ACCC National Choral Awards

The National Choral Awards program was established in 1988 to honour outstanding contributions to Canadian choral music. The awards are presented publicly every two years during our national conference, Podium, to honour and celebrate excellence in achievements during the previous two seasons. Each winner receives a certificate. The full list of award winners is posted on the website.

Members of ACCC are eligible to participate in our National Choral Awards program by nominating those in the association who have excelled in areas of artistic achievement, innovative sponsorship or philanthropy, academic achievement, or distinguished service. Nomination Deadline is February 15, 2014.

Winners are selected by a panel of choral experts appointed by ACCC; there is a new roster of people serving on the award jury panel for each competition.

See National Choral Awards

Prix nationaux de chant choral de l'ACCC

Le programme de prix nationaux de l'ACCC a été créé en 1988 en vue de récompenser l'excellence en matière de contributions au chant choral au Canada. Les prix sont décernés publiquement tous les deux ans lors de Podium, notre congrès bisannuel, et reconnaissent les accomplissements effectués pendant les deux saisons précédentes. Chaque lauréat reçoit un certificat. La liste complète des gagnants est affichée sur notre site web.

Les membres de l'ACCC sont invités à participer au programme en nommant d'autres membres de l'Association qui ont excellé dans un des domaines suivants: réalisation artistique, parrainage innovateur ou philanthropie, réalisation scolaire, service exceptionnel. La date limite pour les nominations est le15 février, 2014.

Les lauréats sont sélectionnés par un groupe d'experts désignés par l'ACCC. Les membres du jury changent en fonction du concours.

Voir Prix nationaux de chant choral

2nd Annual HALIFAX SUMMER CHORAL CONDUCTING SYMPOSIUM July 22-26, 2014

Join us this summer for the Halifax Summer Choral Conducting Symposium - July 22-26, 2014 in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

The Halifax Summer Choral Conducting Symposium is a 5-day intensive workshop offering group instruction in choral/vocal pedagogy, conducting technique, choral repertoire, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics; and individual instruction in conducting, voice, piano and organ.  Designed to support the practical work of all levels of choral conductors, we invite school/university educators, church musicians, studio teachers, and undergraduate/graduate music students to participate.

This summer, we welcome Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Toronto, as our guest clinician. 

We also welcome Dr. Caron Daley (Choral Pedagogy, Dalcroze Eurhythmics), Dr. Susan Boddie (Vocal Pedagogy), Lynette Wahlstrom (Church Music, Piano), and Shawn Whynot (Church Music, Organ) to our teaching faculty. 

There are four ways to participate in the symposium:

• Active Conductor (8 spots) - deadline to apply May 15
• Auditing Conductor (unlimited spots) - deadline to register June 1
• Daily Registrant (unlimited spots) - deadline to register June 30
• Member of the Symposium Chorus (by audition) – email halifaxsummerchoral.com for more information

To learn more about the event, or to register, please visit www.halifaxsummerchoral.com*

To join our list-serve for monthly updates, please email halifaxsummerchoral@gmail.com.


*The Halifax Summer Choral Conducting Symposium operates in cooperation with the Nova Scotia Choral Federation, the Royal College of Organists, the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Long and McQuade.  Members of any Canadian provincial choral federation receive a discounted tuition.

NYC 2014 Conducting Apprentice Announced

Congratulations to Irene Apanovitch who has been selected as the 2014 National Youth Choir Apprentice Conductor. Irene will spend two weeks working and studying with NYC/CNJ 2014 conductor, Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt. During this time, she will have the opportunity to observe rehearsals, discuss choral techniques and conduct the NYC/CNJ in performance.

This program is made possible through the generous support of The Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation.

Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Announces Conductors Selected for the 4th Annual Choral Conductors’ Symposium in January 2014

The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir’s annual Choral Conductors’ Symposium brings together five emerging conductors for a week of intense master classes and workshops with acclaimed conductor Noel Edison. During the week of January 28 – February 1, 2014 the conductors, selected through a juried application process, have the rare opportunity to conduct both the chamber-sized Elora Festival Singers and the large-scale Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. The Symposium concludes with a free public concert on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 3 pm at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto.

This year the Symposium will focus on Canadian composers; the conductors will work with the choirs on music by Calvert, Chatman, Corlis, Daley, Holman, Raminsh and Willan.  They will also work on excerpts from some of the classical masterworks as well, including Dona nobis pacem from Bach’s B Minor Mass, The Lord is Great from Haydn’s The Creation, and Hear my prayer, O Lord by Purcell.

The five conductors coming to Toronto for the 2013 Symposium are:

Renata Dworak is currently a graduate student in Choral Conducting at the Eastman School of Music. She is the Director of the Repertory Singers at Eastman and Music Director of Lakeville United Church of Christ in Lakeville, NY. She graduated from DePauw University with a Bachelor of Music Education and taught choral music at a High School in Indianapolis.

Jeffrey Moellman is a choral conductor, organist and member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. He has been Director of Music at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Orillia, Ontario since 2010.  He received his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Kent State University and his Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music.

Sarah Morrison is a music educator, choral conductor and soprano soloist. She began her singing career with the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir.  Sarah has a Master of Music Education from the University of Toronto and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education.  She sings first soprano in the Canadian Chamber Choir and has been the Artistic Director of The Oakville Children’s Choir since 2007. Sarah was awarded the Leslie Bell Prize in Choral Conducting in 2010.

Raymund Ocampo currently lives in Tampa Bay, Florida where he is Associate Conductor of Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and completing his Master of Music in Choral Conducting studies at the University of South Florida. Prior to the move to Tampa Bay, Raymund was the Director of Music Ministry at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church and the Founder and Artistic Director of ascend, a professional choir, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Zachary Maxwell Thompson is a tenor and conductor. He has a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Voice and is currently completing his Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.  Zachary is Director of the Community School of the Arts Adult Chorus in Clarksville, Tennesse and is Assistant Conductor of the Unviersity Choir and Opera Chorus Master at Austin Peay.

Observers are welcome during the Symposium workshops; observer fees are $20 per session or $50 per day.

Find out about the Symposium Schedule: http://www.tmchoir.org/education/conductors-symposium.cfm.

Find out more about the Free Public Concert: http://www.tmchoir.org/tmcPerformances/conductors-symposium-concert.cfm.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday, December 8, 2013: 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Things you never knew about famous Christmas tunes
This Sunday on Choral Concert Nick Halley takes you on a little tour of the mysterious stories behind famous Christmas tunes. Your take on "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" will never be the same.

As Christmas comes down the pike you can also be sure that whether you're a grumpy Scrooge or a chipper Christmas elf, Nick Halley will bring you choral music that is bold, beautiful and fun - starting this Sunday with the bombastic "Christmette" by Michael Praetorius.

INTERPLAY Interactive Workshops for Canadian Choral Composers Application Deadline: December 10, 2013

Jon Washburn and the Vancouver Chamber Choir will deliver the award winning Interplay: Interactive Workshops for Canadian Choral Composers February 7, 2014 in Sudbury, ON and April 8, 2014 in Vancouver, BC

The application brochure is here.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday, December 1, 2013: 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

A tour of great Christmas concerts from across Canada

December 1st  - it's winter time and you might just want to just stay in bed in the morning with a book, or curl up in your living room on the couch, not quite ready to go out into the hubbub of the busy world...

But hey, this is the best time of year to go out and hear some great music! So bundle yourself up and head outdoors to catch one of the great concerts happening in December across Canada.

