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Durham Girls Choir

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Dynamic is published four times a year by Choirs Content Board of Directors Ontario. Reproduction or translation of any work President herein without the express permission of Choirs Dean Jobin-Bevans, Thunder Bay Ontario is unlawful. President’s message 3 Past President Editor Choral Composition Competition 4 Ken Fleet, Komoka Stéphane Potvin Albert Greer receives Order of Canada! 5 Vice-President Design & layout Choral Techniques for Conductors 7 Shelagh Cohen, Toronto Stéphane Potvin Choral Administration Workshop & AGM 9 Secretary Printed by Growing and changing to serve you better! 10 Diane Murray-Charrett, Georgetown The Printing House Limited How to series 21 Treasurer Subscriptions Join the discussion! 22 W. Edward McCall, Toronto Subscriptions are available through membership in President’s Leadership Award 2013 23 Directors Choirs Ontario. Upbeat 24 Mark Bell, Toronto Advertising Bach Music Festival of Canada Mass Choir! 24 Michael Bourgon, Mississauga For information on advertising contracts, Cellar Singers 25 Robert Filion, Ottawa rates, and specifications, contact the office at Sarah Morrison, Oakville [email protected] or 416.923.1144 Chorus Niagara 26 Laurel Oger, Thunder Bay Ad materials should be sent to County Town Singers 28 Stéphane Potvin, Hamilton [email protected] The DCAT Chorus 29 Rachel Rensink-Hoff, St. Catharines Editorial Duet Club of Hamilton 32 Dynamic welcomes your letters, commentary, Time to renew your choir membership! 33 Executive Director Elizabeth Shannon photos, audio clips, video files, and article submis- Durham Girls Choir 34 sions by email. Send to [email protected] Office Administrator Durham Philharmonic Choir 37 Eli Clarke Choirs Ontario Orpheus Choir of Toronto 38 A–1422 Bayview Avenue Get up, move up, power up! 41 Toronto ON M4G 3A7 Vocal Music Academy at Ryerson Community School 43 t: 416.923.1144 Shevchenko choir 45 t: 866.935.1144 f: 416.929.0415 Supporting choristers in a rural setting 46 e: [email protected] Summer institute of church music 48 w: www.choirsontario.org Toronto Children’s Chorus 49 Charitable registration number: University of Toronto Choral Conducting Symposium 2013 50 11906 7536 rr0001 Young Singers 51 Concert listings 53 Festivals and events 55

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 2 President’s message

Dean Jobin-Bevans

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

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 3 Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition Call for Submissions

Choirs Ontario is pleased to announce the 2013 Ruth Watson Henderson Submission details Choral Composition Competition. The competition exists to provide • Entry deadline: September 30, 2013 Canadian composers with the opportunity of contributing to Canada’s rich • Duration: 4 – 6 minutes choral tradition through the writing of original choral works. The winning • Type of work: The work must be an original composition for SATB choir. It entry receives a performance with one of Canada’s leading choirs as well as may be a cappella or accompanied by piano. Texts may be sacred or secular, in a cash award. The winner of the 2013 award will receive a premiere perform- English or French. For complete regulations and an entry form please contact ance by the Elmer Iseler Singers, conducted by Lydia Adams, in the spring of Choirs Ontario at 416.923.1144 or visit www.choirsontario.org. 2014 and a cash award of $1,000. • Entry fee: $25 One of Canada’s foremost musicians, Ruth Watson Henderson is renowned The award winner will be announced in November 2013. internationally both as a composer and pianist. Her works are acclaimed, Open to all Canadian Citizens and landed immigrants. performed, and recorded worldwide. The Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Participating composers must reside in Canada. There is no age limit. Competition was established in 1996 to recognize Ms. Watson Henderson’s invaluable contribution to the art of choral music. Choirs Ontario A–1422 Bayview Ave. Toronto ON M4G 3A7

Phone 416.923.1144 • 1.866.935.1144 Fax 416.929.0415

[email protected] www.choirsontario.org

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 4 Albert Greer receives Order of Canada!

Choirs Ontario would like to con- Born in Toronto in 1937, Greer’s first love was gratulate Albert Greer on his recent singing. He started performing in high school appointment as a member of the and, despite being initially rejected from the Jarvis Order of Canada, an honour he Collegiate Glee Club, was later the tenor lead in a received to celebrate his distinguished high school performance of HMS Pinafore. He got service to music and his commu- his first church singing job while still in grade twelve. nity. Over the past fifty-two years, After high school, Greer’s father wanted him Greer has had concurrent careers as a to take over the family accounting business, so conductor, singer, educator, and com- he took a CA course by correspondence. Deciding poser, touching the lives of thousands that accounting was not for him, Greer successfully of singers. The Order is the “center- applied to medicine, taking two years of pre-med at piece of Canada’s honours system and the University of Toronto followed by one year of recognizes a lifetime of outstanding medical school. During these years, he worked as a achievement, dedication to the com- singer, and was drawn in more and more by music. munity and service to the nation. The Greer withdrew from medicine in 1958 and took Order recognizes people in all sectors one year of voice lessons from tenor Aksel Schiøtz. of Canadian society. Their contribu- Aside from these lessons and some training in high tions are varied, yet they have all school, Greer is self-taught, partially through the enriched the lives of others and made use of a tape recorder. That didn’t stop him from a difference to this country.” taking the ARCT Gold Medal for Voice in 1964. Congratulations Albert!

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 5 On the advice of Lloyd Bradshaw, Greer took his Greer taught music in Toronto until 1975, when volume of it impresses even me!” The repertoire pre-med credits and applied them to an under- he sold his house in Thornhill and moved to Orillia was heavily Canadian, including Harry Freedman’s graduate degree in English, graduating from the to live on the lake. He wasn’t sure at the time that Keewaydin and Healy Willian’s Apostrophe to the University of Toronto in 1960. This is the year that moving to Muskoka was a good idea, as it wasn’t Heavenly Hosts. Many of the singers in the choir also launched his solo singing career when he per- at the centre of the musical action; however, it that year went on to work in their communities as formed the St. Matthew Passion with the Toronto turned out to be just the right idea. He started singers, music educators, and conductors, including Symphony Orchestra and conductor John Sedgwick. conducting the Cellar Singers in 1977 and was with Bob Anderson, Susan Cooper, Brian Emery, Robert Greer’s first musical posting was a church job them for 35 and a half years until his retirement in Hall, Lilian Kilianski, Gloria Jean Nagy, Alexa Petrenko, in Timmins and a teaching job at South Porcupine 2011. He became famous for his “one rehearsal with and Brenda Uchimaru. High School, where he taught geography, his- orchestra” concerts. Greer married his wife Nynka Greer 26 years ago, tory, English, band, and orchestra. He did this On December 6, 1981, he started as the organist having been married before for 25 years. Greer says despite having never conducted before. In his and choir director at St. James’ Anglican Church “I have been married all my life!” He has four chil- whole conducting career, his only formal training in Orillia. He wasn’t really an organist, but as with dren with his first wife and raised one with Nynka. would be three years of summer courses with the singing and conducting, he learned on the job. He Greer feels that his unique contribution to the Department of Education in Toronto. is still there today as the organist and conductor of central Ontario region was to produce music of In 1963, after three years in Northern Ontario, the church choir. He talks about how rewarding it the same type and quality as is found in bigger Greer returned to Toronto, teaching high school is to work with this group of amateurs. In 1980 he cities. In moving away from Toronto, he left and working as a singer. He continued as a singer also began teaching part-time at York University, behind a major cultural centre, yet in doing so all throughout his teaching career, performing which he did for the next twenty-five years. created a cultural centre in Muskoka. many of the roles in the standard repertoire. When asked what convinced him that pulling Greer could never completely retire and still Expanding his conducting résumé, Greer worked out of medicine was the right decision, Greer talks hasn’t, continuing to touch the lives of Orillia under Elmer Iseler and Lloyd Bradshaw, and was about his experience conducting the 1974 Ontario church-goers through his music. And for anyone the assistant conductor to Bradshaw for the North Youth Choir. OYC had 75 singers that year, filling who can make it to London on July 20, 2013, York Youth Choir. It was 175 voices strong and all of two buses on their tour. Greer says when he looks he will be singing the tenor solo in the St. John them went to Montréal to perform at Expo ’67. back on the repertoire that “the difficulty and sheer Passion with Gerald Fagan.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 6 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 work- shop “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

