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Category: Concerts

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Celebrating International Women’s Day

Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, Conductor and Artistic Director

We’re excited to share a captivating article from the Choirs Ontario DYNAMIC Magazine with you following Lydia Adams’ appointment to the Order of Canada. Titled “Retrospective: Lydia Adams, C.M.,” this piece by Linda Beaupré offers a profound reflection on the illustrious career and enduring contributions of Lydia Adams, our esteemed Artistic Director and Conductor.

Lydia’s journey, from her upbringing in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, to her extensive musical education in England, have contributed to the exceptional conductor and advocate for Canadian choral music that she is today. Linda Beaupré beautifully captures Lydia’s innate musicianship, her dedication to nurturing talent, and her transformative impact on the Canadian choral scene.

The article highlights Lydia’s pivotal role in premiering new works, championing Canadian composers, and fostering musical excellence. From her groundbreaking collaborations to her innovative programming, Lydia’s influence resonates far and wide.

Read the full article here: Retrospective: Lydia Adams, C.M.

We hope you enjoy this insightful retrospective on Lydia Adams along with photos of Lydia with Sir David Willcocks and Elmer Iseler.

Upcoming concerts and events

Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church, Toronto, ON

Featuring EIS with the VIVA Chamber Singers, Carol Ratzlaff conductor, and the newly formed Chroma Vocal Ensemble, Mitchell Pady conductor. This concert includes the spectacular Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin along with works by MacMillan, Whitacre, Gjeilo, Janmohamed, Daley and more.

Triple Choir Spendour: Sonic Light - concert April 20, 2024

Workshops

The Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor, present two workshops this spring at the the Canadian Music Centre, Toronto.

(1) New or ‘in progress’ choral compositions will be workshopped in person with the EIS and Lydia Adams at on Saturday, April 27th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The deadline for receiving new applications and works to be workshopped is March 10th, 2024. Click here to learn more or to apply for the composers workshop.

(2) Workshop for emerging conductors on Saturday, May 11th, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The deadline for applications is April 1st, 2024. Click here to learn more or to apply for the conductors workshop.

There is no charge to composers for these workshops. The Elmer Iseler Singers are pleased to welcome the generous support of the Takla Foundation as primary sponsors of this educational initiative.

Tickets by invitation, limited spacing, interested parties may apply by email to info@elmeriselersingers.com

Guest appearances

Thanks to our Sponsors

We also appreciate the generous contributions of hundreds of individual donors. 

Canada Council for the Arts
Ontario Arts Council and Government of Ontario logos
Ontario Arts Foundation
The New Classical 96.3 103.1 and 102.9 fm
Toronto Arts Council, Funded by the City of Toronto
Takla Foundation
Power Corporation of Canada
KPMG logo
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Join us this Sunday for Sherry & Shortbread ‘At Home’!

Sherry and Shortbread 'At Home' 2023 mini flyer

Share some musical cheer as Lydia Adams conducts the Elmer Iseler Singers in classics including the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from ‘Messiah’, ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘Away in a Manger’. Don’t miss the 2023-2024 EIS James T. Chestnutt Choral Scholars, Manishya Jayasundera and Emily Taub as they conduct some gorgeous music.

You won’t want to miss our special guest storyteller – Canadian superstar tenor, Ben Heppner, as he reads Don Gilmor’s Christmas classic, ‘The Christmas Orange’ in his inimitable style, transporting us to another time and space!

We look forward to spending this special hour-long presentation with you and to sharing with you some marvellous musical holiday cheer!

You can donate to the Elmer Iseler Singers online, in person or by phone. Visit our Event Page for more details.

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Introducing the 3 choirs for “Messiah” by G.F. Handel

The Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor Present Messiah by G.F. Handel: Featuring three stellar choirs

On December 8, 2023, three acclaimed choirs will be joining forces to perform a remarkable rendition of G.F. Handel’s renowned masterpiece, Messiah. Led by conductor Lydia Adams, the Elmer Iseler Singers, Viva Chamber Singers and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto will present a concert that promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Each choir boasts its own unique strengths and style, combining to create a harmonious and dynamic performance that will leave audiences spellbound. Let us acquaint you with each of them.

Elmer Iseler Singers, Parry Sound 2023 (Photo: Mark Rash)

The Elmer Iseler Singers (EIS), founded in 1979 by Dr. Elmer Iseler, is led by Lydia Adams, C.M., celebrating her 25th year as conductor and artistic director. The EIS are known internationally for their superb musicianship, radiant choral sound and commitment to the commissioning, promotion and performance of works by Canadian and international composers. The EIS is celebrated nationally as one of the flagship choral organizations in Canada. In this performance, the EIS joins their Associate Choir, VIVA Singers, who they work with in an ongoing mentorship model, and the Amadeus Choir, who share many superlative experiences with EIS under conductors Elmer Iseler and Lydia Adams, in presenting this inspiring and glorious work of G.F. Handel.

The VIVA Chamber Singers is a choir for highly skilled youth and adult singers within the broader VIVA Singers Toronto organization. Founded in 2000 by artistic director and conductor Carol Ratzlaff in response to widespread cuts to music education, the Chamber Singers emerged from their original youth ensembles. Many members work as current artistic staff with children ages 4 and up.

