day, and are engaged by reading, writing, creating and listening to music. Music is incorporated into other subject areas to deepen the students cross-curricular learning. Numerous performance opportunities are offered to the VMA students through glee clubs, large and small ensemble singing groups, musical theatre, chamber ensembles and solo performances. The students develop their musical knowledge and ability by studying many 43

44 different musical styles from many cultures and time periods. There is no audition process required for entry into the VMA only the love of singing! During the opening ceremony, Mackenzie Goodwin, the first student to enroll at the VMA, cut the ribbon and a new mural created by the students with Toronto-based artist, Andrew Owen A01, was unveiled in the school. The newly-formed VMA School Advisory Council (Parent Council) played a very important part in the organization and execution of the Gala celebration. All aspects of the evening from the décor to the food and the silent auction were coordinated by the School Advisory Council. The final song of the concert, mirroring the community-building message of the opening song One voice, was I am but a small voice by Roger Whittaker. Its inspirational lyrics and melody set the direction for our year of learning and singing together: Come, young citizens of the world, we are one... we have one hope... one dream, for peace, love and prosperity for humankind... and with one voice, we sing! The Vocal Music Academy at Ryerson CS is accepting students in grades 4, 5, 6, and 7 for September, No previous music training or audition is required. Vocal Music Academy at Ryerson Community School: 96 Denison Avenue, Toronto To register now, go to: Back Row: Mark Bell, Vice Principal and Craig Tsuji, Principal Front Row: Sarah Parker, Marlys Neufeldt and Abby Pierce, Teachers/Conductors 44

45 Shevchenko choir by Helen Spiers and Patricia Ignaczewski If you want to throw an excellent party, just ask the Shevchenko Choir how to do it. After its rehearsal on January 6 the Shevchenko Choir held its annual Ukrainian Christmas at Columbus Centre. An was sent to everyone asking them to bring their specialty dish. The result a diverse and delicious sampling of foods originating from Ukraine, Russia, Italy, Israel, Holland, Azerbaijan, Poland and Canada. The feast included potato pancakes (or latke), herring, salads, sauerkraut, various meat dishes, fruit, cakes and, of course, a few bottles of wine to help bring in the New Year. A fun group who love to socialize as well as sing and dance, once we had eaten and toasted the New Year, Alexander Veprinsky, our conductor, entertained on piano while we surrounded him with a sing-a-long of songs in Ukrainian, Russian, French, English and Italian. Some members began to dance while some just spent time talking with other members, getting to know them better. There is a wonderful mix of interesting people in the Shevchenko Choir and as most of our Sundays are spent rehearsing, this once-a-year party ritual has become very popular. We hope it continues along with the success of the choir. We welcome anyone who would like to join our multicultural choir. We rehearse every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in room 304 of Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Avenue West at Dufferin. Helen Spiers, as a child began singing in school and church concerts in Glace Bay, N.S. In Toronto she sang in a rock and roll band and began her classical training only at the age of 50. She performed at Roy Thomson Hall for the Seniors Jubilee, and won first place in the Chartwell Senior s Star Competition. Helen performs in concerts, church services, wedding receptions as well as with the Shevchenko Choir. Patricia Ignaczewski, as a child in Timmins, Ontario, attended concerts at the Ukrainian where she fell in love with the Ukrainian culture. Later in Toronto Pat played mandolin and took Ukrainian dancing, and also studied piano at the Royal Conservatory. After marrying, raising three sons and retiring, Pat joined the Shevchenko Choir where she enjoys being part of a culture she will never forget. 45