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 7 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

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 8 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 www.choirsontario.org 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 416.923.1144 (1.866.935.1144) for more information.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 9 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 Restructuring our new online Member Forum, the launch of Choir 101, a new training pro- The Choirs Ontario Board of Directors has been undergoing a Restructuring gramme for adult choristers, and last but not least, important changes to the exercise which has resulted in the proposed changes to the Bylaws below. structure of our Board of Directors. If these proposed changes are approved, the Board will be restructured to create the position of President Elect and accommodate the creation of six Member Forum—Join the discussion Regional Board Chairs who will act as representatives of and liaisons to six Have a question about repertoire? Want to ask other choirs about chorister Ontario regions.* These six Regional Chairs will be instrumental in the deliv- recruitment? Looking for a concert venue? This is the place to do it. Choirs ery of regional choral activities and in the outreach plan to promote Choirs Ontario has just launched a new online Member Forum. The Forum was cre- Ontario activities and encourage growth and diversification of our member- ated to provide you with an opportunity to exchange and share information ship. The Regional Chairs will reside in or have a close connection with their related to all things choral. region. This will require an increase of the total number of Board Members www.choirsontario.org/jforum/forums/list.page and join the discussion! from fourteen to fifteen. Choir 101 *The six regions are: In our search to better serve our chorister members, we are retiring the VOCAL 1. North Ontario Region project and replacing it with Choir 101 / 201. This one-day immersion for 2. North-Central Ontario choristers will include sessions on score reading, music theory, sight-reading, 3. Central Ontario and vocal technique. Just the thing to prepare you for a year of enjoyable 4. East Ontario choral singing! Watch the Choirs Ontario website for registration details. 5. South-West Ontario 6. South-Central Ontario

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 10 Far north

Near north

East Central

South Central Southwest

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 11 Far north / near north

Southwest / South central / Central regions

Southeast

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 12 Proposed Changes to Choirs Ontario Bylaws The proposed changes to the By-Laws will: In order to better serve and represent Ontario’sBylaws choral community, the 1 Increase the maximum number of Directors from fourteen to fifteen. Board of Directors of Choirs Ontario has undertaken a restructuring pro- 2 Create the position of President Elect. cess that requires changes to the structure of our Board. Because this 3 Eliminate the position of Vice-President. 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 under- 5 Establish a maximum of 6 consecutive years for the incoming President Elect. going revision are presented below. Upon approval, calls for nominations 6 Establish a member-wide election every two years for the position of 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, 2013. Each member of the organization will receive voting instructions via email on April 15, 2013. 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.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 13 Proposed Amendments: Part I Bylaws: Objectives and Purposes 2. IN THESE BYLAWS: 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.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 14 Part II Management 6. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bylaws Current Bylaw: 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 here- the immediate Past President shall be an ex officio Director (when not an inafter provided, the Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting to hold elected Director) and shall be entitled to vote. Subject to what is herein- office for a two (2) year term. after 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. 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) con- office as President Elect. A member-wide vote for the position of President secutive 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 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.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 15 8. QUORUM AND MEETINGS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Current Bylaw: BylawsProposed 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: Proposed Bylaw: In the absence of the President, his or her duties may be performed by the 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 Past President. If the Past President is not in attendance, his or her duties may may be performed by such other Director as the Board may from time to be performed by such other Director as the Board may from time to time time appoint for the purpose. appoint for the purpose.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 16 Part III 1. EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS Bylaws Current Bylaw: 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.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 17 Part IV Officers and Committees 1. OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION Bylaws Current Bylaw: 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.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 18 2. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT AND PAST PRESIDENT Current Bylaw: BylawsProposed 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.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 19 3. DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT ELECT Current Bylaw: BylawsProposed Bylaw: No such entry exits. In preparation for the position of President, the President Elect shall by observa- tion, 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: Proposed Bylaw: The President, the Vice President, the immediate Past President, the The President, the President Elect, the immediate Past President, the Secretary Secretary and the Treasurer shall constitute the Executive Committee, and and the Treasurer shall constitute the Executive Committee, and each each member shall be entitled to vote. member shall be entitled to vote.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 20 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 The series was originally produced in 1994, first updated in 2007 and is now • How to incorporate going through a second revision. To make this compendium ever more useful • How to manage a choir 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 • How to manage a library titles. If you have expertise in budgeting, finances, management, human • How to organize a concert resources, touring, etc, and are able to share your expertise, please contact us • How to plan a programme at [email protected]

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 21 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 cre- ated 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, tour- ing logistics, governance, chorister recruitment etc. The first topic for discussion is already posted! To post a comment, login using your User Id and Password.

www.choirsontario.org/jforum/forums/list.page

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 22 President’s Leadership Award 2013 Applications must be received by April 30, 2013

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

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 23 Upbeat! Bach Music Festival of Canada Mass Choir! by Gerald Fagan O Ont The Bach Music Festival of Canada held its first The Festival massed choir is joined by the Bach Festival in July of 2011 in Exeter Ontario and lit- Festival Chamber Choir and the Bach Festival erally took the province by storm! Concerts, Orchestra, two permanent ensembles created to workshops, master classes, a fantastic week long partner the performance and augment the Festival mass children’s choir program (conducted by programming. Contact information Brenda Zadorsky), and a gala performance of the The soloists bring professional experience in www.bachmusicfestival.wordpress.com B minor mass, with an adult choir of 150 singers, Baroque performance. Soloists for this year’s [email protected] soloists, and orchestra players. July 14 – 20 2013 we Festival include Albert Greer (Evangelist), John 519.235.2565 present the second Bach Music Festival of Canada. Avey (Christus), Bud Roach (tenor arias), Anita One of the great joys is the formation of a Krause (alto arias), and Leslie Fagan (soprano arias). PO Box 253 Massed Choir, this year to perform the monumen- Any chorister interested in taking part in an 264 Main St tal St. John Passion. Experienced choristers come action-packed, exciting week of performances and Exeter Ontario from all over Ontario, Canada and the United rehearsals is encouraged to contact the Bach Music N0M 1S6 States. Choir members are given their music two Festival of Canada. 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 Gerald Fagan has been an Artistic Director, Guest Stratford, London, and Exeter, to accommodate sing- Conductor and Clinician for over 50 years. ers in the area who are eager to learn the music with The Bach Music Festival of Canada is his most current other musicians, prior to the first Festival rehearsal. musical passion!