The award-winning Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto is led by artistic director and conductor Kathleen Allan. The Amadeus Choir champions the best of choral music by commissioning and premiering works by Canadian and international composers through a self-produced concert series, guest performances, and special events. The Choir recently established the Choral Creation Lab, a residency for composers and poets to co-create original works; and Emerging Canadian Voices, an ensemble of eight young professional singers who take on leadership positions within the choir and receive career mentorship.

This concert is an exceptional opportunity for music lovers to experience the magic of Handel’s Messiah with over 100 voices and orchestra. The combined talents of the Elmer Iseler Singers, VIVA Chamber Singers, and Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto are joined by four exceptional soloists: Linda Tsatsanis, Hillary Tufford, Michael Colvin, and Jorell Williams on December 8, 2023.

Allow the mesmerizing beauty of Handel’s Messiah to transport you to a world of sublime musicality and unparalleled artistry. We look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary performance.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here for the event page.

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Introducing the soloists for “Messiah” by G.F. Handel

Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, Conductor and Artistic Director present Messiah by G.F. Handel on December 8, 2023

The Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor Present Messiah by G.F. Handel: Featuring four award winning soloists

We are delighted to introduce the four exceptional soloists who will be gracing the stage at the Elmer Iseler Singers presentation of Messiah by G.F. Handel. Representing a diverse range of vocal talents, these soloists are set to captivate the audience with their extraordinary performances. Let us acquaint you with each of them.

Linda Tsatsanis

Linda Tsatsanis, a soprano of remarkable skill and artistry, possesses a voice that is described by the Boston Globe as “sheer vocal proficiency, a bright, flexible voice, big but controlled, shaded with plentiful color“. Linda’s interpretive abilities bring a refreshing and nuanced approach to every piece she performs, resulting in a mesmerizing experience for all fortunate enough to witness her talent.

Hillary Tufford

Hillary Tufford, a mezzo-soprano of exceptional talent, possesses a voice that is characterized by richness and warmth. With a remarkable vocal range and an innate ability to convey emotion, Hillary seamlessly transports listeners into the depths of the music. Her flawless technique and expressive phrasing make her a true powerhouse on stage, guaranteeing a performance that is both captivating and heartfelt.

Michael Colvin

Michael Colvin, a tenor known for his remarkable blend of power and sensitivity, possessing “one of the most beautiful lyric tenor instruments around“. With a commanding stage presence, Michael consistently delivers incredible performances that leave audiences spellbound. His extraordinary ability to imbue each note with emotion creates an immersive musical experience that is simply unforgettable.

Jorell Williams

Jorell Williams, an accomplished bass with a voice characterized by “a deliciously resonant baritone voice” (Broadway World), he has earned acclaim for his “rock-solid” skills. Commanding attention with a voice that can effortlessly fill a concert hall, Jorell’s performances are marked by his impeccable control and artistic depth. His ability to deliver captivating interpretations ensures that his performances are memorable, leaving an indelible impression on all in attendance.

With this ensemble of talented soloists, the Elmer Iseler Singers presentation of Messiah promises to be a truly remarkable musical experience. Join us as we journey through Handel’s enchanting composition, featuring the extraordinary vocal talents of Linda Tsatsanis, Hillary Tufford, Michael Colvin, and Jorell Williams. Experience the power and beauty of their voices as they bring this timeless masterpiece to life along with the Elmer Iseler Singers, VIVA Chamber Singers, and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto. Over 100 voices conducted by the exceptional Lydia Adams.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here for the event page.

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World premiere of “Psalm Cycle” at Celestial Light

Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams conductor presents Celestial Light

We are grateful to Sid Robinovitch for his dedication of his new Psalm Cycle to Lydia Adams and the Elmer Iseler Singers. The World Premiere of Psalm Cycle will be sung in Hebrew by the Elmer Iseler Singers and is set in five parts: Praise, Sing, Lament, Rejoice, and Reflect following Psalms 145, 96, 6, 24, and 121 respectively.

Sid Robinovitch

A native of Manitoba, Sid Robinovitch has devoted himself to musical composition, having studied at Indiana University and at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. He presently lives in Winnipeg, where he works as a composer and teacher.

Robinovitch’s works have been frequently broadcast on CBC radio, and he has also written music for film and TV where he is best known for his theme for the satirical comedy series, The Newsroom.

Klezmer Suite, performed by the Winnipeg Symphony under the direction of Bramwell Tovey, received a Prairie Music Award for outstanding classical recording. Sefarad, a CD featuring his music for guitar, was released in 2008 on the Marquis label and received both JUNO and Western Canadian Award nominations for classical recording of the year.

You won’t want to miss it! 

Sid Robinovitch at rehearsal for Celestial Light 2023 at Eglinton St. George's United Church, Toronto
Sid Robinovitch at rehearsal for Celestial Light 2023 at Eglinton St. George’s United Church, Toronto
Sid Robinovitch with Lydia Adams and Jessie Iseler at "Psalm Cycle" rehearsal for Celestial Light 2023 at Eglinton St. George's United Church, Toronto
Sid Robinovitch with Lydia Adams and Jessie Iseler at “Psalm Cycle” rehearsal for Celestial Light 2023 at Eglinton St. George’s United Church, Toronto

We are excited to see you on Saturday and share the exhilarating choral sounds of the beloved Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, glorious works by Eleanor Daley, William Byrd, John Beckwith and Srul Irving Glick, and, of course, the world premiere of Psalm Cycle by Sid Robinovitch.