This Sunday on Choral Concert we'll take you from coast and give you just a sampling of what we think will be the best of the best - from the Vancouver Chamber Choir to the King's Singers in Halifax, hopefully you'll hear something about a great concert coming to a hall near you.

For the complete list check out cbcmusic.ca/classical from Friday onwards.

Fundraiser for Typhoon Haiyan Relief

As we watch the news and read the stories online and in print, we have been deeply troubled and touched by the plight of those whose lives have been shattered by the recent Typhoon Haiyan in the Phillipines. As our part to help in the relief effort, from now until December 7th, for every CD purchased through the link to iTunes or CD Baby from our website, or through our office, Elektra will donate $3.00 to the Red Cross to help in the humanitarian effort in the Phillipines. CDs purchased up to and including December 7 may be matched by the Government of Canada to double the impact of your donation. This offer will also apply to all CDs purchased at our upcoming Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra concerts on November 29th and 30th.

To find out more about how to purchase our CDs, please click here.

Thank you for helping us to help others in this time of desperate need!

The Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto launches its “Celtic Celebration” CD as part of the artsVestTM Business for the Arts Matching Grant and Business Sponsorship Development Programme

Ceud Mìle Fàilte! -- A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!

The Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, under the musical direction of Conductor Lydia Adams, excitedly announces the CD release of Celtic Celebration, a treasured assortment of Celtic arrangements that includes favourites like Auld Lang Syne, and the much-beloved Song for the Mira, among many others. You will hear stunning arrangements of beautiful melodies and toe-tapping tunes, both familiar and new, from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the east coast of Canada, written by some of our favourite composers and arrangers.

The release is being held at, and sponsored by, the Toronto Centre for the Arts on Tuesday, November 26th beginning at 6:00 pm. Amongst our special guests will be Laura Adlers, former General Manager of the Amadeus Choir. Laura is the National Program Director of the artsVestTM program. The Amadeus Choir has been pre-approved to participate in this innovative Business for the Arts matching incentive and sponsorship training program designed to stimulate business sponsorship and corporate engagement in arts and culture. The artsVestTM program is funded in partnership with Canadian Heritage and the Toronto Arts Foundation.

In conjunction with this special event and launch, conductor Lydia Adams invites guests to join the Amadeus Choir in song throughout the evening in The Gallery as the choir prepares for future concerts. Rehearsal is open to the public. Refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar will be available.

November 26, 2013 6:00 pm — 9:00 pm
The Gallery, Toronto Centre for the Arts
5040 Yonge Street, Toronto (at North York Centre subway station)

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday November 24, 2013: 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

A sequence of great motets

What is a motet anyway?

Well, choral music is generally lumped into various categories, you have mass settings, canticles, anthems, songs etc... but like everything in life there are gaps in between, and the motet is the catch all for those gaps. Anything that doesn't fit into some other choral music box fits into the motet box.

So the definition of a motet is pretty vague, but that is why composers have loved them for centuries because you can do just about anything and call it a motet. There are thousands and thousands of them out there - in all shapes and sizes.

We have sifted through every single one of them for you and chosen 7 of the best, you'll hear great motets by Bach, Poulenc, Mozart, Heally Willan and more.

Rajaton Workshop and Concert to Benefit Sounds of the Next Generation

Sing with RAJATON!
Port Hope United Church, Port Hope Ontario
May 18, 2014

Registration is now open for a day-long workshop and performance with reknowned Finnish vocal ensemble RAJATON, May 18, 2014 at Port Hope United Church. February application deadline for workshop participants. Email rajatonnorthumberland@live.ca for more details.

In association with Kaleid on the Road, proceeds from this workshop and concert will benefit Northumberland County's El Sistema program, Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG). SONG, launched in September 2013, provides free choir, bucket drumming and orchestral programming for under-served children and youth in Northumberland County.

www.songprogram.org

Position in Choral Conducting

The Department of Performance invites applications for a tenure track position in Choral Conducting at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, for an initial 3-year appointment beginning August 1, 2014. View here.

Poste de professeur de chef de choeur

Le Département d’interprétation est à la recherche de candidatures pour un poste de professeur de chef de choeur adjoint ou agrégé, conduisant à la permanence, pendant 3 ans à compter du 1er août 2014. Voir ici.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday November 17, 2013: 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

A focus on men's choirs

Nick Halley brings you the rich, powerful and deep sound of men's choirs.

If you are a fire fighter, or know someone who is, you might suggest they get a choir going in their local fire department - because that was the genesis of one of the world's true choral hits, the "Ave Maria" by Franz Biebl (you may not recognize the name, but I bet you'll recognize the piece when you hear it). Back then their weren't any fire women like there are now, so the piece was originally written for men only.

That's how Nick is going to start this weekend's show, and then he'll go on to bring you men's choirs from around the world - Sweden, the Netherlands and France.

20th Annual INTERPLAY Interactive Workshops for Canadian Choral Composers

Jon Washburn and the Vancouver Chamber Choir will deliver the award winning Interplay: Interactive Workshops for Canadian Choral Composers February 7, 2014 in Sudbury, ON and April 8, 2014 in Vancouver, BC.

During this program, composers are allotted individual rehearsal time (usually 30-45 minutes) with the professional chorus and conductor. This time may be used to test completed work and/or try out new concepts. Choir, conductor and composer dialogue about musical and technical features, strengths, flaws, textures, colours, notations and many other aspects of successful choral writing. Each workshop is closely tailored to the needs and interests of the individual composer.

A cross-section of composers, ranging from full professionals to university composition students and representing varied musical styles from avant garde, concert and church music to school and educational repertoire are chosen to participate in the Interplay workshops.

Composers are also welcome to attend the workshops as observers.

There is no charge to composers for this workshop, thanks to the generous support of the SOCAN Foundation. 

Application deadline: December 10, 2013

The application brochure is here.

World Youth Choir 2014 Global Auditions Deadline: December 31, 2013

The World Youth Choir 2014, "Singing the World" is currently in the process of auditioning young, talented, experienced singers, between the ages of 17—26, who are interested in improving their choral singing skills while touring Croatia and Southeast Europe during three weeks in July 2014 (exact dates to be confirmed). Details and information on the audition requirements can be viewed at World Youth Choir Global Auditions. Eligible Canadian singers who are interested in auditioning for this exciting opportunity should read this information carefully prior to contacting the WYC directly to arrange for an audition.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday November 10, 2013: 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Remembrance Day Weekend on Choral Concert

This Sunday Nick Halley brings you beautiful music in keeping with Remembrance Day.

If you've been lucky enough to catch some of the glorious fall weather that has been appearing here and there across the country over the past few weeks—where the low angled sun cuts through the vibrant colours of the trees with its straight rays of light—you might think about how such weather is in stark contrast to this time of remembrance, for events that are tragic and dark.

Many of you have commented about the power of choral music to express both darkness and light, sometimes at the same time. So this Sunday's show is dedicated to choral music that not only expresses darkness, but also cuts through like that beautiful fall light with clarity and loveliness.

You will hear everything from Felix Mendelssohn's beautiful Nunc Dimittis to the great Gabriel Faure's Requiem.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday November 3, 2013: 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Big music for big occasions

To kick off your Sunday Nick Halley has a few big, bold and bombastic pieces for you - three right in a row.

They are all Te Deums. A Te Deum is an expression of thanks meant for big occasions. There was a time when if you won a battle, the first thing you would do is order up a Te

Drum.

You will hear a tryptich of Te Deums from the master of effect George Frideric Handel, the reclusive Franz Joseph Haydn and the head of music for Louis the 14th himself, Jean-Baptise Lully.