46 Supporting choristers in a rural setting: Albert Greer leads the South Simcoe Arts Council s 2012 Choral Workshop. Albert Greer, well-known tenor, teacher and award-winning choral conductor, was the clinician in October, 2012, ably assisted by Terry Therien, collaborative pianist. Not only did participants enjoy a full day working on 4 choral selections, they benefitted from Mr. Greer s extensive knowledge of the singing voice through vocal technique sessions. As a surprise additional benefit, Albert Greer finished the Choral Workshop by accompanying himself on an operatic aria a great ending to the day! The tradition of people singing together is alive and well across South Simcoe in groups of all sizes. The goal of the Workshop is to provide individuals from many choral settings with renewed inspiration and a stronger sense of themselves as important individual contributors to the success of their choirs. Choral Workshop participants include choir members from the small religious choirs that sing weekly services, singers in school choirs looking for additional learning opportunities and enthusiasts in community choirs. All contribute to the cultural life of the area. For this workshop, all members of a choir do not need to attend. The sound of this massed choir is always extraordinary and we finish the day by singing through all the selections. If you sing, live, work or study in Toronto or any of our other cities with multiple opportunities to go to choral workshops, you may not know that professional development opportunities for choristers are almost non-existent in largely rural communities. Individual community choirs in smaller towns and cities admittedly do get grants to work with choral leaders. Many individual choristers in rural communities and small towns, however, have limited access to the ongoing inspiration and education that comes from working with outstanding choral clinicians. The South Simcoe Arts Council s (SSAC) Choral Workshop is one initiative that helps fill that void. Over the past five years, SSAC has brought expert choral directors with provincial, national and international recognition to the area. They have included Dr. Lee Willingham, Associate Professor, Wilfred Laurier University (twice); Nancy Telfer, widely published Canadian composer and choral clinician; and, Jean Ashworth Bartle, C.M., O.Ont., one of the world s most distinguished conductors of Youth Choirs and a respected mentor to many emerging and mid-career choral conductors. 46

47 Stronger choral connections in the area are created over refreshment breaks, a sharing session and lunch. The Workshop was recognized in 2012 as a community-building initiative through an award from Monsanto s Genuity Project Communities Advanced, supporting Ontario and Quebec farm communities ( ca/newsviews/pages/nr aspx). The Choral Workshop is one example of community music in which the relevance of choral singing for community building is now being studied (e.g., Higgins, 2012; Veblen, Messenger, Silverman, Elliot, 2012) and put into practice in rural communities ( The co-chairs of the event are Mary Hookey (mhookey@sympatico.ca) and Nanette Seaman (nanseaman@rogers.com) They would welcome questions and comments. Our volunteers are now in place for the next SSAC Choral Workshop event in

48 Summer institute of church music by Dawn Duncliffe As a church musician, do you ever feel overwhelmed by the increasing choices in musical styles? As a choir director, when you look at the notations of the less familiar styles, do you yearn for more information to greet you from the black dots on the page? In our time-restricted schedules, with churches that seem to want more of the same, how do we find the living inspiration from those pages? This year s session of Summer Institute of Church Music, entitled Scored for Glory from printed page to worthy praise will focus on the printed score and how we, as church musicians, can best bring it to life in a way that can create energy in our worship services and praise God to our greatest abilities. Sessions will address strophic song, cyclical song, psalmody and canticles, and culminate in 2 sessions on the congregational experience. In addition to these sessions, we will also continue with our daily chapel services, choral rehearsals, conducting and organ classes. Based at Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby, Ontario, this year s Summer Institute of Church Music will take place on July 7 12, Our principal choral director will once again be Hilary Apfelstadt and our organ recitalist and instructor is David Palmer. Biographies for these two accomplished instructors can be found on the SICM website. We are once again offering our Chorister programme for those who live or work within commuting distance of Whitby. This non-auditioned programme is open to all choristers who would like the opportunity to sing in the Summer Institute choir and join in our concert at St. George s Anglican Church in Oshawa on the evening of Thursday, July 11. Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoon and evening, and Monday through Wednesday evenings, beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. and ending at approximately 10 p.m. Canada s Summer Institute of Church Music is an annual week of celebration, study and retreat for people in all disciplines, all levels of training and all Christian denominations who know the call to minister in music. For more information on our full or chorister programme, visit You can also info@sicm.ca or phone Dawn Duncliffe is the Director of Music at Dunbarton- Fairport United Church in Pickering. She is a graduate of Lakehead University s Department of Music and also piano, flute and theory. Dawn serves in the dual portfolio of Secretary and Publicity for the Board of Governors for the Summer Institute of Church Music. 48