Toronto is a city renowned for its many talented musicians and composers. It is also home to numerous exceptional music ensembles. One of the most iconic is the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, a prominent Canadian vocal group founded in 1894. Additionally, Toronto hosts several other remarkable choirs and vocal ensembles. Learn more about the history and development of Toronto’s vocal ensembles on toronto-trend.com.
The History of the Mendelssohn Choir
In 1894, Augustus S. Vogt and W. H. Hewlett founded the Mendelssohn Choir to celebrate the opening of Massey Hall. Initially, the ensemble was an extension of the Jarvis Street Baptist Church Choir in Toronto, directed by Vogt with accompaniment by Hewlett. Named after German composer Felix Mendelssohn, the choir initially consisted of 160 members.
The Mendelssohn Choir organized its own concerts and performed various compositions. It also collaborated with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, which was established in 1906 and continues to have a significant impact on Toronto’s musical culture.
Beyond its hometown, the Mendelssohn Choir toured extensively in Europe and the United States, performing in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The Popularity of the Mendelssohn Choir
Over the years, the Mendelssohn Choir gained widespread recognition and acclaim. Since 1926, the choir has participated in over 20 recordings, collaborating with renowned artists such as Kathleen Battle, Florence Quivar, John Aler, and Samuel Ramey, as well as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The choir’s voices can also be heard on various film soundtracks.
In 2024, the Mendelssohn Choir released its album Remember: 130 Years of Canadian Choral Music.
Additionally, the choir consistently supports emerging composers by performing their works and participates regularly in music festivals.
Other Vocal Ensembles in Toronto
Toronto is home to numerous vocal ensembles in addition to the Mendelssohn Choir, including:
- Elmer Iseler Singers. Founded in 1979 by renowned conductor Elmer Iseler, this professional ensemble initially specialized in choral music across various styles. The Elmer Iseler Singers have performed at numerous concerts and festivals. Today, the choir’s repertoire includes both classical and contemporary works. Although Elmer Iseler passed away in 1998, the ensemble continues to uphold his traditions and expand its musical horizons.
- Vesnivka Choir. Another notable choir in Toronto is Vesnivka, an amateur women’s choir representing the Ukrainian diaspora. Established in 1965 by Halyna-Kvitka Zorych-Kondracka, Vesnivka held its first performances at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. The choir’s repertoire includes Ukrainian folk songs, classical pieces, and contemporary compositions. Vesnivka has an extensive touring history, performing in Europe, North America, and South America. In 2014, the choir celebrated its 50th anniversary with a concert tour across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Vesnivka has also released several musical albums.
Toronto’s vibrant choral scene is rich with history and talent, exemplified by ensembles such as the Mendelssohn Choir, Elmer Iseler Singers, and Vesnivka Choir. These groups continue to shape the city’s musical landscape, offering memorable performances to audiences both locally and internationally.
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