Tickets are available online and at the door!

Instead of just purchasing tickets to Celestial Light, consider subscribing to all three Toronto concerts!

The Toronto series season “A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light” includes Messiah by G.F. Handel on December 8, 2023 with over 100 voices as EIS are joined by the VIVA Chamber Singers, the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, award winning Canadian soloists: Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Hillary Tufford, mezzo-soprano; Michael Colvin, tenor; Jorell Williams, bass; and orchestra.

Our third concert of the season Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light on April 20, 2024 introduces Toronto’s newest contemporary vocal ensemble, Chroma Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Mitchell Pady and brings back our associate choir, VIVA Chamber Singers, Carol Ratzlaff, conductor. The three choirs will present the spectacular Mass for Double Choir by Swiss composer Frank Martin, stunning works for multiple choir by Canadians Peter Togni and Eleanor Daley, and Stars by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds.

A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light 

Subscribe to three concerts ($110, $100, $60), click here.

Celestial Light

Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here.

Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Or call for more information, to buy tickets or group tickets 416-217-0537

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Lydia Adams invites you to Celestial Light on Oct. 28, 2023

Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams conductor presents Celestial Light

Conductor Lydia Adams invites you to join the Elmer Iseler Singers for their first Toronto series concert of the 2023-24 concert season.

This opening concert, Celestial Light, includes glorious music by Eleanor Daley, William Byrd, and a choral tribute to master Canadian composer John Beckwith, who was so important to the choir for many years throughout all our work with Elmer conducting, at Sharon Temple. They will sing Sharon Fragments by John at this program as well as the world premiere of a wonderful new set of Psalms, sung in Hebrew, by the EIS long-time friend, composer Sid Robinovitch, from Winnipeg, who will be in attendance for the concert.

The second half will bring a performance of the sublime Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, a work of exceptional mysticism and beauty. This performance is with instrumentalists, and the entire concert is full of light and beauty.

You won’t want to miss it! 

Or save even more by subscribing to our Toronto series season “A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light” which includes Messiah by G.F. Handel on December 3, 2023 with over 100 voices as EIS are joined by the VIVA Chamber Singers, the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, award winning Canadian soloists: Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Hillary Tufford, mezzo-soprano; Michael Colvin, tenor; Jorell Williams, bass and orchestra. Our third concert of the season Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light on April 20, 2024 introduces Toronto’s newest contemporary vocal ensemble, Chroma Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Mitchell Pady and brings back our associate choir, VIVA Chamber Singers, Carol Ratzlaff, conductor. The three choirs will present the spectacular Mass for Double Choir by Swiss composer Frank Martin, stunning works for multiple choir by Canadians Peter Togni and Eleanor Daley, and Stars by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds.

A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light 

Subscribe to three concerts ($110, $100, $60), click here.

Celestial Light

Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here.

Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Or call for more information, to buy tickets or group tickets 416-217-0537

Carmine Lappano
Carmine Lappano
Composer for Give us the Wings of Faith

Carmine Lappano was born in 1977 and raised in Toronto, Ontario. Working primarily as a liturgical musician, Carmine is well respected as a Composer/ Conductor/ Organist, having held appointments in several churches throughout the last 18 years. Carmine has extensive choral experience, having sung with several professional choirs including the Elmer Iseler Singers. Carmine has had the privilege of working with prominent Canadian choral musicians such as Lydia Adams, Eleanor Daley, Jerzy Chichocki and Matthew Larin. A member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Carmine holds a professional diploma in Choral Conducting (Ch. RCCO). He has written several pieces of sacred choral music for liturgical use, and continues to create music for church choirs of any level. More recently, Carmine’s composition “Arise, Arise”, won first prize in the Chronos Vocal Ensemble Choral Composition Competition, and was premiered in November of 2023.

Matthew Boutda
Matthew Boutda

Matthew Boutda (he/him) is a Lao-Canadian conductor, tenor, and organist pursuing his Doctor of Music in Choral Conducting at McGill University, Schulich School of Music.

Matthew is the Principal Conductor of the McGill Concert Choir in Montréal, QC, and is also the Director of Music at Leaside United Church in Toronto, ON. He also serves as an ambassador for the Centre for Congregational Song, member of the executive committee of the Hymn Society in Canada and the United States, and Community Director for the Summer Institute of Church Music.

As a conductor, he has had the opportunity to work with choirs such as the Ontario Youth Choir, Pax Christi Chorale, Schulich Singers, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Vancouver Chamber Choir, and the Western University Singers.

Matthew holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Western Ontario, a Bachelor of Music, and a Master of Sacred Music from the University of Toronto, and an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Matthew is a recent recipient of the Clifford Evens Graduate Conducting Award, Gerald Wheeler Award, Helen Hall Prize, and Wayne Riddell Choral Award.