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 24 Upbeat! Cellar Singers Direct your by Audrey Willsey music needs Exciting end to 2012, promising 2013 ahead for Now back to their weekly rehearsals, the Cellar Simcoe and Muskoka’s renowned community Singers are busy preparing for their March 23rd to our hands choir, the Cellar Singers. concert, Where Pines and Maples Grow, which will The Cellar Singers had an exciting end to the celebrate Canadian composers. But before their year 2012 with two well-received performances of third concert, the Cellar Singers will present their Handel’s Messiah in snowy Orillia and Bracebridge biennial fundraising performance, Cellar Singers with their fabulous new artistic director, Mitchell Got Talent, with musical acts by Cellar Singers Pady, and established soloists, Virginia Hatfield, members, light desserts, refreshments and a silent soprano, Marion Newman, mezzo-soprano, auction beforehand. Cellar Singers Got Talent will Albert Greer, tenor, and Sean Watson, baritone. be held at St. James Anglican Church in Orillia on Also in the month of December, a small group February 9, 2013, just in time for Valentines Day. of Cellar Singers members caroled in downtown The Cellar Singers’ final concert of the 2012 – 2013 Orillia as apart of the city’s Christmas festivities and season will take place on May 12, 2013 in Orillia. were a big-hit with passing shoppers and families. Audrey Willsey is a board member, publicity coordinator and former To start the new year, Albert Greer, former member of the Cellar Singers. She studies Communications and French at artistic director of the Cellar Singers, was hon- York University. Audrey calls Toronto and Orillia home. oured the Order of Canada for his dedication to Canadian music.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 25 Upbeat!

Chorus Niagara From a spark to a flame by Trish Crawford The year 2013 marks the fiftieth anniversary season Centre in Niagara Falls, performed Beethoven’s ninth Bevan and John Estacio has been integral to our of Chorus Niagara. Founded in 1962, with its debut Symphony with the Hamilton Philharmonic, was mission. In March of this year we will premiere performance in March of 1963, the Chorus Niagara featured with Sir Anthony Daniels in Star Wars—In A Mighty Cry, a new work by Niagara composer organization has grown from 44 to over 150 sing- Concert at Copps Coliseum, and sang at the Olympic Michael Kositsky celebrating the Bicentennial of ers and has achieved musical acclaim far beyond Torch Ceremonies, the Niagara Wine Festival and the the War of 1812. We were honoured to receive a the Niagara region where we make our home. 25th Tree of Lights Ceremony. In 2009 Chorus Niagara Cultural Capital of Canada Grant to develop and The premier 110 voice choral ensemble in Niagara, performed in England, and will tour Scotland this perform this locally relevant work. Also planned is a Chorus Niagara, led by visionary Artistic Director May, singing in Glasgow and Inverness. new commission by composer John Estacio sched- Robert Cooper for the past 24 years, has expanded Our successful 2010 ‘Flash Mob’ of Handel’s uled for the Chorus’s 2014 – 2015 concert season. its choral family to include the Side-by-Side High Hallelujah Chorus at Welland’s Seaway Mall gener- Singathon, our annual major fundraiser, gener- School Chorale; 20 committed singers from local ated unprecedented exposure and outreach. The ates not only substantial operating funds but also high schools who participate in one performance Youtube video, produced by Alphabet Photography, a great deal of excitement for choristers and shop- each season, and the Chorus Niagara Children’s has been viewed over 41 million times and has set pers alike. Held at Welland’s Seaway Mall on a Choir, now in its seventh season with 31 young records as The Most Watched Flash Mob and The February Saturday, Singathon showcases Chorus singers (ages 7 – 17) conducted by its own dedi- Top Rated Video of All Time in Canada. The suc- Niagara, under the direction of Robert Cooper cated Artistic Director, Amanda Nelli. cess of this Flash Mob led to a live reprise on CTV’s and many surprise guest personalities, in a five- The last few seasons have seen Chorus Niagara Canada AM, as well as numerous mentions on major hour marathon of choral classics and audience adding some exciting engagements to its regular American and Canadian news networks. favourites. Last year’s event raised $48,000 and this 4 concert line-up. The Chorus appeared at the Presenting newly commissioned works by year we have set a target of $50,000 to celebrate Opening Gala for the Scotiabank Convention Canadian composers such as Imant Raminsh, Allan our 50th Anniversary.

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

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 27 Upbeat! County Town Singers

The County Town Singers are pleased to introduce Job posting our new Director, Michael Morgan. Artistic Director Mississauga Children’s Choir Michael graduated from the University of www.mississaugachildrenschoir.com 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 main- tains this long term commitment through a Singers wanted private teaching studio as well as his work with the All Etobicoke Centennial Choir Oshawa Little Theatre as youth group vocal direc- Etobicoke tor for Music Man, active committee member and www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca. vocal director for the upcoming production of SATB DCAT Chorus The Producers. Toronto Watch for Michael’s latest project to unfold as he www.dcatchorus.ca launches Cantareh—Durham’s newest and hottest Tenors and Basses County Town Singers show choir for singers and dancers aged 13 to 19. Durham www.countytownsingers.com

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

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

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We couldn’t have managed this Great Alliance of Seniors reunions in without creative direction, passion Boston and Gettysburg, and more. and perseverance. Our own annual show, “Love of One of our newest members, Music”, is held at the City Playhouse Maxine Willan, a fellow alto, is a Theatre in Vaughan. DCAT also sup- qualified music teacher, pianist and ports community-building efforts, composer who joined DCAT because performing often at the Veteran’s she wanted to participate in a group Wing of Sunnybrook Hospital, and is that sings secular music with good available for hire to perform at fund- arrangements. “I love the harmonies,” raising events. she says. “The chorus sounds very Don sums it up: “Our closeness beautiful.” and warm family ambiance, our Wyatt’s original six- and eight- accomplishments as an entertaining part a cappella arrangements have group and our Esprit de Corps make impressed audiences across North me proud.” America. The DCAT Chorus has per- Shiona Mackenzie-Morrison is a communications pro- formed at Roy Thomson Hall, on fessional with 17 years of international experience and a Breakfast Television, at the Hamilton lifelong love of music. International Tattoo, at the South Street Seaport in New York City, at

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

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 32 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 Membership Fees

• Eligibility for professional development grants • Choirs with up to 40 members $100

• Access to thousands of choral titles through the Choirs Ontario Music Library • Choirs with 40 members and over $140

as well as the choral libraries of provincial choral federations across Canada

• Reduced insurance rates for choirs

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Renew online www.choirsontario.org

