Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

The Toronto Festival Singers is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 50 years. The group was founded in 1960 by conductor and composer Elmer Iseler, who had a vision of creating a world-class choral ensemble that would showcase the best of Canadian choral music. The group started out as a small choir of 16 singers, but quickly grew in size and reputation. Under Iseler's leadership, the Toronto Festival Singers became known for their impeccable musicianship, precision, and versatility. They were equally at home performing works from the classical canon as they were singing contemporary pieces by Canadian composers. Over the years, the Toronto Festival Singers have performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. They have also collaborated with some of the most celebrated conductors and soloists of our time, including Leonard Bernstein, Sir Andrew Davis, and Yo-Yo Ma. One of the highlights of the Toronto Festival Singers' career was their performance at the opening ceremonies of the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. The group sang the Canadian national anthem and a specially commissioned piece by Canadian composer Harry Freedman, which was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. The Toronto Festival Singers have also been recognized with numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1997, they were awarded the prestigious Healey Willan Grand Prize for their outstanding contribution to Canadian choral music. They have also won several Juno Awards, Canada's top music prize, for their recordings of Canadian choral music. Despite the passing of Elmer Iseler in 1998, the Toronto Festival Singers have continued to thrive under the leadership of conductor and artistic director Lydia Adams. Adams, who has been with the group since 1988, has continued Iseler's legacy of excellence and innovation, while also bringing her own unique vision to the ensemble. Under Adams' leadership, the Toronto Festival Singers have continued to push the boundaries of choral music, commissioning new works by Canadian composers and collaborating with artists from a wide range of musical genres. They have also continued to tour extensively, performing in Canada, the United States, and Europe. In recent years, the Toronto Festival Singers have also become known for their commitment to social justice and community engagement. They have performed benefit concerts for a wide range of causes, including refugee resettlement, mental health awareness, and Indigenous reconciliation. In 2020, the Toronto Festival Singers celebrated their 60th anniversary with a special concert at Toronto's Koerner Hall. The concert featured a retrospective of the group's greatest hits, as well as new works by Canadian composers. It was a fitting tribute to a group that has done so much to promote Canadian choral music and inspire audiences around the world.

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