Vancouver Chamber Choir - Deadline Approaching for Conductors' Symposium

NATIONAL CONDUCTORS' SYMPOSIUM January 20-25, 2014
Application deadline: November 8, 2013

The Vancouver Chamber Choir's 34th National Conductors' Symposium is an opportunity to take part in master classes with Canada's premier choral ensemble January 20-25, 2014 in Vancouver.

Presenting a week of conducting sessions and technique seminars, Master Conductor Jon Washburn will provide invaluable instruction for five selected choral conductors from around the world. The symposium will focus on providing conductors with as much podium time as possible and will culminate with each participant sharing in the conducting of the Vancouver Chamber Choir concert THE WORLD IN MUSIC.
 
The 2014 application brochure is here.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday October 27, 2013: 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

A musical spin on words.

One of the wonderful things about Choral Music is that it involves words. Of course this is stating the obvious - but nevertheless it is one of the gifts of choral music and singers do get to use words in the most wonderful ways.

This Sunday on Choral Concert Nick Halley will take you on a musical spin through pieces that explore words in all sorts of different ways. From Jacob Handl and his reformation-era take on "Our Father", to the literary relationship J.S. Bach had with the local high school teacher, Nick will explore the somewhat turbulent relationship words and music have had in the choral world.

Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Choral Conductors’ Symposium, January 28 – February 1, 2014: Call for Applications

The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir invites emerging choral conductors and conductors who wish to refine their choral conducting skills to apply for a spot in the 2014 Choral Conductors’ Symposium, January 28 – February 1, 2014, in Toronto. The Symposium is a five-day series of workshops and master classes with conductor Noel Edison, during which participants will have the opportunity to conduct the Elora Festival Singers and the Toronto Mendelssohn Concert.

Further information, including fees and schedule information and a link to the registration package, is available at  http://www.tmchoir.org/education/conductors-symposium.cfm.

NewWorks 5th Annual National Choral Composition Competition

The purpose of the NewWorks competition is to foster new and engaging choral works by Canadian composers.  This year, we are looking for a composition based on a Canadian text.

The winning entry will receive a $1,500 cash award plus travel expenses to Kitchener to attend the premiere of his/her composition by the DaCapo Chamber Choir, under director Leonard Enns, in the choir’s 2013/2014 season.  We are also inviting young composers (aged 25 and younger) to submit compositions for consideration in our Young Composers Reading Sessions.

The Competition is open to all Canadians. 
For more information: www.dacapochamberchoir.ca/newworks

Entry deadline: February 17th, 2014

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday October 13, 2013: 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Thanksgiving… the time for sitting in your kitchen, with the fall light coming in the windows, drinking hot cider or tea, and listening to choral music of the highest order. 

It's a comfortable, contemplative time of year and this Sunday on Choral Concert Nick Halley will take you on a journey through some choral music that fits the mood. 

If you have an old chair in your kitchen, or an old book – some family heirloom, like an antique chest, when you look at it, have you ever thought about what it is that makes these objects so beautiful? Is it the sense of history in them? The sense they've been well-made – the craftsmanship? Or just that they've been well-loved and well-used?

It is the same with choral music, some of it is so perfectly built, it is a thing of beauty to behold, but also like that old chair in your kitchen, it’s made to be savoured and enjoyed.

This week you will hear a collection of perfectly built choral works..... everything from Palestrina's gorgeous Missa Brevis to Mozart's mysterious Mass in C Minor.

London International A Cappella Choir Competition April 21–26, 2014

From April 21–26th, 2014, the London International A Cappella Choir Competition will bring together 16 choirs from around the world to compete in a series of public concerts. A jury of renowned experts, chaired by the founder and director of the award-winning Tallis Scholars, Peter Phillips, will select a winning choir from four preliminary rounds to compete in a prestigious final with the opportunity to win substantial cash prizes and further concert dates.

In addition to the opportunity of winning one of the prizes which are on offer, each competing choir will be given discounted entry to an opening concert from given by the Tallis Scholars, free tickets to the competition heats and will be invited to give a further concert at another prestigious London venue during their stay.

View the brochure outlining the schedule for the week, details of repertoire and information of how to apply. An application form is available at www.sjss.org.uk

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday September 29th, 2013 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

The best new choral releases with Nick Halley

This Sunday on Choral Concert Nick Halley takes you on a survey of the best new releases from across Canada, the USA and Europe. You'll hear the Lady Cove Women's Choir from St. John's, the Laurier Singers from Waterloo, and international groups like the Orchestra and Chorus of the Age of Enlightenment, and Conspirare

ACCC composer Elise Letourneau listed as finalist for The American Prize 2013

Composer-performer Elise Letourneau has been selected as a finalist for The 2013 American Prize in the choral composition category.

The American Prize in Composition recognizes and rewards the best composers in America of new works for orchestra, chorus, concert band, or chamber ensemble that have been publicly performed.

The panel described Elise’s work as “capitalizing on her active background in the jazz field, while also displaying considerable skill writing academically/classically-oriented music. She reveals an impressive amount of craft and confidence in writing contrapuntally while moving through key centers. Letourneau writes with vivid imagination and a willingness to try new things in the choral idiom.”

Elise’s submission included her “Four Love Poems by E.E. Cummings” for double choir and jazz trio, performed by the Vancouver Chamber Choir with Jon Washburn directing; “Peace Prayer” for mixed choir and piano, performed by Canada’s National Youth Choir with Ivars Taurins and Joel Tranquilla directing; and “Ave Maria” for treble voices and piano, performed by the Toronto Children’s Chorus with Elise Bradley directing.

Elise is also the most recent winner of the Ruth Watson Henderson composition competition and the ACCC composition competition. She has been named an associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre.

Elise is the director of two choirs in Ottawa: Capital Vox Jazz Choir and Vox Eclectica Women’s Chamber Choir. She performs regionally and teaches at Alcorn Music Studios and Carleton University.

Vancouver Chamber Choir's 34th National Conductors' Symposium January 20-25, 2014

The Vancouver Chamber Choir's 34th National Conductors' Symposium is an opportunity to take part in master classes with Canada's premier choral ensemble January 20-25, 2014 in Vancouver.

Presenting a week of conducting sessions and technique seminars, Master Conductor Jon Washburn will provide invaluable instruction for selected choral conductors from around the world. The symposium will focus on providing conductors with as much podium time as possible and will culminate with each participant sharing in the conducting of a Vancouver Chamber Choir concert.
 
Download the 2014 National Conductors' Symposium application here.

Applications must be received by November 8, 2013. For more information about the Vancouver Chamber Choir or the National Conductors' Symposium just visit our website here.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday September 22th, 2013 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

10 choral events you can’t miss in the coming season

No one should have to walk through life on this planet without experiencing at least one great performance of choral music.

Here in Canada we’re lucky because there are great choirs in every province, city and community. If you keep your ear to the ground, you’ll find a great choral performance coming up near you.

With that in mind, CBC Radio 2’s Choral Concert crew has put together a list of 10 must-see choral events in the coming season and in this edition of Choral Concert, Nick will take you through as many as he can squeeze into the program.

Click here to go to the blog and see the complete list, and to add your thoughts and comments.

Notice of Annual General Meeting Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 8:00 PM EST

The Association of Canadian Choral Communities will be holding an Annual General Meeting by teleconference on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 8:00 PM EST. 
Meeting information is now available at the following links:
Agenda
Minutes
Motions
President's Report English
Financial Statements
Len Ratzlaff Bio

The membership may vote electronically on the motions of the meeting between Thursday, September 19 at 9:00 AM EST, and Sunday, September 22 at 3:00 PM EST at  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BZ5BMPD. 