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 33 Upbeat! Durham Girls Choir by Michelle Azavedo The Durham Girls’ Choir, currently celebrating their formed at local festivals, never earning a mark of love of song so much that sometimes making 40th anniversary, has a history of providing enrich- less than ninety percent. In 1990, the director- music became more about inadvertently making ing musical experiences for its members. Founded ship of the choir was passed on to Lorie Easton. mischief! The Hall of Mirrors in Versaille offered in 1964, the organization was first established when A major highlight from this period saw the choir such incredible acoustics that the girls couldn’t the Oshawa Folk Arts Council asked local musi- perform in the Toronto run of Joseph and the help but start to sing. As an appreciative and cap- cian Elsie Drygala to form a choir to perform for Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat with Donny tive audience formed, one very distraught guide an annual celebration. They continued to rehearse Osmond. Choristers at this time also experienced approached the choir, informing them that they and perform after the event, and renamed them- the opportunity to perform at many other venues, would have to stop or be asked to leave, as at that selves the Oshawa Festival Singers. They remained both at home and abroad. time no one had ever performed there! together for a few years before disbanding. In 1973, Mary Jane Corradetti took over the director- In 2001, the name was changed from the Drygala re-established the Oshawa Festival Singers; ship in 1995. For fourteen years, the choir toured Oshawa Festival Singers to the Durham Girls’ Choir. the group was comprised mostly of her own vocal Italy, Germany, France, the Czech Republic and While at one time there had been young men in students. Her small choral group eventually grew Austria, where they received a 3rd place finish at the choir, this was no longer the case. The new to an ensemble of more than 50 members. Little the Vienna Youth Music festival. Choristers par- name established the group as an all girls choir, did she realize at the time that 40 years later, the ticipated in life-altering performances when they and reflected the geographic draw of its members choir would still be sharing the gift of music thanks sang at the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate from the entire Durham Region. to her original vision and effort. in Ypres, Belgium, and for a Holocaust survivor The Durham Girls’ Choir continues to perform Mrs. Drygala was director of the Oshawa at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial throughout Europe. In July 2012 the choir visited Festival Singers for 17 years. During this time, the Site in Germany. Choristers from this time period Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy. choir took three major tours to Europe and per- will also remember enthusiastically sharing their Through international festivals and exchanges with

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

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The girls are currently rehearsing repertoire com- cuss our many visions for the organization. Plans Michelle holds a Bachelor of Music from Queen’s posed exclusively by Canadians, featuring many for the upcoming years include a commissioned University, as well as a Masters in Musicology/ Ethnomusicology from York University, and a Bachelor local composers such as John Burge, Mark Sirett, piece by a Canadian composer, composer and of Education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Lori-Anne Dolloff and Lydia Adams. Choristers are specialist workshops and rehearsals, and music Education at the University of Toronto. She has per- enjoying the opportunity to learn about some of appreciation and performance-focused trips. Our formed in a number of choirs in both Kingston and Toronto including the most celebrated local composers while work- next European tour is scheduled for the summer the Queen’s University Choral Ensemble, Polyhymnia, and the Palestrina ing toward performing their music. In addition, of 2015. Though the exact destination is still to be Chamber Chorus. She was the co-founder and director of the Durham Youth Choir, and conducted the northwestern branch of the Schola they continue to work hard to prepare for many decided, fundraising efforts are already well under- Cantorum children’s choir, with which she participated in two perform- upcoming community events and concerts. way and choristers are looking forward to the trip. ance tours to Italy. Michelle has an active private studio, and still enjoys The future of the Durham Girls’ Choir is full of Further plans include a new recording, a website performing. She teaches music and English at a high school in Toronto. promise. Our membership continues to grow; overhaul and the purchase of recording equipment we currently have groups at both the junior and aid in rehearsals. We are excited to see these ideas senior levels, allowing for an enriching experience come to fruition and look forward to continue where choristers can challenge themselves and achieving a level of musical excellence, while con- meet friends in an age-appropriate setting. Our tributing to the community and having fun!

faculty and executive continue to meet to dis- See picture on cover page

Share Dynamic with your choristers online www.choirsontario.org/DynamicManager/home The password for this issue is maple

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 36 Upbeat! Durham Philharmonic Choir by Robert Phillips choir has an upcoming collabora- tion 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’) com- missioned by the choir and written The Durham Philharmonic Choir, by Canadian composer Mark Sirett. conducted by Robert Phillips, is cele- The DPC has also engaged Mr. Sirett brating its twentieth Anniversary for a choral workshop in April. The season with a few special pro- choirs printed concert programs this jects. The DPC was delighted to season will feature some of the work have Mark DuBois as special guest of the Oshawa Camera Club. The for the Annual Christmas Concert DPC, with 20 years of performances in December. Along with featur- Durham Region, continues to strive Volunteer with Choirs Ontario ing several past ‘Young Musician’s for musical excellence through a • You can make a meaningful difference to our organization. Scholarship’ winners in concerts wide variety of choral programming • In as little as 1 or 2 hours per week • Even a few days per year. throughout this season, includ- and the engaging of top calibre vocal • From the comfort of your home anywhere in the province. ing vocalists Brittany King, David soloists, orchestral players and young • Help with mail-out projects, or our telephone campaign. Espeut and Melinda Delorme, the school and community choirs. • Help with other administrative and research projects. Call: 416.923.1144, 866.935.1144, or email: [email protected]

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 37 Upbeat! Orpheus Choir of Toronto by Johnny Isip This season, the Orpheus Choir of Toronto cele- deeply moving and powerful oratorio. Composed brates the tenth anniversary of Artistic Director in 2005, the work has already been recorded twice, Robert Cooper. Under his dynamic leadership, the signifying its impact and importance to the choral choir has evolved into a forward thinking ensemble, repertoire and to contemporary music. discovering new works, singing important Canadian Robert Cooper’s dedication to contemporary premieres, and collaborating with international art- composers such as Ešenvalds has recently proven ists. Armed with the mission to “expect something rewarding for the choir. Last season, the Orpheus different,” the choir has recently worked with a was invited to join the Toronto debut perform- diverse array of musicians, from operatic soprano ance of I Believe: A Holocaust Oratorio for Today Such successes have resulted in a renewed Adrianne Pieczonka, to popular crossover singers by award-winning Canadian composer Zane Zalis. mission to enthrall and entertain audiences with Mark Masri and the Canadian Tenors. The sold out performance at Roy Thomson Hall rare and new choral music. This season, Robert Orpheus welcomes Latvian composer, Ēriks proved a season highlight. This year, to compli- Cooper’s 10th anniversary, represents a symbolic Ešenvalds March 22 ment Passion and Resurrection, the choir will once milestone in the revitalized growth of the choir, This spring, Orpheus welcomes the arrival of again explore the music of popular British com- and its ever successful collaboration with its Ēriks Ešenvalds, the young and talented Latvian poser Howard Goodall. The concert will feature dynamic Artistic Director. composer whose works are quickly being hailed the Canadian premiere of Goodall’s newest work, For details go to www.orpheuschoirtoronto.com as contemporary classics by the international Every purpose under the Heaven, composed to

press. To coincide with the composer’s visit, the commemorate the 400th anniversary of the King Johnny is a second bass who has been singing with Orpheus for three sea- choir will reprise its Canadian premiere perform- James Bible. sons. He is also a Director on the Orpheus Board. ance of Ešenvalds’ Passion and Resurrection, a He is currently doing his Masters at Columbia and is the music director at Commonwealth Avenue Baptist Church.

