Chorus
Celebrating 60 years in 2023, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus is a group of more than 150 volunteer singers who deliver excellence in the performance of choral music and promote the enjoyment and development of choral singing in Calgary communities.
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About the Chorus
Celebrating 60 years in 2023, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus is a group of more than 150 volunteer singers from all walks of life who deliver excellence in the performance of choral music and promote the enjoyment and development of choral singing in Calgary communities. Established in 1963, the Chorus is a professional-level performing partner to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and one of only two choruses in Canada that is part of a major professional symphony orchestra. The Chorus, led by Chorus Director Mark Bartel, performs a wide variety of repertoire, including oratorio, opera, classical standards, pop favourites, and commissioned new works. In a typical season, the acclaimed ensemble is featured in four to eight concerts with the Orchestra.
FAQs
How many people make up the Chorus?
There are approximately 162 Chorus members.
What is the music background of the Chorus members?
Amateur musicians with music experience in school, church, and community choirs or private lessons. Musicians with undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, Royal Conservatory of Music training, and current university music students. Professional singers serve as section principals.
Who has the chorus collaborated with?
The Chorus has collaborated in performances with several other local choirs and ensembles, including the Calgary Girls Choir, Luminous Voices, Cantaré Children’s Choir, Spiritus Chamber Choir, the Calgary Boys’ Choir, Edmonton’s Richard Eaton Singers, the Calgary Canadian Korean Choir, and the Calgary Civic Symphony. The Chorus has performed or premiered Canadian works by composers Jeffrey Ryan (Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation), Stephen Chatman (Songs of Joy), Arthur Bachman (Flute Concerto), Randolph Peters (Intensely Alive), Abigail Richardson-Schulte (Song of the Poets), Andrew Balfour (niya), and Laura Hawley (I Rise). The Chorus has performed at various community events, participated in Calgary Phil’s Symphony Sunday for Kids concerts, and performed for Queen Elizabeth II in a special 1990 presentation conducted by the late Mario Bernardi, Calgary Phil Music Director Emeritus. The Chorus has travelled to perform in Chicago (2015), to the Choral Canada Podium Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland (2018), to Festival 500 in St. John’s, Newfoundland (2007), to Edmonton to open the Winspear Centre (1997), and to Winnipeg to sing Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 (1997).
Want to get involved? Learn more about auditions for the Chorus here:
Chorus AuditionsUpcoming Concerts with the Chorus
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Chorus Supporter
Founded by Ellen and Allen Borak, this program helps elevate the art of choral music by supporting and nurturing the development of the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus. This program provides more than 120 volunteer singers with the opportunity to grow in their performance of choral music and promotes the enjoyment of choral singing in our communities.