In addition to online voting, members may join the teleconference by dialing 1.877.278.7443, and entering passcode 2099883. Please notify Erin Bustin of your intent to join the teleconference, by emailing accc@choralcanada.org, no later than Friday, September 20 at 12:00 pm EST.

Avis d’assemblée générale annuelle à 20 heures HNE, le dimanche 22 septembre 2013.

L’Association des communautés chorales canadiennes tiendra son assemblée générale annuelle par téléconférence à 20 heures HNE, le dimanche 22 septembre 2013.
L’information sur la réunion est disponible aux liens suivants:
Ordre du jour
Procès-verbal
Motions
Rapport du président
Le rapport financier
Len Ratzlaff Bio

Les membres peuvent voter par voie électronique sur les motions proposées à l’AGA entre 9 heures HNE le jeudi 19 septembre et 15 heures, HNE, le dimanche 22 septembre à http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BZ5BMPD.

En plus de voter en ligne, les membres sont invités à participer à la téléconférence en composant le 1.877.278.7443 et en entrant le mot de passe 2099883. Veuillez informer Erin Bustin de votre intention de participer à la téléconférence en lui envoyant un courriel à accc@choralcanada.org d’ici 12 h HNE le vendredi 20 septembre.

Debra Cairns Elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Canada

Congratulations to former ACCC president Debra Cairns who has been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Canada. New fellows are elected by RSC peers each year in recognition of outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievement. Election to the academies of the Royal Society of Canada is the highest honour a scholar can achieve in the Arts, Humanities and Sciences.

Cairns’ extraordinary contributions to choral music since she joined the University of Alberta in 1989 span the full spectrum of research and creative activity. An award-winning conductor and internationally published scholar, she has received recognition in both the performance and academic domains through CD publications, national broadcast recordings and competition prizes with her chamber choir i Coristi, as well as articles, a scholarly edition of a Renaissance mass, and a book.

“I am indeed deeply honoured and humbled to be named a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada,” said Cairns. “I have been the beneficiary of working with wonderful colleagues in the Department of Music and across the Faculty of Arts, who have inspired me through their creativity and thought-provoking research."

Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) comprises the Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences of Canada. Its mission is to recognize scholarly, research and artistic excellence, to advise governments and organizations, and to promote a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world.

This year's new Fellows will be inducted to the academies of the RSC during the Induction and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday September 15th, 2013 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

In this week’s show, your new host Nick Halley takes you on a trip across 500 years of choral music, showing how a single text can run through centuries of musical growth and change. You’ll hear  wonderful performances from Vancouver’s Musica Intima and the Belgian based group the Huelgas Ensemble.

AUGUSTE DESCARRIES, UN MUSICIEN QUÉBÉCOIS À REDÉCOUVRIR Concert de lancement du disque de ses œuvres religieuses

C’est avec une immense fierté que l’Association pour la diffusion de la musique d’Auguste Descarries (ADMAD) lancera, à l’occasion d’un grand concert, le tout premier enregistrement consacré à Auguste Descarries, compositeur québécois décédé en 1958 et dont les œuvres suscitent aujourd’hui beaucoup d’intérêt. L’événement aura lieu le vendredi 11 octobre à Saint-Viateur d’Outremont et s’inscrit dans le cadre des festivités entourant le centenaire de l’église.

Dans un premier temps, la Société québécoise de recherche en musique présentera la musicologue bien connue Marie-Thérèse Lefebvre et la pianiste Gabrielle Beaudry dans une conférence intitulée « Auguste Descarries, le plus russe des compositeurs québécois ». Par la suite, les mélomanes auront le plaisir d’entendre pour la première fois en concert depuis plus de 50 ans les œuvres religieuses pour chœur, solistes et orgue écrites par le compositeur alors qu’il était maître de chapelle à Saint-Viateur, soit entre 1938 et 1958. Ils pourront également se procurer le récent enregistrement (sur Espace 21) de ces mêmes œuvres, auquel des artistes rompus aux musiques les plus exigeantes ont prêté leur concours.

En effet, Les Chantres Musiciens et Les Filles de l’île, sous la direction de Gilbert Patenaude, ont su relever tous les défis que présentaient les œuvres chorales du maître. Quant aux motets pour voix solo et orgue, ils sont rendus avec la plus grande expressivité par les sopranos Stéphanie Lessard (pour l’enregistrement) et Samantha Louis-Jean (pour le concert), la mezzo-soprano Claudine Ledoux, le baryton Vincent Ranallo et le baryton-basse Normand Richard. Hélène Panneton est à l’orgue Casavant 1913. Ces interprètes redonneront en concert le répertoire enregistré précédemment dans l’église. En prime, les éditions du Nouveau Théâtre Musical lanceront la toute première édition de la Messe des Morts de Descarries.

Le 11 octobre 2013 marque donc un jalon important dans la redécouverte d’un musicien d’envergure, prix d’Europe en 1921, formé à Paris pendant huit ans, actif à son retour au pays à titre de compositeur, professeur, concertiste, conférencier, maître de chapelle et organiste. Auguste Descarries resurgit comme une pièce manquante dans le paysage musical des années 1930 à 1960 au Québec, auquel il aura apporté une contribution remarquable.

Date : 11 octobre 2013        
19 h – conférence sur Auguste Descarries, entrée libre
20 h – concert des œuvres religieuses d’Auguste Descarries
           lancement du disque sur Espace 21;
           lancement de la Messe des Morts aux éditions du Nouveau Théâtre Musical.

Lieu : Entrée au concert : 20 $ ● 13 ans et moins : gratuit
Billets en vente au presbytère de Saint-Viateur d’Outremont, 183 avenue Bloomfield, Montréal
Réservation de billets : admadinfo@gmail.com

Association pour la diffusion de la musique d’Auguste Descarries (ADMAD)www.associationaugustedescarries.com

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Nick Halley Sunday September 8th, 2013 9:05 - 10:00 am, (9:35 - 10:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Choral Concert welcomes Nick Halley

Tune in to CBC Radio 2 on Sunday, September 8, at 9:00 a.m. to hear the debut of Nick Halley, the new host of Choral Concert.

Halley has been steeped in choral music from time he was born. He was brought up surrounded by choral music through his father, the choral composer, organist and conductor Paul Halley. Nick continues the family tradition, directing both Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir as well as the King's Chorus in Halifax, N.S.

On this week's show, Nick will bring you a stirring rendition of Hugh Parry's I was Glad with the Westminster Abbey Choir and a heartfelt performance of Purcell's Hear my Prayer with the Ottawa Bach Choir.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

The Association of Canadian Choral Communities will be holding an Annual General Meeting by teleconference on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 8:00 PM EST.  The membership may vote electronically on the motions of the meeting between Tuesday, September 17 at 9:00 AM EST, and Friday, September 20 at 5:00 PM EST.  The agenda is below.

Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting, motions proposed for this meeting, reports of the President and Treasurer, draft audited financial statements, and candidate information for the Nominations Committee vacancy will be circulated with the link for electronic voting on Tuesday, September 17.

In addition to online voting, members may join the teleconference by dialing 1.877.278.7443, and entering passcode 2099883. Please notify Erin Bustin of your intent to join the teleconference, by emailing accc@choralcanada.org, no later than Friday, September 20 at 12:00 pm EST.