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Eriks Ešenvalds was born on January 26, 1977 in Harvey and Philippe Manoury (2004), in Norway Priekule, Latvia. with Ole Lützow-Holm and Nils Henrik Asheim He studied at the Priekule School of Music (2005 – 2006), and others. (1983 – 1991) and the Liepāja first Secondary He has been rewarded with the Jāzeps Vītols School (1992 – 1995), studied at the Latvian Baptist (1999, 2002) as well as the Vernisāža Musical Congregation Theological Seminary (1995 – 1997). Centre and Latvian Creative Fund (2002), and the He received his Bachelor’s degree (2002) and Latvian Culture Ministry Scholarships (2003, 2004). Master’s degree (2004) in composition with Selga For his work Iespaidi Sāremā (Impressions Of Mence at the Latvian Academy of Music. He fur- Saaremaa), he received an honourable mention thered his study at international master classes, diploma at the International Clarinet Association including the Latvian Young Musician Camp in organized competition in Miami (USA, 2000). He Ogre (2000, 2002) with Martin Herman and Dana has received the Latvian Great Music Prize in Paul Perna, as well as the De Villecroze Summer 2005 and 2007. For his work Legende de la femme Academy in France (with Richard Danielpour, emmurée (Legend of a walled-in woman) he was 2001), Česki Krumlov in the Czech Republic with awarded first place at the 2006 International Michael Finnissy, Guy Reibel, and Marek Kopelent Rostrum for Composers in the Young Composers (2001), in Germany with Klaus Huber, the inter- category. He is a laureate of the AKKA/LAA national Gaudeamus music week in Amsterdam, Copyright Award (2006) and Diena’s Annual the Netherlands with Trevor Wishart, David Land, Culture Award (2007). British Composer Awards Richard Ayres (2003), in France with Jonathan Nomination (2010). The Year’s New-Composer

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Discovery, Philadelphia Inquirer, USA (2010). (2007), Eckelshausener Musiktage in Germany Guild of Organists National Convention, USA Composition Teaching Achievement Award by (2007), Schwetzinger Festspiele in Germany (2007), (2012), Internationalen Audi Jugendchorfestival, Riga Dome Choir School (2010). In 2012 the new Tenso days/3e Biennale d’art vocal in France (2007), Germany (2012), Elora Festival, Canada (2012), MDR CD “O Salutaris” of youth choir ‘Kamēr...’ with Kurzeme Song festival in Talsi, Latvia (2007), MUSIKSOMMER, Germany (2012), Spoleto Festival, choral music exclusively by Ēriks Ešenvalds wins Glasperlenspiel in Estonia (2007), Riga Opera fes- USA (2012), Festival of the Sound, Canada (2012), the Latvian Music Records Award as the best aca- tival, Latvia (2007), the VIII and X International Festival ‘Les Claviers en Poitou à Bonneuil-Matours’, demic music album of the year 2011. Sacred Music Festival in Latvia (2005, 2007), the France (2012), Riga Dom Cathedral International His music has been performed at the festival XII Latvian Song festival in Indianapolis, USA (2007), Organ Music Festival, Latvia (2012), Festival ‘Europa Young.euro.classic in Germany (2002), IV Bergen Europalia.europa in Belgium (2007), the Haarlem Cantat XVIII’, Italy (2012), Ulster Bank Belfast Festival Internasjonale Kammermusikkfestival in Norway Choir Biennale, the Netherlands (2009), Baltic Sea at Queen’s, Northern Ireland (2012). (2003), Festiwal Muzyki Nowej in Poland (2003), Festival, Sweden (2010), Usedomer Music Festival, He has worked as a teacher at the Riga 31st Europamusicale in Germany (2004), Klangspuren Germany (2010), University of Louisville New Music Secondary School. 2002 – 2011, he performed in in Austria (2005), the New Music festival Arena Festival, USA (2010), St Machar Cathedral`s Festival the State Choir Latvija. As of 2002, he is a member in Latvia (2005), the XII Latvian Organ Music of Sacred Music, UK (2011), Vale of Glamorgan of the Latvian Composers’ Union. For 2011 – 2013 Festival in New York, USA (2005), Internationales Festival, UK (2011), 14th International Sacred Music he holds the position of Fellow Commoner in Gitarren Festival in Munster, Germany (2006), Festival, Latvia (2011), Haarlem Choir Biennale, the Creative Arts at Trinity College, University of World Choir Games in China (2006), Christopher Netherlands (2011), Voices Now, UK (2011), ACDA Cambridge, UK. Summer Festival in Lithuania (2006), NATO Summit conference, USA (2011), XXX Siauliai International Ešenvalds is married and the father of 3 children. in Riga, Latvia (2006), Aksamitna Kurtyna II in Music Festival Resurrexit, Lithuania (2012), Nordic- Ukraine (2006), Bodenseefestival in Germany Baltic Male Choir Festival, Estonia (2012), American

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 40 Upbeat! Get up, move up, power up!

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

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• What: Power Up Workshops About Toronto Mass Choir and Power Up Workshops • Registration: www.tmc.ca Founded by Karen Burke in 1988, the Toronto • Where: York University, Accolade East Building, Mass Choir (TMC) continues to be on the cutting 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON edge of the Canadian gospel music scene bringing • When: Friday, March 1 – Saturday, March 2, 2013 their distinct gospel sound to the world stage. This • Admission: Adult: $60; Student: $50; October will mark the TMC’s 25th Anniversary. Group: $50 per member TMC’s music incorporates contemporary gospel, • Finale concert: Sunday, March 3, 2013, 7:00 PM traditional gospel and Caribbean music influences. • Who: The Power Up Workshop Mass Choir and In particular, TMC’s combination of gospel lyrics the Toronto Mass Choir with a variety of musical styles has resulted in a • Location: Global Kingdom Ministries, style unique in Canada. 1250 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON In 2003, they picked up a Juno Award for • Admission: Free 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 pas- sion for gospel music.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 42 Upbeat! 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 On Thursday November 29, 2012 the VMA @ The music and teaching staff of the VMA are and students of the new Toronto District School Ryerson CS presented its Inaugural Concert fol- Marlys Neufeldt, Sarah Parker and Abby Pierce. Board (TDSB) Vocal Music Academy downtown at lowed by the Gala Opening Ceremony of the These talented educators teach the required sub- Ryerson Community School for this inaugural year. school. The students of the school were in fine jects of the Ontario curriculum, as in any public “Everybody has a voice”; “all voices are unique and voice as the concert opened with Ruth Moody’s school, and they work together to provide the different”; “give voice to your thoughts and dreams” wonderful composition, “One Voice”. The musical musical enrichment to our grades 4 through 6 and “voice your opinions”. These are all familiar program contained music from many different boys and girls. In 2013, a grade 7 class will be added. applications of the word, “VOICE”. At the Vocal genres, languages and styles, from Bach’s “Bist The VMA draws students from the local commun- Music Academy (VMA) at Ryerson Community du bei mir” to a drumming, dancing and singing ity as well as from across the city, reflecting our School (CS) this holds especially true when we ensemble based on a song from Mali, to Bruno city’s diversity in many ways. Students attending consider the wonderful chorus of voices that are Mars’ “Count on me”. The capacity audience at the VMA have the opportunity to sing every present among the students and staff. the concert in the school’s auditorium was very day, and are engaged by reading, writing, creat- appreciative and the students shone. Greetings ing and listening to music. Music is incorporated were shared by Chris Bolton, Trustee and Chair of into other subject areas to deepen the students’ the Toronto District School Board, the Honourable cross-curricular learning. Numerous performance Olivia Chow, MP, Trinity-Spadina, Curtis Ennis, TDSB opportunities are offered to the VMA students Superintendent of Education and Karen Falconer, through glee clubs, large and small ensemble sing- TDSB Superintendent of Continuing Education. ing groups, musical theatre, chamber ensembles and solo performances. The students develop their musical knowledge and ability by studying many