Norman E. Brown
Norman E. Brown

For the past 5 years bass-baritone Norman E. Brown has split his musical time between singing and conducting.  He has been conductor for many Ottawa-based choirs, including conducting pieces with the Ottawa Choral Society, Atlantic Voices and Musica Ebraica.  He has also been assistant conductor in Italy for the operas “Suor Angelica” and “Cosi fan tutte” with AEDO, and has conducted “Alcina” (Handel), “Suor Angelica” (Puccini), “Magic Flute” (Mozart) and two world premieres by Jack Hui Litster - “What is Love?” (2022) and “Gates of Heaven: Requiem for a Life of Peace” (2024) with OperOttawa. 

In the 2023-24 season, Norman was the recipient of a Canada Council for the Arts grant in conducting which enabled him to be mentored by Leslie Dala (Vancouver Opera and Vancouver Bach Choir), and shadow conductors Alexander Weimann (Messiah - Vancouver Early Music), Tania Miller (Magic Flute), Jacques Lacombe (Don Pasquale), and more recently with Simon Rivard (Orchestre Classique de Montreal).  Norman will be participating in the Conducting Workshop in June with Robert Franz and the Boise Baroque Orchestra. 

Michael Colla
Michael Colla

Michael is a vocalist and a music educator based in Toronto, who advocates and encourages the role of community in music. Michael is a graduate of St. Michael’s Choir School, York University (B.F.A. Vocal music), and Wilfrid Laurier University (B.Ed). He currently works as a Music Teacher in the Toronto Catholic District School Board and as a choir conductor for the Community Music Schools of Toronto. He served as an interim conductor for St. Paschal Baylon’s R.C Church choir and Coro San Marco and has been a guest conductor for “Singing Together”- a multicultural choral festival. Michael’s passion for music education and community music is a driving force in his development as an educator, conductor, musician, and lifelong learner.

Nataprawira Edmee
Edmee Nataprawira

Edmee Nataprawira is a music educator and multi-instrumentalist based in Toronto, Ontario. An advocate for music as a catalyst for community, creativity, and connection, Edmee enjoys collaborating with fellow artists in Toronto and Montreal. In addition to playing cello and piano, Edmee is an avid choral singer and taiko drumming enthusiast. She currently teaches music at St. Clement's School and VIVA Singers Toronto through song, movement, play, and composition. 

A graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT, piano; Gr. 10, cello) and the University of Toronto (Hon. B.Mus. and B.Ed.), Edmee has been the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, including the Lloyd Bradshaw Prize for choral conducting, the Gordon Cressy Leadership Award and a Klingenstein Summer Institute Fellowship at Columbia University for early-career teachers. She loves to explore how music can nurture relationships, create change, and speak to our sense of wonder. 

Nila Rajagopal
Nila Rajagopal

An accomplished conductor and dedicated educator, Nila Rajagopal is driven by her passion for uniting people through the power of choral music.

Nila’s outstanding expertise has led her to assume numerous roles within the choral landscape. She is currently the Conductor of the Toronto Children’s Chorus’ Anima training choir, Associate Conductor of the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto and Associate Conductor of Modern Sound Collective’s Sehnsucht choir. Her exceptional contributions have earned her esteemed accolades, including the Doreen Rao Choral Award, the Iwan Edwards Award, the Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship, and the Helen Hall Prize. Nila was also a nominee for the 2023 Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting.

A keen lifelong learner, Nila holds a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from McGill University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Toronto. Nila’s dedication to the choral community also extends to her role as South Central Regional Chair on the Choirs Ontario Board of Directors.

Zoitsa (Zoë) Gotziaman
Zoitsa Gotziaman

Zoitsa is a mezzo-soprano and emerging conductor based in Toronto. This season she sang in a new octet led and conducted by Andrew Balfour, and in the chorus of Opera Atelier’s Orphée et Eurydice. She thoroughly loves performing, and has sung in over 30 operas. She currently sings in The Nathaniel Dett Chorale. Past ensemble highlights include singing with Canzona, Dead of Winter, Xara Choral Theatre, and being section lead at Toronto Chamber Choir and VOCA Chorus of Toronto. Her education includes a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Manitoba, under the tutelage of Tracy Dahl. Zoitsa conducts the Butterfly Chorus at the Canadian Children’s Opera Company and used to teach Intermediate and Senior Choirs at Sistema Toronto.

Steven Webb
Steven Webb
Composer for The Going Out

Originally from South Africa, Steven Webb is a Tkarón:to (Toronto)-based composer and sound designer, living as a settler on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and the Mississauga’s of the Credit. With his artistic works being filtered through the personal lens of his own battle with mental illness, Webb creates new music and video art from an eclectic mix of influences including retro science-fiction, horror, 1990s computer software and video game culture, obsolete consumer gear, and the orchestral cinematic tradition.

His current compositional work is concerned with examining the contemporary human experience, with the disorientation, confusion, and dread that arises from living in a world dealing with a climate crisis, growing conflict and marginalization towards minority groups, and the increasing isolation of the individual in spite of our hyper-connectivity. Webb creates art primarily by investing in communitybased music making, aligning his musical output and practices to create closer communities through public performances, sound installations and musical recordings.

Webb is a member of the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers, (SOCAN), as well as the Screen Composers Guild of Canada, and is an Associate Composer at the Canadian Music Centre.