Avis d’assemblée générale annuelle

L’Association des communautés chorales canadiennes tiendra son assemblée générale annuelle par téléconférence à 20 heures HNE, le dimanche 22 septembre 2013. Les membres peuvent voter par voie électronique sur les motions proposées à l’AGA entre 9 heures HNE le mardi 17 septembre  et 17 heures HNE le vendredi 20 septembre. L’ordre du jour suit.

Le mardi 17 septembre, nous diffuserons, avec le lien pour le vote électronique, le procès-verbal de la dernière assemblée générale annuelle, les motions proposées pour cette AGA, les rapports du président et du trésorier, l’ébauche des états financiers vérifiés et les renseignements sur le candidat nommé au poste à pourvoir au comité de mise en candidature.

En plus de voter en ligne, les membres sont invités à participer à la téléconférence en composant le 1.877.278.7443 et en entrant le mot de passe 2099883. Veuillez informer Erin Bustin de votre intention de participer à la téléconférence en lui envoyant un courriel à accc@choralcanada.org d’ici 12 h HNE le vendredi 20 septembre.

Vancouver Chamber Choir Auditions Saturday, September 21, 2013

The Vancouver Chamber Choir is holding auditions for professional-level singers. All voices (SATB) are invited.

The Vancouver Chamber Choir is a fully professional choir of 20 experienced, well-trained singers. The key activities of the Choir include a subscription series that is unique in Vancouver, extensive touring in Canada and abroad, broadcasting live concerts, recording, commissioning and premiering new choral compositions, and presenting four to five educational programs throughout each season. The Choir demands a major commitment of time and needs to be the singers' top priority.

The Vancouver Chamber Choir usually rehearses on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. A list of substitute singers is maintained; these people may also be used to augment the Choir if a larger group is needed.

An audition lasts approximately one half hour and singers will be required to sing three or four pieces in different styles and languages. There will also be an interview with Jon Washburn. A formal résumé is required. Singers are expected to provide their own accompanist for the audition. 

Contact Catherine for an appointment at catherinelaub@hotmail.com

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, September 1, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Peter Togni passes on the torch

This week on Choral Concert Peter Togni will say goodbye to Choral Concert. Peter is moving on to devote himself full time to musical composition and performance.

On this show Peter will be spinning some of his favourite discs from years past as well as looking forward. You will hear some of his all time favourites along with some wonderful new releases appearing this fall. 

Peter will also introduce you to the new host of Choral Concert, a man who has a deep knowledge and love of choral music as well being a bright, young and talented conductor – Nick Halley.

You will hear the Lady Cove Women’s Choir from St John’s, the great British quartet, the Hilliard ensemble, and a brilliant performance of a Charpentier mass performed by the Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montreal.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Music from the USA

This week on Choral Concert Peter Togni will bring us music from the USA.

With the international prevalence of composers like Eric Whitacre, Philip Glass and Samuel Barber, the distinct beauty of American music has touched the world. It’s a sound that could be described as settled, but somehow not content. There is an edge in that glorious beauty that somehow reflects a nation still defining its artistic voice to the rest of the world.

In this encore edition of the program, you will hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the Choir of New College Oxford, the Vancouver Chamber Choir, and the Los Angeles Master Choral and Orchestra.

The Atlantic Voices Choral Composition Contest 2013

Atlantic Voices: The Newfoundland and Labrador Choir of Ottawa is a mixed-voice (SATB) community choir that sings music from and about Atlantic Canada.  This is our third Choral Composition Contest, and the choir is looking for quality choral music with an East Coast flavour.  We are offering two prizes, a 1st prize of $500 and a 2nd prize of $200, for original choral works by Canadian composers.  The winning works will be programmed on Atlantic Voices’ Spring 2014 concert.  This competition is open to all residents of Canada, of all backgrounds and all ages.  Note: the winning entrant need not have a particular connection to the Atlantic region.


The deadline for submissions is midnight, October 31, 2013.  Get your entries in!

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, August 18, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Deep, rich and glowing: The Music of Russia on Choral Concert

This week on Choral Concert Peter Togni will lead us into the depth of the Russian choral tradition. Some of the deepest and most beautiful choral music comes from Russia, it’s a rich and glowing tradition that sets an incredibly high standard for the rest of the world to follow.

One piece that stands out as the cornerstone of Russian choral repertoire is the Rachmaninoff  Vespers, or the All Night Vigil. Written by the man well known for his virtuosic and flamboyant piano concertos, this is a piece that is in direct contrast, it’s a deeply reflective work that evokes the power of the Russian orthodox service. Rachmaninoff wrote the entire work in old Slavonic, using melodic material taken directly from ancient Russian chants.

In this encore edition of the program, you will hear the great St Petersburg Chamber Choir doing selections from the Rachmaninoff, but you will also hear more Russian and Russian influenced music from the Vancouver Chamber Choir, the Lege Artis Choir and the Exultate Chamber Singers.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, August 11, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Music from northern lands for hot summer days

This week on Choral Concert Peter Togni will take us to the cool, spacious world of the north.

There is a wonderful and mysterious quality in the music that comes from cultures that live with the cold and dark for many months of the year, and then with bright and intense light for the brief, beautiful summer.

Northern countries, including Canada, all have very strong choral traditions. Perhaps it is because singing together brings warmth, light and hope.

In this encore edition of Choral Concert you will hear music to cool off the heat of the summer from Finland, Norway, Estonia, Russia and of course – Canada. Choirs will include the Helsinki University Chorus, the Elora Festival Singers, the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble, the Swedish Chamber Choir, and the Chorovaya Akademia.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, August 4, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

German Romantics

This week on Choral Concert Peter Togni will lead us into the deep waters of the 19th century German romantics, where we will wallow in the creative tension between passion and intellect. This is the period of the great German masters, where the ideal was to create a new synthesis of art, philosophy and science.

In this encore edition of the program, you will hear Brahms, Schubert, Reinberger, and Mendelssohn performed by some of the best choirs from across Canada and around the world – including the Vancouver Cantata Singers, the West Coast Mennonite Chamber Choir, the Corydon Singers and the Monteverdi Choir.

2014 Competition for Choral Writing

The Association of Canadian Choral Communities encourages and supports the composition of new choral works by emerging Canadian composers. To that end, ACCC invites submissions to the 2014 ACCC Competition for Choral Writing, co-sponsored by Cypress Music.

The winner of the 2014 competition will receive:

• the Diane Loomer Award of $1500
• a publishing opportunity through Cypress Music
• a premiere performance by the 2014 National Youth Choir/Chœur National des Jeunes, conducted by Hilary Apfelstadt, at PODIUM 2014, Choralscapes – Paysages chorals in Halifax, NS

The winner of the 2012 Competition was Elise Letourneau for her composition Peace Prayer, which was premiered by the 2012 National Youth Choir/Chœur National des Jeunes at PODIUM 2012, Choral Celebration Chorale, in Ottawa.

The entry deadline is November 1, 2013. Please see Competition Regulations and Application Guidelines here.

Concours de composition Chorale de 2014

L’Association des communautés chorales canadiennes encourage et appuie la composition d’œuvres chorales par de nouveaux compositeurs canadiens. C’est pourquoi l’ACCC, en collaboration avec Cypress Music, invite les intéressés à participer au Concours de composition chorale de 2014.
 
Le lauréat du concours de 2014 se verra décerner les prix suivants :

• le  prix Diane Loomer de 1 500 $;
• une possibilité de publication grâce à Cypress Music;
• une interprétation en première par le National Youth Choir/Chœur National des Jeunes de 2014, dirigé par Hilary Apfelstadt, à PODIUM 2014, Choralscapes – Paysages chorals à Halifax, en Nouvelle-Écosse.

