Genre

:

Choral

 

The Elora Festival Singers is a Canadian classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for its exceptional performances of choral music. Founded in 1980 by Noel Edison, the ensemble has become one of the most respected choral groups in Canada, known for its impeccable musicianship and innovative programming. Noel Edison, a renowned conductor and organist, founded the Elora Festival Singers in the small town of Elora, Ontario, with the goal of creating a world-class choral ensemble that would showcase the beauty and power of choral music. Edison had previously served as the conductor of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Orpheus Choir of Toronto, and he brought his extensive experience and expertise to the new ensemble. From its earliest days, the Elora Festival Singers distinguished itself with its commitment to excellence and its willingness to take risks. The ensemble's repertoire was diverse, ranging from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works, and its performances were marked by a sense of passion and intensity that captivated audiences. Over the years, the Elora Festival Singers has grown in size and stature, attracting some of the finest choral singers in Canada and beyond. The ensemble's core members include sopranos Sheila Dietrich and Jennifer Enns Modolo, altos Christina Stelmacovich and Lynne McMurtry, tenors Lawrence Wiliford and Michael Colvin, and bass-baritone Daniel Lichti. One of the highlights of the Elora Festival Singers' career was its performance at the 1992 World Choral Symposium in Vancouver, where the ensemble received widespread acclaim for its stunning rendition of Arvo Pärt's "Magnificat." The performance was a turning point for the ensemble, establishing it as a major force in the world of choral music. Since then, the Elora Festival Singers has continued to push the boundaries of choral music, collaborating with composers and musicians from around the world to create new and exciting works. The ensemble has performed at major festivals and concert halls across Canada and the United States, including the Toronto International Choral Festival, the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, and Carnegie Hall. In addition to its live performances, the Elora Festival Singers has also released several critically acclaimed recordings, including "Lux," a collection of works by contemporary composers, and "Northern Lights," a celebration of Canadian choral music. The ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including several Juno Awards, Canada's highest honor for music. In 2012, the Elora Festival Singers was awarded the National Choral Award by Choral Canada, recognizing the ensemble's outstanding contributions to the choral community. Despite its many achievements, the Elora Festival Singers remains committed to its original mission of sharing the beauty and power of choral music with audiences around the world. Through its innovative programming, exceptional musicianship, and unwavering dedication to excellence, the ensemble has become a true ambassador for Canadian choral music, inspiring and delighting audiences wherever it performs.

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