Elienna Wang
Elienna Wang
Composer for Words Unspoken

Elienna is a Toronto-based composer studying with Professor Norbert Palej at the University of Toronto. Her music has been performed at the University of Toronto's Student Composers Concerts and New Music Festival, the Women's Art Association of Canada, the Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Church, and retirement homes across the GTA. Most recently, her choral piece, "Wings," was premiered by the Spirit Singers Choir at the "Come In From the Cold" fundraising concert this March, and her art song, "Rosé Leaves" will be premiered at the SPO's "Prelude to Hope" concert this April. By sharing her musical voice, Elienna hopes to bring joy, hope, and belonging to her listeners.

Emily Hiemstra
Emily Hiemstra
Composer for Oudh

Emily Hiemstra is a real life viola mom. She is a violist, composer and mom to four boys under 6.

A JUNO-nominated composer, she has had her music performed at festivals throughout Europe, USA and Canada. Her orchestral and operatic background as a performer has deepened her understanding of colour and texture which she readily applies in her compositions to create clear and innovative works.

As a violist and dedicated chamber musician, she has performed at festivals around the world and is founder of the Charis Collective, a chamber ensemble creating family-friendly concerts in London, ON.

Doug MacNaughton, Baritone (Photo: Catherine Charron-Drolet)
Christopher Wilson
Baritone

Christopher Wilson is a professional performer, arts educator, writer, independent producer

Gordon Burnett, Bass
Gordon Burnett
Bass

Gord Burnett maintains an active career as a singer, conductor and voice teacher. In addition to the Elmer Iseler Singers, his professional choral experience includes the Elora Festival Singers, Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, and 16 years with Tactus Vocal Ensemble, an octet dedicated to the performance of early music. Presently he conducts the Sanctuary and Handbell Choirs at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener and the Guelph Male Choir. He maintains a successful private voice studio in Waterloo. In his spare time, he enjoys working through the Sunday New York Times crosswords.

Sharang Sharma, Tenor
Sharang Sharma
Tenor

Sharang Sharma is an emerging musician with interests in performance and historical musicology. His interpretation of repertoire from the Middle Ages to 1800 brings a refreshing take on little-performed music by less renowned composers. His most recent engagement as lay clerk at The Queen’s College, Oxford (UK), has set him up for a life in ecclesiastical music, which he pursues as Director, Chapel Music at Huron University College, London (Canada). He focused on monastic culture in medieval Italy as part of his recently completed masters in musicology at the University of Oxford.

Sharang has performed in professional and amateur choirs, such as The Strand Consort in London (UK), Fount & Origin in Oxford, Kammerchor and Chor Amica in London (Canada), and with theatre and opera companies, such as LINK in London (Canada), and Spectra Ensemble in London (UK). During his undergraduate degree, he participated in Western University’s choirs and opera productions and was an active member of London’s musical community. His range of experiences comprises recording with the BBC, performing with the Academy of Ancient Music and Instruments of Time and Truth, studying historical repertoire and performance with Canadian Renaissance Music Summer School and Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, and appearing as guest chorister and soloist at many music festivals including the Huron County Bach Festival and the Sherborne Early Music Festival.

Sharang was the 43rd and 44th season James T. Chestnutt Scholar.

Michael Sawarna, Tenor
Michael Sawarna
Tenor

Michael began singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers in 2004. He is the second Iseler Singer to originate from Kemptville, Ontario a small town south of Ottawa. Now living in Toronto he is a Tenor Section Lead for the Amadeus Choir and St. Andrew’s United Church Choir. He is studying voice with Catherine Robbin at York University. In his spare time Michael hopes to become as good a hockey player as now-retired tenor Ed Wiens.

Mitchell Pady, Tenor
Mitchell Pady
Tenor

A Graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Mitchell Pady pursued his studies in composition and voice.  He has performed and participated in many festivals and conferences including the national conductors’ conference run by the Association of Canadian Orchestras.  He has acted as choral adjudicator for both the Kiwanis and Music Fest Canada competitions and is the Choral Conductor for the acclaimed Inter-Provincial Music Camp.  During the last six years Mitchell has worked with teachers and students as a choral clinician for a number of professional development workshops across the Toronto District School Board. He is presently Artistic Director of the Oriana Singers and conductor of The Cellar Singers, succeeding Albert Greer who retired in May 2012.

Doug MacNaughton, Baritone (Photo: Catherine Charron-Drolet)
Doug MacNaughton
Baritone

Doug MacNaughton began his singing career at the age of 20, when he made his operatic debut with Edmonton Opera. Since then, he has gone on to sing throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. He is at home in opera, operetta, musical theatre and concert work, and he is known as much for the versatility of his acting as for his singing.

Eric MacKeracher, Tenor
Eric MacKeracher
Tenor

Eric is from Pickering, Ontario. He joined the EIS in September 2000 and in the same month became the music director at Kingston Road United Church in the Beaches area of Toronto. He also sings tenor in the Amadeus Choir. In his spare time Eric likes to read – preferably with one of his several cats curled up in his lap! 

Michael Thomas, Bass
Michael Thomas
Baritone

Baritone Michael Thomas, a native of Toronto, has been a member of the Elmer Iseler Singers since 1998. His powerful, emotive voice has been featured in performances as a soloist with numerous choirs in the Toronto area, most notably with the Amadeus Choir and the Elmer Iseler Singers. He was also the baritone soloist with the Toronto Symphony’s New Creations Festival in 2013 in the Canadian premiere of Vabeni: Ritual of Prehistoric Fossils of Man by Krystof Marayka. Michael is a music instructor for the Toronto District School Board and, since August 2006, has been Music Director at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Markham. Michael was selected to sing with Placido Domingo as a member of the Blackcreek Summer Music Festival Chorus.

Nelson Lohnes, Bass
Nelson Lohnes
Bass

Nelson was born in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Organist and music director at St. James The Apostle, Brampton. Occasional teacher for the Dufferin Peel Roman Catholic School Board and Peel Board of Education. Grade 10 Silver Medal and A.R.C.T. Gold Medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Music Associate and Music Licentiate Diplomas from the Western Board of Music. Solo work during career has included opera, musical and choral societies in England, the United States and Canada. Recent solo work was in August at Niagara on the Lake International Festival singing several Spanish Tango pieces with chamber quartet. Nelson will soon be recording a new solo CD, including “Song for the Mira”.

Andrea Ludwig, Mezzo Soprano (Photo: Bo Huang)
Andrea Ludwig
Soprano

Juno-nominated mezzo soprano Andrea Ludwig is an artist of tremendous depth, musicality and scope. Hailed by Halifax Chronicle Herald critic Stephen Pedersen as having “tones of silver and gold,” Andrea has appeared with the Canadian Opera Company in numerous roles including Nireno in Handel’s Julius Ceasar, the Second Niece in Britten’s Peter Grimes, Flora in The Turn of the Screw, Moira in Paul Ruder’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and Liesgen in Bach’s Coffee Cantata. Andrea is proud to announce her recent Juno nomination for a recording of Canadian composer Peter Togni’s Responsio in collaboration with Jeff Reilly, Suzie LeBlanc, Charles Daniels and John Potter.

Gisele Kulak, Soprano
Gisele Kulak
Soprano

Saskatchewan native, Gisele Kulak has enjoyed a widely varied career, beginning with opera and operetta, but shifting to oratorio and recital work, dabbling in pop and jazz along the way. Gisele has performed as a soloist with The National Ballet Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, Tapestry New Opera Works, The Victoria Symphony, The Oakville Symphony, The York Symphony, The Burlington Civic Chorale, and in many concerts with “Music at Metropolitan”, the concert series of Metropolitan United Church in Toronto.

Gisele has established a focus on choral music, singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers for eleven seasons and Soundstreams’ Choir 21 for seven seasons.  She has also been a member of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, “voxworks”, and the Adelphi Ensemble. Gisele teaches singing and provides choral techniques workshops as well as being the vocal coach for The Oriana Women’s Choir.

Susan Suchard, Soprano
Susan Suchard
Soprano

Soprano Susan Suchard is a native of London, Ontario. She holds a BMus from Western University and an MMus in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Toronto. Now in her 21st season with the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, she is also a frequent singer with the Elmer Iseler Singers, and a former member of the Elora Festival Singers, the professional core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Canadian Opera Company Chorus. She enjoys a career as a voice teacher, with students ranging from beginners, to advanced amateurs, to aspiring professionals. As a conductor, Susan has served as Director of Music for Rosedale United Church,  as Preparatory Chorus Conductor for VIVA Singers Toronto, and on projects with Tapestry Opera and Jumblies Theatre. She was an Artist Educator for the Canadian Opera Company and a music teacher in the public school system. As an arts administrator, Susan was General Manager for VIVA Singers Toronto, Managing Editor for Opera Canada magazine, and Leadership Legacy Intern for Tapestry Opera.

Valerie Nunn, Alto
Valerie Nunn
Alto

Valerie was privileged to sing for Elmer in the 80’s and is thrilled to be back singing with EIS.  While in the Singers, she met her husband, Gord Burnett and has Elmer to thank for that!

Her choral experience includes Hart House Chorus, Ontario Youth Choir, University of Western Ontario Faculty Singers, Gregg Smith Singers (NYC), Elora Festival Singers and Tactus Vocal Ensemble. She enjoys playing guitar for the Buddy Choir, a group of developmentally challenged adults who love to sing! 

Karen Freedman, Alto
Karen Freedman
Alto

Despite growing up in a musical household, with her mother a founding member of Elmer Iseler's Festival Singers, Karen only discovered choral singing herself at McMaster University, where she studied French. During an 11-year stay in France, she sang with the Ensemble Vocal de Provence and Audite Nova de Paris. Throughout her teaching career with the Toronto District School Board, she sang first with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir under the direction of Elmer Iseler, then with the Amadeus Choir and Lydia Adams.

Now retired from teaching, Karen joined the Elmer Iseler Singers as a substitute in 2018. She is busier than ever, as an alto and librarian with the Amadeus Choir and as a volunteer in the Choirs Ontario Music Library. She loves to travel and read historical novels when she has time.

Shawn Grenke, Accompanist
Shawn Grenke
Accompanist

Conductor, Pianist and Organist Shawn Grenke is Director of Music at Eglinton St. George’s United Church in Toronto, Associate Conductor and Accompanist for the Amadeus Choir of Toronto, Accompanist to the Elmer Iseler Singers of Toronto, and Artistic Director to the Woodstock Fanshawe Singers of Woodstock Ontario.

Shawn is also the Director of the 80 voice Achill Choral Society based out of Orangeville, Ontario. Shawn has made international appearances as conductor, pianist and organist in Poland, Sweden, Korea, the United States and Europe.