La lauréate du concours de 2012 était Élise Letourneau, pour sa composition Peace Prayer, qui a été chantée en première par le National Youth Choir/Chœur National des Jeunes de 2012  à PODIUM 2012, Choral Celebration/Célébration Chorale, à Ottawa.

La date limite de participation est le 1er novembre 2013. Voir Le Règlement sur le concours et les Lignes directrices sur les demandes de participation ici.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, July 28, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

A focus on men’s voices

On July 28th  Choral Concert is bringing the rich, thick and lyrical sound of men’s voices to centre stage.

It wasn’t long ago that male choirs seemed to be fading into history. With many choirs abandoning the practice of using boys as trebles, the trend was towards blended choirs – allowing for a full mature sound right across the range of voices.

However, it seems that lately there is a return to same sex choirs, and especially all-male choirs. Their sound is rich, thick and warm - kind of like an orchestra of cellos.

In this encore edition of Choral Concert choirs like Chor Leoni, Chanticleer, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the Mungano National Choir from Kenya will be heard.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, July 22, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Beautiful music for your summer listening

This week on Choral Concert you’ll hear the Elektra Women’s Choir from their brand new CD Pure Elektra, some incredible samples from the US choir the Voices of Ascension, the Collegium Stuttgard doing JS Bach, and the Capella Pratensis doing a 15th century masse by Joseph Obrecht.

Capella Pratensis are an all male choir, from the basses right up to the sopranos. They take authentic practice very seriously. They even go so far as to read their music all from one giant book, rather than from individual parts, as was custom in the 1400’s. Many people say this gives the choir a blended, unified sound, and requires deeper listening from each chorister.

Don’t forget that CBCMUSIC.CA has lots to offer for classical music lovers, you can check out the Choral Concert blog plus extensive videos and concerts in all genres.

World Youth Choir - new President / Announcement of Session 2014

The Foundation World Youth Choir is happy to announce that Mr. Håkan Wickström (IFCM) was elected new President of the Foundation World Youth Choir. Wickström is succeeding as President Mr. Blasko Smilevski (JMI). The election was held in the frame of a meeting held in Croatia due to the preparations for the 2014 summer session organized by Jeunesses Musicales Croatia and the World Youth Choir foundation, in cooperation with several partner organizations in South - Eastern Europe and in the frame of the 25th Anniversary celebration of the World Youth Choir. The session will be followed by a tour with concerts in Croatia, and further countries in the region (the exact dates in July 2014 and further details will be confirmed at the end of 2013). See you in Croatia 2014!

Further details can be found in the full Press release here.
Tentative information about the session 2014 can be found in the full Press release here.

Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Announces Associate Conductor

Toronto Mendelssohn Choir has appointed Nova Scotia-born conductor Caron Daley as Associate Conductor, effective September 2013. The TMC created the Associate Conductor position to provide talented choral conductors who are early in their career with coaching, training and mentoring, while also adding to the TMC˙s artistic team. The Associate Conductor works with the Choir under the guidance of Artistic Director Noel Edison, directing TMC ensembles in rehearsals and select performances. Caron Daley is an established choral conductor. She recently completed her D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from U of T and holds prior degrees in choral conducting, vocal pedagogy and music education.

http://www.tmchoir.org/media/release_07022013.cfm?utm_source=media+release&utm_medium=email&utm_campaignÊron+Daley+Announcement

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, July 14, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

From Australia: “The Idea of North”

This Sunday Peter Togni brings you “The Idea of North”, a vocal quartet from Australia that combine extraordinary tuning and incredible ensemble performance into a bright, eclectic a cappella sound. They are a kind of cross between the jazz sensibility of the New York based vocal group Manhattan Transfer, and the creative music sensibilities of the Finish sextet Rajaton.

And yes – they do get their name from the wonderful Glenn Gould radio documentary “The Idea of North” first broadcast in 1967 on the CBC radio one program IDEAS.

We’ll also be tipping our hat to some of the great choirs that won the National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs this past week. You can see the full list of winners right now on the Choral Concert Blog.

ACCC announces the winners of the 2013 National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs!

A treasured Canadian choral tradition, the ACCC National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs inspires choirs to strive for excellence, provides visibility for amateur choirs of all types and traditions, and encourages the creation and performance of Canadian works. The Competition is open to all Canadian amateur choirs and attracts diverse participants from coast to coast. The 2013 Competition winners were selected by a national jury of esteemed Canadian choral conductors, consisting of Douglas Dunsmore, Jean-Pascal Hamelin, Graeme Langager, Zimfira Poloz and Leonard Ratzlaff.

The prestigious Canada Council for the Arts Healey Willan Grand Prize, for the finest overall performance in musicianship, technique, and program, was awarded to the Spiritus Chamber Choir, from Calgary, AB, conducted by Timothy Shantz. Spiritus Chamber Choir also took first prize in Category 11 (Contemporary Music), and in Category 6 (Mixed-Voice Adult Choir).

Each choir that enters the Competition must perform an original Canadian piece. The prize for the Best Performance of a Canadian Work in any category was awarded to Quintessential Vocal Ensemble, from St. John’s, NL, conducted by Susan Quinn, for their performance of The Dance of the Mayflies, by Kathleen Allan. Quintessential Vocal Ensemble was also awarded second prize in Category 11 (Contemporary Music).

Cash prizes were also awarded for the top performances in each category. See 2013 Winners.

Winners were announced on Tuesday, July 9 at Festival 500 Sharing the Voices, an international festival of choral music in St. John’s, NL.

All of the winners, finalists and other participants can be heard on CBC Music, where links to competition audio are available from the ACCC National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs portal page.  Selections by the winners will also be featured on CBC Radio 2's Choral Concert on Sunday, July 14th. 

The National Competition of Canadian Amateur Choirs is a signature program of the Association of Canadian Choral Communities, Canada’s national service organization for choirs and the choral community. For more information please visit www.choralcanada.org.

l'ACCC félicite les lauréats de l’édition 2013 du Concours national pour chœurs amateurs canadiens

Précieuse tradition chorale canadienne, le prestigieux Concours national pour chœurs amateurs canadiens de l’ACCC inspire les chœurs à viser l’excellence, met en valeur les chœurs amateurs de toutes sortes et de toutes les traditions, et encourage la création et l’exécution d’œuvres canadiennes. Ouvert à tous les chœurs amateurs du Canada, le concours attire des participants d’un littoral à l’autre du pays. Les lauréats du Concours de 2013 ont été choisis par un jury national composé de distingués chefs de chœurs canadiens, soit Douglas Dunsmore, Jean-Pascal Hamelin, Graeme Langager, Zimfira Poloz et Leonard Ratzlaff.

Le prestigieux Grand prix Healey Willan du Conseil des Arts du Canada, qui récompense la meilleure prestation, toutes catégories confondues, pour la musicalité, la technique et le programme, a été attribué au Spiritus Chamber Choir, de Calgary (Alberta), dirigé par Timothy Shantz. Le Spiritus Chamber Choir a aussi remporté le premier prix dans la Catégorie 11 (Musique contemporaine) et dans la  Catégorie 6 (Chorales d’adultes – voix mixtes).

Chaque chœur participant doit  interpréter une composition canadienne originale. Le prix de la Meilleure interprétation d’une œuvre canadienne  toutes catégories confondues a été décerné au Quintessential Vocal Ensemble, de St. John’s (Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador), dirigé par Susan Quinn, pour son interprétation de The Dance of the Mayflies, de Kathleen Allan. Le Quintessential Vocal Ensemble a aussi remporté le deuxième prix dans la Catégorie 11 (Musique contemporaine).

