The Choir
The All Saints choir is a group of dedicated and talented singers who enjoy meeting regularly on Thursday evenings, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., for both singing and socializing. The choir is a completely volunteer group of singers, some of whom also take on solo roles in masses, cantatas, oratorios, and other performances as required. With their busy schedules and commitments, choir members are not always able to attend Thursday rehearsals, making the Sunday morning 10 a.m. rehearsal for the 11 a.m. service very important.
Besides singing weekly Sunday morning services, which normally include a cappella or organ accompanied Gradual and Communion anthems, as well as leading the hymns, the psalm, and the liturgy, the choir also sings Evensong monthly (the fourth Sunday at 4 p.m.). In addition there are special services, in particular the annual Advent Procession with Carols (begun by Hugh Bancroft in 1952), for which All Saints is well known.
The repertoire of the choir is rich and varied, covering many eras and choral traditions. Besides traditional Renaissance and Tudor repertoire, the choir enjoys singing contemporary repertoire by composers including Arvo Pärt, John Tavener, Ola Gjeilo, and Ēriks Ešenvalds, as well as works by Canadian composers such as Leonard Enns, All Saints alumnus Andrew Balfour, and many others. The choir continues to uphold the long and venerable music tradition of the parish, exemplified by winning second place in the 2008 CBC National Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs.
You are cordially invited to join us! Why not sing with us for a few Thursday evening rehearsals to see if we might be just the musical friends you wish to join in music ministry.
Contact:
Dietrich Bartel, Music Minister
Recordings for the 2008 CBC National Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs