Memberships
Choirs Ontario
Chorus America
International Federation for Choral Music
The Chorus is conducted by Rudolf Heijdens. The Chorus draws its choristers, all of them auditioned, from the school population of the two school boards.
A High Quality Repertoire
The performance trademark of the Chorus is a repertoire, in a variety of languages, that consists primarily of unison and music in parts performed ‘a capella’ or with accompaniment, ranging from ancient to contemporary classics, representing both the secular and the sacred dimensions of choral literature, and including both Canadian and non-Canadian composers.
A Sense of Excellence and Satisfaction
The Chorus has received much acclaim both in Canada and abroad. European tours have resulted in awards in international competitions (Vienna, 2000 and 2003). The Chorus has been praised for its repertoire, precision and musicality, and a sense of excellence and perfection permeates all of the Chorus’ activities.
The hard work and discipline of the Choristers is rewarded with the satisfaction of sharing the best of choral music with appreciative audiences, increasing vocal skills and confidence, traveling and performing in many locations, and meeting others who share the same interest.
The Choirs
The Training Choirs
The Training Choir encompasses the Junior Division Choir (grades 4, 5 and 6) and the Senior Division Choir (grades 7, 8, and 9). The Choirs participate in concerts within and outside the Counties of Hastings and Prince Edward, church services, clinics, workshops and competitions.
Chorus Goals
To provide vocally talented and gifted children, within the setting of a semi-professional children’s choir, with high-level artistic experiences both in choral singing and choral literature.
To have choristers and audiences (re)discover that music is first and foremost an art form and not solely an entertainment medium.
The Youth Chorale
Membership in the Youth Chorale consists of choristers in Grades 9 (grade 10 commencing in Sept. 2010) and up, who are alumni of the Training Choir, and have successfully passed an audition based on the work of the past season. The Youth Chorale participates in concerts at the national as well as international level. During the past twenty-four years there have been 8 European tours to Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. In the Spring of 2007 the Youth Chorale made its debut in Carnegie Hall.
Ensembles
Commencing in the Spring of each year the Chorus also features two special ensembles: the ‘Chamber Ensemble,’ with members drawn from the Central Training Choir, and the ‘Bel Canto Ensemble,’ with members selected from the Youth Chorale. The work of the Ensembles is of the highest quality.
In addition to regular rehearsals and annual Choir Camps, choristers, during a tour year, attend two rehearsals per week as well as a three to five day rehearsal during March Break. The Chorus’ schedule is demanding, but choristers and their parents strive to do well, and are wholly committed to the activities of the Chorus.