Des prix en argent comptant ont aussi été décernés pour les interprétations exceptionnelles dans chaque catégorie. Voir les gagnants de 2013 ici.

Les lauréats ont été annoncés le mardi 9 juillet à Festival 500 Sharing the Voices, un festival international de musique chorale tenu à St. John's, à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador du 3 au 10 juillet.

Les prestations de tous les lauréats, finalistes et participants peuvent être écoutées sur CBC Music, où l’on trouvera des liens aux enregistrements audio du concours au portail du Concours national pour chœurs amateurs canadiens de l’ACCC.  Des sélections des lauréats seront aussi présentées à l’émission Choral Concert de CBC Radio 2 le dimanche 14 juillet.

Le Concours national pour chœurs amateurs canadiens est un programme distinctif de l’Association des communautés chorales canadiennes, l’organisme de services nationaux du Canada pour les chœurs et communautés chorales. Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements, prière de consulter le site www.choralcanada.org.

Canadian Conductor, Composer and Arranger Lydia Adams Wins Prestigious 2013 Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts

The Boards of Directors of two of Canada’s top choirs, the Elmer Iseler Singers and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, are thrilled to announce that Artistic Director and Conductor Lydia Adams has won the 2013 Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Dr. Adams was one of six finalists for this prestigious award, which recognizes Ontario artists who have made outstanding contributions to arts and culture.

Deemed “the leading exponent of the Canadian choral composer” by the Canadian Music Centre, Dr. Adams is the 2012 winner of the Roy Thomson Hall Award of Recognition given by the Toronto Arts Council Foundation, a 2009 winner of the Ontario Premier’s Finalist Award for Excellence in the Arts, and a 2003 Honourary Doctorate recipient from Mount Allison University for her outstanding contributions to choral music in Canada and internationally.

“As the conductor of the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto for 30 years and of Canada’s Elmer Iseler Singers for 15 years , Lydia Adams has consistently promoted and programmed music by both time-honored and contemporary Canadian composers, while at the same time promoting young Canadian artists, many of whom have gone on to establish a career in singing and/or composing. Some of the finest performances of my music have come from Dr. Adams’ choirs.” -Ruth Watson Henderson, celebrated Canadian composer.

Lydia Adams named Joel Tranquilla as the winner of the 2013 Emerging Artist Award. Joel currently serves as Artistic Director of the Windsor Classic Chorale and Chorus Master of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Adams in this recognition of her mentorship, dedication, and artistic excellence. We also extend our congratulations and best wishes to Joel Tranquilla for a long, prosperous and meaningful career.

www.amadeuschoir.com
www.elmeriselesingers.com

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, June 30, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Schubert’s Mass in A flat

This week on Choral Concert Peter Togni brings you what he calls “one of the most sublime mass settings on the planet”, Franz Schubert’s Mass in A Flat. One of 6 of his mass settings, this is Schubert at his most lyrical and most powerful, what he called his “Missa Solemnis”  - as he was reflecting on the earlier work of the same name by Beethoven.

You will hear an incredible performance by the Monteverdi Choir and the Orchestre Revolutionaire et Romantique conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardner.  You will also hear releases by the Vancouver Chamber Choir, and the choir of King’s College Cambridge.

Don’t forget that CBCMUSIC.CA has lots to offer for classical music lovers, You can check out the Choral Concert blog and the 24/7 choral stream plus extensive videos and concerts in all genres.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, June 23, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Mozart’s Mass in C Minor with the Cologne Radio Choir and Orchestra.

This Sunday on Choral Concert Peter Togni will bring you the great Mass in C Minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

It was a work of thanksgiving for the recovery of his wife Constanza from a serious illness. When it looked like she wasn’t going to make it he swore he would write a piece of thanksgiving if she did.

She did recover, but from the tone of Mozart’s work it sounds like he was still reflecting on the possibility of what might have occurred. From the first notes the piece is dark, full, rich and intense and it points to Mozart’s  awareness of the fragility of life and some ways, to his own destiny. He died 8 years later in 1791.

You will also hear a wonderful performance of “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” with the Elmer Iseler Singers, and a beautiful Alleluia by Imant Raminsh with the Vancouver Children's Choir.

Don’t forget that CBCMUSIC.CA has lots to offer for classical music lovers, You can check out the Choral Concert blog and the 24/7 choral stream plus extensive videos and concerts in all genres.

NewWorks Announcement

After much and difficult deliberation, the NewWorks jury has concluded not to name a winning work in the 2013 competition.

The jury is looking for compelling works of highest musical, expressive, and structural quality and integrity; works that are idiomatically appropriate and performance-ready; and works that will appeal to both singers and audience. While there was much to be commended among the twenty-eight submissions, there was no work that was deemed to suit the needs of the choir.

We look forward to the next (5th annual) competition, and encourage all composers to submit again when information is made available for the 2014 competition. Details will be posted on the DaCapo website (as well as our facebook and twitter accounts) in the fall.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, June 16, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Eric Whitacre conducts the Vancouver Chamber Choir

This Sunday on Choral Concert Peter Togni brings us a concert with Eric Whitacre conducting his own works with the Vancouver Chamber Choir.

Eric Whitacre is as close to a rock star as you can get in the choral world. His music is featured with astonishing regularity by all of Canada’s choirs, and this high profile concert with the Vancouver Chamber Choir speaks to his international stature and his broad appeal.

In this encore edition of Choral Concert you will hear some of his lesser known early works, plus the works that has made him an international celebrity like “Five Hebrew Love Songs” and “Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine”.

Don’t forget that CBCMUSIC.CA has lots to offer for classical music lovers, You can check out the Choral Concert blog and the 24/7 choral stream plus extensive videos and concerts in all genres.

CHORAL CONCERT, with host Peter Togni Sunday, June 9, 2013 9:00 - 11:00 am, (9:30 - 11:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2

Old Music, New Music and nothing in between

This week on Choral Concert Peter Togni will bring us some of the earliest choral works known, but he will also bring us some 20th century choral classics. It’s either old or new, but nothing in between.

There’s a wonderful similarity between these two worlds, as if for many composers the complexity of the music of the 18th and 19th century just disappeared in the 20th, and the celebration of simplicity became the common ground between the old and the new. From the music of Hildegard von Bingen, the earliest known composer of western music to the contemporary sounds of Jan Garbareck and his improvising saxophone, choral concert will span one thousand years in a few moments.

In this encore edition of Choral Concert, you will also hear the music of Josquin Des Pres, Ralph Vaughn Williams, Thomas Tallis and Carl Orff.

Don’t forget that CBCMUSIC.CA has lots to offer for classical music lovers, You can check out the Choral Concert blog and the 24/7 choral stream plus extensive videos and concerts in all genres.

The Association of Canadian Choral Communities announces the finalists in the 2013 National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs

A treasured Canadian choral tradition, the prestigious ACCC National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs inspires choirs to strive for excellence, provides visibility for amateur choirs of all types and traditions, and encourages the creation and performance of Canadian works. The Competition is open to all Canadian amateur choirs and attracts diverse participants from coast to coast.