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different musical styles from many cultures and The newly-formed VMA School Advisory Council The Vocal Music Academy at Ryerson CS is time periods. There is no audition process required (Parent Council) played a very important part in accepting students in grades 4, 5, 6, and 7 for for entry into the VMA—only the love of singing! the organization and execution of the Gala cele- September, 2013. During the opening ceremony, Mackenzie bration. All aspects of the evening from the décor No previous music training or audition is required. Goodwin, the first student to enroll at the VMA, to the food and the silent auction were coordin- Vocal Music Academy at Ryerson Community cut the ribbon and a new mural created by the ated by the School Advisory Council. School: 96 Denison Avenue, Toronto 416.393.1340 students with Toronto-based artist, Andrew Owen The final song of the concert, mirroring the To register now, go to: www.tdsb.on.ca/academies A01, was unveiled in the school. 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!”

Back Row: Mark Bell, Vice Principal and Craig Tsuji, Principal Front Row: Sarah Parker, Marlys Neufeldt and Abby Pierce, Teachers/Conductors

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 44 Upbeat! Shevchenko choir by Helen Spiers and Patricia Ignaczewski If you want to throw an excellent party, just ask A fun group who love to socialize as well as sing Helen Spiers, as a child began singing in school and the Shevchenko Choir how to do it. and dance, once we had eaten and toasted the church concerts in Glace Bay, N.S. In Toronto she sang in a rock and roll band and began her classical training After its rehearsal on January 6 the Shevchenko New Year, Alexander Veprinsky, our conductor, only at the age of 50. She performed at Roy Thomson Choir held its annual “Ukrainian” Christmas at entertained on piano while we surrounded him Hall for the Seniors Jubilee, and won first place in the Columbus Centre. with a sing-a-long of songs in Ukrainian, Russian, Chartwell Senior’s Star Competition. Helen performs in concerts, church An e-mail was sent to everyone asking them French, English and Italian. Some members began services, wedding receptions as well as with the Shevchenko Choir. to bring their specialty dish. The result—a diverse to dance while some just spent time talking with Patricia Ignaczewski, as a child in Timmins, Ontario, and delicious sampling of foods originating from other members, getting to know them better. attended concerts at the Ukrainian where she fell in Ukraine, Russia, Italy, Israel, Holland, Azerbaijan, There is a wonderful mix of interesting people in love with the Ukrainian culture. Later in Toronto Pat Poland and Canada. The feast included potato the Shevchenko Choir and as most of our Sundays played mandolin and took Ukrainian dancing, and also studied piano at the Royal Conservatory. pancakes (or latke), herring, salads, sauerkraut, are spent rehearsing, this once-a-year party ritual After marrying, raising three sons and retiring, Pat joined the Shevchenko various meat dishes, fruit, cakes and, of course, a has become very popular. We hope it continues Choir where she enjoys being part of a culture she will never forget. few bottles of wine to help bring in the New Year. 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.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 45 Upbeat! Supporting choristers in a rural setting:

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

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Stronger choral connections in the area are created over refreshment breaks, a sharing ses- sion 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 (www.monsanto. ca/newsviews/Pages/NR-01-30-2012.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 (www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2007/s2038653.htm). The co-chairs of the event are Mary Hookey ([email protected]) and Nanette Seaman ([email protected]) They would welcome questions and comments. Our volunteers are now in place for the next SSAC Choral Workshop event in 2014.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 47 Upbeat! Summer institute of church music by Dawn Duncliffe As a church musician, do you ever feel overwhelmed Based at Trafalgar Castle School in Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoon by the increasing choices in musical styles? As a choir Whitby, Ontario, this year’s Summer and evening, and Monday through director, when you look at the notations of the less Institute of Church Music will take Wednesday evenings, beginning at familiar styles, do you yearn for more information to place on July 7 – 12, 2013. Our prin- approximately 7:30 p.m. and ending at greet you from the “black dots” on the page? In our cipal choral director will once again approximately 10 p.m. time-restricted schedules, with churches that seem be Hilary Apfelstadt and our organ Canada’s Summer Institute of to want “more of the same”, how do we find the recitalist and instructor is David Palmer. Church Music is an annual week of living inspiration from those pages? Biographies for these two accom- celebration, study and retreat for This year’s session of Summer Institute of Church plished instructors can be found on people in all disciplines, all levels of Music, entitled “Scored for Glory—from printed the SICM website. training and all Christian denominations page to worthy praise” will focus on the printed We are once again offering our who know the call to minister in music. score and how we, as church musicians, can best Chorister programme for those who For more information on our bring it to life in a way that can create energy in live or work within commuting dis- full or chorister programme, visit our worship services and praise God to our great- tance of Whitby. This non-auditioned www.sicm.ca. You can also email est abilities. Sessions will address strophic song, programme is open to all choristers [email protected] or phone 416.356.3138.