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Paul Winkelmans, Baritone - Photo:Simeon Rusnak Photography
Paul Winkelmans
Baritone

Paul Winkelmans joined the Singers at the start of their 2017/2018 season, having just received his Master of Music in Voice and Opera Performance from McGill University. At McGill he enjoyed performances as part of Opera McGill, as well as his involvement in Michael McMahon’s Song Interpretation class. He loves exploring and sharing both standard and unconventional repertoire, combining works by classical masters Schubert and Schumann with contemporary pieces in his programmed recitals, and even commissioning a new Canadian work to premiere for his fourth year undergraduate recital at the University of Manitoba.

Graham Robinson, Bass
Graham Robinson
Bass

Graham studied under Dr. Bruce More, Alexandra Browning, and Susan Young. He was a featured performer for the University of Victoria Chorus and Chamber Singers, and the Victoria Chamber Orchestra In addition to his role as a soloist, Graham has managed a vocal studio and provided vocal coaching to the Cantiamo Youth Choir. After spending time in Cuba and Japan, he now resides in Toronto. In addition to singing with Elmer Iseler Singers, he is featured regularly with the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Univox, Humbercrest United Church, and All The King’s Voices.

Cathy Robinson, Soprano
Cathy Robinson
Soprano

Cathy joined the Elmer Iseler Singers in 2005. She has an extensive operatic career, including the role of Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust with Premier Opera, Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte with Oberlin’s Summer Opera Program in Casalmaggiore, Italy. Cathy has also appeared in three operas with the New Opera and Concert Centre in Toronto, and was the winner of the 1996 Oshawa-Whitby Kiwanis Senior Rosebowl Competition. Cathy maintains her role as a soprano with the Amadeus Choir, in which she has sung for many years.

Claire Renouf, Soprano
Claire Renouf
Soprano

Claire is thrilled to be a part of the Elmer Iseler Singers. Born in Toronto, she began her formal training as a child when she joined the Toronto Children’s Chorus. After singing with them for seven years, she continued her studies at Queen’s University, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. During her time at Queen’s, she also sang with the Queen’s Choral Ensemble, and performed in several stage productions, such as Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretal, as well as Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. After graduating, Claire sang as a member of the Exultate Chamber Singers under Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt for five years. Claire has studied under such Canadian talents as Patricia Harton-McCord, Elizabeth McDonald, and Bruce Kelly. She continues to use her vocal training as a prospective voice-over talent.

Claudia Lemcke, Alto
Claudia Lemcke
Alto

Claudia Lemcke studied Piano and Voice in her native Germany. With her ‘warm and clear voice and a reliable sense of style’ (Rheinische Post) and ‘her charming sound and directness of interpretation’ (Brantford Expositor) she has established herself as a versatile Mezzo Soprano equally at home in art song and oratorio.

Claudia has been a frequent soloist in Toronto and the GTA and has extensive choral and solo experience with several of Toronto’s finest ensembles. After singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers as a substitute for several years she finally joined the ensemble in 2016.

When she is not singing in Toronto, Claudia can either be found in Montréal, singing with La Chapelle de Québec under Bernard Labadie, or teaching Piano and Voice in her own private studio.

Lynn McMurray, Alto
Lynn Featherstone
Alto

Lynn Featherstone joined the Singers in September 2017. She was raised in Cambridge, Ontario, where she started piano lessons at age six, beginning a life-long pursuit in musicianship – as a choral singer, soloist and conductor. At the University of Toronto she completed both her Bachelor of Music in Music Education in Voice Studies and her Masters in Music Education, and has sung with the University of Toronto MacMillan Singers and the Bach Festival Singers. For over a decade Lynn has been an alto soloist at Fairlawn Avenue United Church. She was formerly Associate Conductor for the Bach Children’s Chorus, under conductor Linda Beaupré. Lynn is the private vocal coach and piano teacher at Crescent School.

Amy Dodington, Soprano
Amy Dodington
Soprano

Amy Dodington joined the Elmer Iseler Singers in the Fall of 2012.  Her musical family has had a long association with the EIS since the days of the Festival Singers.  Originally from Port Carling, Muskoka, she moved to Toronto in 1996 to study Zoology and then Voice Performance at the University of Toronto.  She then studied privately with Monica Whicher.  Amy is now a freelance soloist regularly performing concert works and giving eclectic solo recitals.  As a soprano soloist and section lead she sang for seven years with the Toronto Chamber Choir, sixteen years at Kingsway-Lambton Church, and is currently at Fairlawn Avenue United Church under Eleanor Daley.  Amy’s extensive choral experience includes the Ontario Youth Choir, the Hart House Chorus, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, the Oriana Singers, Helmuth Rilling’s Stuttgart Festival Ensembles and Soundstreams Choir 21.  You can discover the next thing that’s up her sleeve on her website: amydodington.com 

Gillian Grant
Alto

Since graduating from Queen's University School of Music, Gillian's enthusiasm for her work has provided her with a breadth of experience including teaching private piano and voice lessons, singing with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, singing backup vocals in a folk band, and working as soprano section lead at St. Aidan’s in the Beach. 