The 2013 Finalists are:
Category 1: Children's Choirs
Spurrell Studio Choir – Natalie Spurrell (Oakville, ON)

Category 2: Upper-Voice Youth Choirs
Calgary Girls Choir (Brava) – Elaine Quilichini (Calgary, AB)
WoCo (Etobicoke School of the Arts) – David Ambrose (Toronto, ON)

Category 3: Lower-Voice Youth Choirs
St. Michael's Choir School Tenor Bass Choir – Teri  Dunn (Toronto, ON)
Testostertones (Catholic Central High School) – Don Sills (Seaforth, ON)

Category 4: Mixed-Voice Youth Choirs
Chorale De La Salle – Robert Filion (Ottawa, ON)
Coastal Sound Youth Choir – Carrie Tennant (Vancouver, BC)
Medway Madrigal Singers – Jeff Beynon and Kathy McNaughton (London, ON)

Category 5: Mixed-Voice Collegiate Choirs
University of Manitoba Singers – Elroy Friesen (Winnipeg, MB)
University of Saskatchewan Greystone Singers – Gerald Langner (Saskatoon, SK)
Western University Singers – Victoria Meredith (London, ON)

Category 6: Mixed-Voice Adult Choirs
Chorale Saint-Jean – Laurier Fagnan (Edmonton, AB)
Guelph Chamber Choir – Gerald Neufeld (Guelph, ON)
Spiritus Chamber Choir – Timothy Shantz (Calgary, AB)

Category 7: Mixed-Voice Adult Chamber Choirs
I Coristi Chamber Choir – Debra Cairns (Edmonton, AB)
That Choir – Craig Pike (Toronto, ON)

Category 8: Equal-Voice Men's Choirs
Primus: Amabile Men's Choir – Carol Beynon (London, ON)

Category 9: Equal-Voice Women's Choirs
Canadian Mennonite University Chamber Choir – Janet Brenneman (Winnipeg, MB)
Elektra Women's Choir – Morna Edmundson (Vancouver, BC)
Xara Choral Theatre Ensemble – Christina Murray (Halifax, NS)

Category 11: Contemporary Music
Quintessential Vocal Ensemble – Susan Quinn (St. John’s, NL)
Spiritus Chamber Choir – Timothy Shantz (Calgary, AB)
University of Regina Chamber Singers – Dominic Gregorio (Regina, SK)

Winners will be announced at Festival 500 Sharing the Voices, an international festival of choral music which runs from July 3-10, 2013 in St. John’s, NL. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top performances in each category. The choir with the Best Performance of a Canadian Work in any category will also receive a cash prize. The prestigious Canada Council for the Arts Healey Willan Grand Prize will be awarded to the choir who gives the finest overall performance in musicianship, technique and program.

Each choir has created a CBC Music artist page, where audiences can listen to performances by and engage with the participating choirs. Links to each competitor’s CBC artist page and competition audio are available from the ACCC’s National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs portal page. For links, please visit http://choralcanada.org/ACCC_en/Canadian_Amateur_Choirs.html.

Outstanding performances from select participants will be featured on CBC Radio 2's Choral Concert in the coming weeks.

The National Competition of Canadian Amateur Choirs is a signature program of the Association of Canadian Choral Communities, Canada’s national service organization for choirs and the choral community. For more information please visit www.choralcanada.org.

L’Association des communautés chorales canadiennes a l’honneur d’annoncer les finalistes pour l’édition 2013 du Concours national pour chœurs amateurs canadiens

Précieuse tradition chorale canadienne, le prestigieux Concours national pour chœurs amateurs canadiens de l’ACCC inspire les chœurs à viser l’excellence, met en valeur les chœurs amateurs de toutes sortes et de toutes les traditions, et encourage la création et l’exécution d’œuvres canadiennes. Ouvert à tous les chœurs amateurs du Canada, le concours attire des participants d’un littoral à l’autre du pays.

Les finalistes pour 2013 sont les suivants :

Catégorie 1 : Chorales d’enfants    
Spurrell Studio Choir – Natalie Spurrell (Oakville, ON)

Catégorie 2 : Chorales de jeunes, voix aigues
Calgary Girls Choir (Brava) – Elaine Quilichini (Calgary, AB) 
Vocum (Canterbury High School) – James Caswell (Ottawa, ON) 
WoCo (Etobicoke School of the Arts) – David Ambrose (Toronto, ON)

Catégorie 3 : Chorales de jeunes, voix graves 
Testostertones (Catholic Central High School) – Don Sills (Seaforth, ON) 
St. Michael's Choir School Tenor Bass Choir – Teri Dunn (Toronto, ON)

Catégorie 4 : Chorales de jeunes, voix mixtes
Coastal Sound Youth Choir – Carrie Tennant (Vancouver, BC) 
Chorale De La Salle – Robert Filion (Ottawa, ON) 
Medway Madrigal Singers – Jeff Beynon et Kathy McNaughton (London, ON)

Catégorie 5 : Chorales universitaires, voix mixtes
University of Manitoba Singers – Elroy Friesen (Winnipeg, MB) 
University of Saskatchewan Greystone Singers – Gerald Langner (Saskatoon, SK) 
Western University Singers – Victoria Meredith (London, ON)

Catégorie 6 : Chorales d’adultes, voix mixtes
Chorale Saint-Jean – Laurier Fagnan (Edmonton, AB) 
Guelph Chamber Choir – Gerald Neufeld (Guelph, ON) 
Spiritus Chamber Choir – Timothy Shantz (Calgary, AB)

Catégorie 7: Chorales de chambre, voix mixtes
I Coristi Chamber Choir – Debra Cairns (Edmonton, AB) 
That Choir – Craig Pike (Toronto, ON)

Catégorie 8 : Chorales d’hommes, voix égales
Primus: Amabile Men's Choir – Carol Beynon (London, ON)

Catégorie 9 : Chorales de femmes, voix égales
Canadian Mennonite University Chamber Choir – Janet Brenneman (Winnipeg, MB) 
Elektra Women's Choir – Morna Edmundson (Vancouver, BC) 
Xara Choral Theatre Ensemble – Christina Murray (Halifax, NS)

Catégorie 11 : Musique contemporaine
Quintessential Vocal Ensemble – Susan Quinn (St. John’s, NL) 
Spiritus Chamber Choir – Timothy Shantz (Calgary, AB) 
University of Regina Chamber Singers – Dominic Gregorio (Regina, SK)

Les lauréats seront annoncés à Festival 500 Sharing the Voices, festival international de musique chorale qui aura lieu à St. John's, à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador du 3 au 10 juillet. Des prix en argent comptant seront décernés pour les meilleures prestations dans chaque catégorie. Le chœur ayant la meilleure interprétation d’une œuvre canadienne, toutes catégories confondues, se verra aussi décerner un prix en argent. Le prestigieux Grand prix Healey Willan du Conseil des Arts du Canada sera remis au chœur qui donne globalement l’interprétation la plus convaincante sur les plans de la musicalité, de la technique et du programme.

Chaque chœur a créé une page d’artiste sur CBC Music permettant au public d’écouter les prestations et de mieux connaître les chœurs participants. Les liens à la page d’artiste de CBC de chaque concurrent et à la diffusion audio sont affichés au portail du Concours national pour chœurs amateurs canadiens de l’ACCC. Prière de visiter le site 
http://choralcanada.org/ACCC_fr/choeurs_amateurs_canadiens.html.
 
Les prestations exceptionnelles de participants seront diffusées à l’émission Choral Concert de la chaine Radio 2 de la CBC au cours des prochaines semaines. 

Le Concours national pour chœurs amateurs canadiens est un programme distinctif de l’Association des communautés chorales canadiennes, l’organisme de services nationaux du Canada pour les chœurs et communautés chorales. Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements, prière de consulter le
site www.choralcanada.org.