cyclical song, psalmody and canticles, and culmin- who would like the opportun- Dawn Duncliffe is the Director of Music at Dunbarton- ate in 2 sessions on the congregational experience. ity to sing in the Summer Institute Fairport United Church in Pickering. She is a graduate In addition to these sessions, we will also continue choir and join in our concert at St. of Lakehead University’s Department of Music and also piano, flute and theory. Dawn serves in the dual with our daily chapel services, choral rehearsals, George’s Anglican Church in Oshawa portfolio of Secretary and Publicity for the Board of conducting and organ classes. on the evening of Thursday, July 11. Governors for the Summer Institute of Church Music.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 48 Upbeat! Toronto Children’s Chorus by Pam Fossen It’s a big year for the Toronto Children’s Chorus, Hetherington, Laura Jamieson, Laura D’Angelo David Hamilton’s Ohana I Runga Rawa; Dorothy chock full of important milestones. Not only are and Emily D’Angelo. This array of Canadian and Buchanan’s Peace Song; Richard Oswin’s Sanctus; we celebrating our 35th anniversary and marking New Zealand songs performed by one of the Weep No More from David Childs; and Te Wehi Elise Bradley’s sixth season as TCC’s Artistic Director, world’s leading treble choirs is complemented by Whanau’s I Te Timatanga and Te Iwi e. we’ll also be launching a brand new CD of glorious a range of world-class musicians. Some will be Information about CD release activities and events choral music! familiar faces for TCC choristers and their families— will soon be forthcoming—so, keep an eye on our We are extremely pleased to announce the Christopher Dawes, Kathryn Tremills and Michel website to get all the updates as they are available. upcoming release of “Sounzscapes” this spring. Ross—while others performed as special guests. Pam Fossen, is settling into her new role as grant writer for the Toronto With recordings that span the last five years of These artists include Mitchell Pady (guitar/karanga), Children’s Chorus. Though she is new to the choral community, Pam works the Toronto Children’s Chorus, it celebrates Elise Sarah Jeffrey (principal horn, Toronto Symphony as a freelance writer for a number of businesses, and has a long history of Bradley’s first five years as Artistic Director, and Orchestra), and Joaquin Valdapenes (principal clari- supporting the arts in Toronto. features works from both Canadian and New net, Toronto Symphony Orchestra). Zealand composers, representing a true melding The majority of recordings are from live con- of cultures—the Toronto-based Chorus, and certs at various venues throughout Toronto. On Ms. Bradley’s native New Zealand. the Canadian side, tracks include: Rupert Lang’s “Sounzscapes” is a showcase of choral artistry Cantate Domino; Eleanor Daley’s Magnificat, and from our own choristers, musicians and conduct- Child with the Starry Crayon; Mark Sirett’s Watane; ors, and from the many guests we have worked and Donald Patriquin’s arrangements of I Went to with over the years. Toronto Children’s Chorus the Market and Tsimshian Welcome Chant. New Soloists featured on the album include Lizzie Zealand compositions included on the CD are:

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 49 Upbeat! University of Toronto Choral Conducting Symposium 2013

This intensive, one-week seminar is an excellent Dr. William Weinert, Eastman School of Music, The seminar will focus on: opportunity for music teachers and community Masterclass Clinician, will coach twelve advanced • Choral pedagogy and rehearsal planning chorus conductors to gain professional develop- conductors in rehearsal with the Symposium • Daily rehearsals with the Symposium Singers ment and continuing education credits (graduate Singers, as well as conduct all Symposium partici- • Repertoire selection and undergraduate). The combination of learn- pants in a Directors’ Chorus. • Vocal pedagogy for conductors and choristers ing and camaraderie of fellow music teachers and Masterclass conducting applications will include • Individual consultations in vocal technique other conductors makes for a stimulating and CV’s and examples of applicants’ recent work and Other collaborators: enjoyable experience. must be submitted by May 1, 2013. (Regular regis- • Christopher Dawes, accompanist and organist; Tuesday, July 2 until Friday, July 5, 2013 tration for other participants is due May 30.) • Elizabeth McDonald, soprano, U of T voice faculty; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt and Dr. Lori-Anne Dolloff, • Nancy Sicsic, Alexander Technique instructor. Toronto, ON, Canada University of Toronto faculty members, will coach For more information: intermediate level conductors and teach sessions • [email protected] on conducting and rehearsal technique, as well as • www.music.utoronto.ca/Assets/events/summer/ repertoire selection. Choral+Conducting+Symposium+2013.pdf

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 50 Upbeat! Young Singers

Young Singers is a community youth choir in Young Singers is comprised of 4 choirs. Director’s Choir, the auditioned treble choir, has the Durham Region, which offers young people YoungER Singers, for 6 – 8 year olds, is a non- singers between 10 – 15 years old. Many of the between the ages of 6 and 20 an opportunity to auditioned choir with a focus on basic sight Director’s Choir members have begun as YoungER experience choral music through the discipline reading and performance skills. Singers or Treble Notes, and are often mentors for the of learning and the art of performing. Originally Treble Notes, for 8 – 12 year olds, is also a non- younger choirs. Director’s Choir performs frequently a program which was part of the Recreation auditioned choir that continues to teach music in the community, and throughout the Greater Department of the Town of Ajax, Young Singers theory and performance skills, and beginning parts Toronto Area. Music theory continues as members now thrives as an independent charitable organ- singing. Both of these choirs are active in the com- work through A Young Singer’s Journey books. ization, acknowledged as a role model for active munity often performing at seniors residences and Random Notes is the auditioned SATB teen choir. youth in the greater Durham community. other events. These singers are often former Treble Notes and Founder and Artistic Director Anna Lynn Murphy Director’s Choir members who look forward to their is a great part of Young Singers success. Her belief time in Random Notes. Their challenging repertoire that every child should have an opportunity to sing, and professional performances continue to win acclaim has lead her to expand the original choir to four, at music festivals and workshops throughout Ontario. covering a wider age and ability range.

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Performance touring is a part of the Young Young Singers is celebrating its twenty-first Submissions deadline Singers program. The auditioned choirs have season, with a trip to China in March 2013. An invi- participated in the Crossroads Children’s tation was extended by the Chinese Government Chorus Festival in Nashville, the Coastal Sound to visit the country as Canadian Cultural May 1 International Choral Festival in Vancouver, as Ambassadors. Travel will include visits to Beijing, Editorial policy We reserve the right to edit material for well as two Maritime tours, with performances at Shanghai and the coastal city of Qinhuangdao content, grammar, timeliness and appro- Citadel Hill and with the Men of the Deeps. where they will collaborate with an arts school and priateness. We reserve the right to refuse 2012 was the twentieth Anniversary of Young perform at the Annual Dragon Head Festival. A any submissions, and to use submissions Singers. Celebrations included an Alumni Evening, one hour live television performance will be a col- intended for either online or print freely the creation of a 60 page memory book and the laboration with the Arts School students. This trip in both mediums, based on timeliness and content. commissioning of a piece by Stephen Hatfield. is the tour of a lifetime for these singers. The exciting final concert incorporated all alumni Young Singers represents over 800 Durham All submissions should be sent to [email protected] with all current members in a performance of that region youth, who have been involved in the piece, Canary in a Coal Mine. program since its inception in 1992. For more Photos taken of public performances (where permitted) are within the public information about Young Singers visit the website domain, all other photos cannot be at www.youngsingers.ca or call the hotline at published without the consent of all 905.686.9821 participants.