Charles Davidson, Tenor
Charles Davidson, Tenor

Noted for “refined tone, luxurious timbre and superior technique” (Opera Gong Toronto), Charles has joined some of Canada’s leading choirs as soloist and ensemble member, including Tafelmusik (two JUNO nominations), Soundstreams’ Choir 21, and currently, the Elmer Iseler Singers. Oratorio highlights include Mozart Requiem, Bach St John Passion and Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle. Equally at home on the stage, Charlie trained at the Guildford School of Acting in the United Kingdom. 2023/24 included highlights from Haydn’s Creation (Masterworks Oakville), Bach Cantata 131 with Toronto Beach Chorale, and H.M.S. Pinafore in concert with The Cellar Singers. Thank you for supporting great music. 

Alison Roy, Alto
Alison Roy
Alto

Alison was born in Ottawa, Ontario and has been with the Elmer Iseler Singers since 1994. She works for the Toronto District School Board as a Music Itinerant. Alison is Second Alto Section Lead at Metropolitan United Church and Alto Section Lead for the Amadeus Choir. In her spare time (whenever that is!), she does studio work, and writes.

Will Reid, Tenor
Will Reid
Tenor

Will is a Toronto-based musician, conductor and educator. When not singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers, he can be seen singing lead for the funk and soul band, Yasgurs Farm as well as the 50s group, The Redeemers. Will is also the Assistant Choir Director and George Black fellow of Sacred Music at the Church of the Redeemer, a position held since 2015. Will holds a B.Mus from the Faculty of Music and a B.Ed from OISE, UofT. 

Ben Keast, Tenor
Ben Keast
Tenor

Ben joined EIS in the fall of 2016. He is a composer, chorister, teacher, and music director. As a composer, he combines his experience in Korean traditional music and his knowledge of western classical music to achieve a unique soundscape – with a focus on choral music. Every summer, he can be found working with talented children, putting on six musicals over the course of a summer at Camp Manitou in McKellar, Ontario. Every Sunday, he sings Renaissance polyphony at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Parkdale, Toronto. He holds a Master of Music degree in Composition from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa.

Clara Krausse, Soprano
Clara Krausse
Soprano

Clara Krausse is a soprano who hails from Montreal and is currently based in Toronto. She enjoys performing a wide variety of music, including choral, chamber, and solo music, from early to contemporary.  She performs regularly with groups such as Soundstreams’ Choir 21, Concreamus, Trinity St. Paul’s United Church choir, and is thrilled to now be singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers. Recent solo performances include Buxtehude’s Mit Fried und Freud and Fauré’s Requiem with Serenata à St-Jean, Montreal, and Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Mass for the Endangered with Trinity St. Paul’s United Church. She obtained her Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto where she studied with Nathalie Paulin. Besides singing, she also plays the recorder, having performed with Serenata à St-Jean and the University of Toronto’s Collegium Musicium.

Manishya Jayasundera
Manishya Jayasundera
Soprano, Conductor, JTC Scholar

Manishya Jayasundera is an emerging conductor, educator, singer and pianist. She received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto where she completed her degree in Classical Voice Music Education. She is currently in the Master of Teaching program at OISE with Vocal Music and French as her teachable subjects. She received her ARCT diploma in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Manishya was the apprentice conductor with the Exultate Chamber Singers at the October 2022 concert. She was also the most recent conducting intern at St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto. Currently, Manishya is the Senior Choir Conductor with the Brampton Children’s Chorus and she sings with various groups in the GTA.

Alice Dearden
Alice Dearden
Composer for Song

Alice Dearden is a Toronto-based music educator, choir director, and composer who has studied for many years with Roger Bergs. Crux, her choral requiem, premiered in May 2016. Her cantata Seven Words from the Cross was sung by Knox Presbyterian Church (Toronto). Others of her choral works have been performed by Musicata – Hamilton’s Voices,  le Choeur gai d’Ottawa Gay Men’s Chorus, The Fountains of the Sun Choir, the Arizona Girls Chorus,  Acquired Taste, and several church choirs. Her first opera, Victoria, or Tony Gets Schooled, has received a semi-staged reading. Alice also writes art songs,  music for strings and other ensembles, and elementary to advanced piano pieces. Her piece Thistle Flower, from Thistle Flower: a little suite for piano, won the CFMTA 2021 Call for Compositions. She received a Cornerstone award from Music for Young Children for her contributions of songs and elementary piano pieces to the MYC curriculum.  

Michael Colvin
Michael Colvin
Composer for Sure on This Shining Night

Celebrated Irish-Canadian tenor Michael Colvin began his musical journey at St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto with daily instruction in Gregorian chant, music theory and piano. Further studies followed at the Britten Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies in Aldeburgh, England and the Opera Division at the University
of Toronto Faculty of Music.

Michael maintains a busy international performing career with regular appearances at the world’s great opera houses including Teatro alla Scala, Opéra de Paris, London’s Royal Opera and the Salzburg Festival. He also has a long-standing relationship with the Canadian Opera Company, having launched his career with the Ensemble Studio over 25 years ago. His compositional style is heavily influenced by his work as a performer. Grounded in simple, singable melodies, Michael’s works are infused with a love for dissonant, ‘crunchy’ harmonies.

He looks forward to furthering his studies with Canadian composer, Matthew Emery in the Fall of 2024.