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 52 Concert listings

14 March 30 March 7 April Toronto Chamber Choir Fanshawe Chorus London & The Gerald Fagan Oakville Ensemble Majestic: Handel & Bach Kaffeemusik: Out of the Depths Singers Mozart Requiem Centennial Hall, London. Mary Mother of God Church, 2745 North Church of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor St. West at 7:00 p.m. 519.433.9650 www.choruslondon.com Ridge Trail, Oakville, ON. 3:00 p.m. $30/$25/$15 Avenue Road, Toronto 3:00 p.m. $30/$25/$12.50 Cantabile Chorale The Rose of Calvary 905.825.9740 www.oakville.ensemble.ca 416.763.1695 www.torontochamberchoir.ca Thornhill United Church, 25 Elgin St., Thornhill. 7:30 The Velvet Curtain BAROQUE TO BROADWAY 23 March p.m. Freewill offering www.cantabile.ca Gala Concert Grace Church On The Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto. 7:30 p.m. $25/$20 Orpheus Choir of Toronto Every Purpose Grand Philharmonic Choir Bach: Mass in B Centre in the Square, Kitchener. 7:30 p.m. 647.774.6552 www.thevelvetcurtain.ca Under the Heaven St. Anne’s Anglican Church, minor 270 Gladstone Ave, Toronto. 7:30 p.m. 416.530.4428 $20–$70 519.578.1570 www.grandphilchoir.com Woodstock Fanshawe Singers www.orpheuschoirtoronto.com Cabaret! Craigowan Golf & Country 6 April Club, Woodstock. 7:30 p.m. $25/$20 Avon Lake High School Chorale Avon Lake Oakville Ensemble Majestic: Handel & 519.539.9411 www.woodstockfanshawesingers.ca High School Chorale Kingston Road United Church, Bach St. John’s United Church, 262 Randall 975 Kingston Rd., Toronto. 7:30 p.m. freewill offering Mississauga Festival Chamber Choir Street, Oakville, ON. 7:30 p.m. $30/$25/$15 The Four Seasons First United Church, 151 24 March 905.825.9740 www.oakville.ensemble.ca Lakeshore Rd. West, Mississauga. 8:00 p.m. $20 www.mississaugafestivalchoir.com Amadeus Choir and Elmer Iseler Singers Bach Woodstock Fanshawe Singers Craigowan Golf & Country Mass in B minor Metropolitan United Church, 56 Cabaret! University of Waterloo Choir Bach to Queen Street East, Toronto. 7:30 p.m. $40/$30/$25/$15 Club, Woodstock. 7:30 p.m. $25/$20 Bernstein Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 54 416.446.0188 www.amadeuschoir.com 519.539.9411 www.woodstockfanshawesingers.ca Queen Street North, Kitchener. 8:00 p.m. $10/$5 University of Guelph Chamber Choirs Grebel Chamber Choir Grebel Chamber Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St West, Choral Kaleidoscope Harcourt United Church, Choir 87 Dean Avenue, Guelph. 8:00 p.m. $10 Waterloo. 8:00 p.m. $10/$5 [email protected]

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8 April 9 May Tapestry Chamber Choir Schubert’s Toronto Chamber Choir Media Vita Orpheus Choir of Toronto Orpheus Cinema— Mass in G Major Aurora United Church, Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale The Passion of Joan of Arc St. Clement’s Anglican 15186 Yonge St., Aurora. 3:00 p.m. $20/$15 Road, Toronto. 8:00 p.m. $30/$25/$12.50 Church, 70 St. Clements Ave, Toronto. 8:00 p.m. 905.836.8589 www.tapestrychoir.ca 416.763.1695 www.torontochamberchoir.ca 416.530.4428 www.orpheuschoirtoronto.com 13 April Mississauga Festival Choir The World 11 May Beloved RBC Theatre, Living Arts Centre, 4141 Guelph Youth Singers Can You Feel the Love Living Arts Drive, Mississauga. 8:00 p.m. $28/$25/$20 Fanshawe Chorus London Song & Stage: An Harcourt Memorial United Church, Guelph. 905.306.6000 www.mississaugafestivalchoir.com evening on Broadway Centennial Hall, London. 7:00 p.m. www.guelphyouthsingers.com 7:30 p.m. 519.433.9650 www.choruslondon.com Ottawa Bach Choir Baroque Magnificence 29 April St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 130 Glebe 12 May Avenue, Waterloo. 8:00 p.m. $45/$35/$30/$15 Achill Choral Society Brahms Requiem Oakville Children’s Choir Singing Our Songs www.ottawabachchoir.ca St. James RC Church, Colgan. 7:30 p.m. $25/$15 Through Story: Legends & Myths & More www.achill.ca Toronto Chamber Choir Media Vita Clearview Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Dr., Grace Church-on-the-Hil, 300 Lonsdale Oakville. 7:00 p.m. $30/$20 905.337.7104 5 May Rd., Toronto. 8:00 p.m. $30 416.763.1695 www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org www.torontochamberchoir.ca Mississauga Festival Choir The World Grand Philharmonic Choir Chamber Singers Beloved RBC Theatre, Living Arts Centre, 4141 6 May Media Vitae: In the Midst of Life St. Andrew’s Living Arts Drive, Mississauga. 2:00 p.m. $28/$25/$20 Presbyterian Church, Kitchener. 7:30 p.m. $10–$25 905.306.6000 www.mississaugafestivalchoir.com Monday Morning Singers Airs and 519.578.1570 www.grandphilchoir.com Arias, Duos and Divas St. Paul’s Anglican Grand Philharmonic Children’s Church, 65 Toronto St, Uxbridge. 3:00 p.m. $15 Choir Papoulis and Friends First United 26 May 905.852.3693 www.mmsingers.org Church, Waterloo. 7:00 p.m. $10–$25 Guelph Youth Singers It Takes a Village River 519.578.6885 www.grandphilchoir.com Run Centre, 35 Woolwich Street, Guelph. 7:00 p.m. www.guelphyouthsingers.com

Dynamic | March 2013 | volume 41, issue 3 Content 54 Festivals and events

Ontario • April 13 • TMC Singsation Saturday: Brahms and Schubert with conductor Jurgen Petrenko • Toronto • www.tmchoir.org/education/singsation-saturdays.cfm • May 4 • TMC Singsation Saturday: Bach’s St. John Passion with conductor Patricia Wright • Toronto • www.tmchoir.org/education/singsation-saturdays.cfm • May 9 – 12 • SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival • Toronto • www.torontovocalartsfestival.com • May 28 • Guelph Youth Singers Bring-a-friend rehearsal • Guelph • www.guelphyouthsingers.com • July 2 – 5 • University of Toronto Choral Conducting Symposium 2013 • University of Toronto www.music.utoronto.ca/Assets/events/summer/Choral+Conducting+Symposium+2013.pdf • July 13 – July 26 • Making Choral Connections • University of Western Ontario, London www.music.uwo.ca/graduate/course_offerings/making_choral_connections.html International • April 4 – 8 • Istra Music Festival • Istria, Croatia • www.mrf-musicfestivals.com/imf.phtml • May 1 – 5 • 59th Cork International Choral Festival • Ireland • www.corkchoral.ie/index.php/visiting-cork.html • May 1 – 5 • Costa Barcelona Music Festival • Costa Barcelona, Spain • www.mrf-musicfestivals.com/cbmf.phtml • May 17 – 22 • 13th International Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf • Marktoberdorf, Germany • www.modfestivals.org. • May 23 – 27 • Festival Filadelfia 2013 • Italy • www.associazione-melody.com • May 30 – June 2 • Festival Musica Sacra • Venice, Italy • www.mrf-musicfestivals.com/fms.phtml • June 27 – July 1 • Roma Music Festival • Rome, Italy • www.mrf-musicfestivals.com/rmf.phtml

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