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Unison/Unisson Choral Festival Heads to Halifax – Tickets on Sale Monday April 3, 2023

For the first time in its history, Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ choral festival, Unison/Unisson  (unisonfestivalunisson.ca) is heading east. The Festival, held every four years in a different city, is happening in Halifax on the Victoria Day weekend, May 19-22, at the Halifax Convention Centre. At the last festival in Calgary in 2018, local choir The Women Next Door, successfully bid to bring the festival to Halifax in the hopes that it would encourage more choral participation from the East Coast. This hoped proved successful with the formation of the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus, who have since become co-hosts. In addition, two other choirs from the Atlantic will be performing at Unison for the first time, one from Nova Scotia and another from Newfoundland. The. The 2023 Festival is presented in partnership with the Nova Scotia Choral Federation.

The theme of the Festival is Open Harbour, referencing the Mi’kmaw name K’jpuktuk, meaning “Great Harbour.” It’s an homage to the unfreezing and always-open Halifax Harbour, the numerous visitors and newcomers who have come through its port, and a nod to the acceptance of the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community in Halifax. Choruses were invited to incorporate the theme into their repertoire.

Kim Vance-Mubanga, President of Unison Choruses Canada and Co-Artistic Director for the Festival, said “choirs across Canada have wanted to see this festival come to Halifax for over a decade. That desire, combined with choirs emerging from the devastating restrictions on gatherings and performances during the pandemic, have created a tidal wave of enthusiasm for this particular Unison festival.”

The Festival was meant to take place in May of 2022 but was delayed due to Covid. It’s been five years since the choruses were last united, and they’ll be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first Unison Festival  when they unite in Halifax. The first festival was in Edmonton in 1998 and festivals have since been held in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Calgary. The inaugural Unison Awards for individuals, choirs and organizations that have enriched and improved their communities through choral music and friendship will be given out in Halifax.

Unison received funding from the LGBT Purge Fund (lgbtpurgefund.com) to commission three original pieces by Canadian composers, receiving their premieres at the Festival. Three Festival Choruses  (SATB, SSAA, TTBB) open to both delegates and the general public will sing the new works at the closing concert. Conductors for the Festival Choruses are Marg Stubington from Ottawa (SATB Chorus), Deirdre Kellerman, a Nova Scotia native currently living in Ottawa (SSAA Chorus) and Willi Zwozdesky from Vancouver, (TTBB Chorus). This free concert promises to be a highlight of the Festival.

The three news pieces are inspired by stories told in the course of the LGBT Purge class action lawsuit, shining a light on the tragedy and the toll of the LGBT Purge in Canada. The new works are Hushed Injustices by Leslie Arden, Before You Even Knew by Mark Sirett and

The Commanded Heart by D. Geoffrey Bell. The Purge Fund was set up following the discrimination, harassment and firing of LGBT members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP and the federal public service between the 1950s and the mid-1990s.  Nova Scotia native, Michelle Douglas, ED of the LGBT Purge Fund and a Purge survivor from the Armed Forces, will also be speaking at the closing concert.

The festival has also partnered with Toronto-based Queer Songbook Orchestra (QSO) (https://www.queersongbook.com/) a professional chamber pop ensemble dedicated to utilizing story and song to express, honour and elevate 2SLGBTQ+ experience, while providing opportunities for mentorship and other supports to queer, trans, questioning and allied youth. QSO will be performing for delegates and the public (ticket required) on Saturday evening (May 20th) and will also be conducting two workshops for festival delegates and providing instrumental accompaniment to the three Festival Choruses. 

Some choirs will be headed to the Bluenose Marathon to sing to runners and raise funds for Unison. Social events, a drag show, Queeraoke and a dance party round out the Unison schedule for delegates.

A full schedule is available on the Festival’s website and social media. Tickets to the general public go on sale Monday, April 3,  through EventBrite. The opening concert on Friday, May 14 is $40, and the four concert blocks on Saturday and Sunday (20th and 21st) are $25 each. The closing concert is free, although a ticket is required and a Festival pass to all concerts is $120. Tickets are limited so concertgoers are advised to book tickets soon. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/59685412633

Unison thanks its donors and funders, and acknowledges that the festival will take place in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.  This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship first signed in 1725.

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The Joy of Singing! – CBC Maritime Noon, April 3, 2023

CBC Maritime Noon Monday April 3, 2023 – The Joy of Singing!

This Monday, the NSCF Executive Director will be on the Maritime Noon phone-in, participating in a conversation about the joy of singing! The show will begin with an interview featuring Heather Fraser, Artistic Director of the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir, about the AVHC trip to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall.  Then, host, Bob Murphy, will be asking: What does singing do for you? In what ways does it enhance your sense of well-being and a feeling of community? Where would you be without singing? Kelsea McLean from Sirens choir on PEI will also share her thoughts. Join the conversation between 12 and 1 o’clock on Monday, April 3 by dialing 1-800-565-1940

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Four Way Harmony – Halifax Rotary Club Call for Singers, Artistic Director and Accompanist

Four Way Harmony (Halifax Rotary Club choir that was comprised of about 20 singers) has been inactive since the pandemic and is looking to rebuild. Their repertoire (sung in four part, SATB harmony), included a diverse selection of really fun to sing, light music, pop, country, folk songs, etc., and included numerous Canadian and Maritime classics – and Christmas music.  They rehearsed every second week, and performed at several retirement homes, as well as on the Halifax waterfront and at CTV’s Christmas Daddies.  Several members sang in performances of the Rotary International Choir at Toronto and Hamburg conferences.

In order to get started they need a few singers in all four voices, (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).  They also need to find a rehearsal space in a convenient location, preferably with a reasonable quality piano. Also critical is the need to track down a replacement musical leadership team.  More specifically they need help with the following:

  • Singers!  If you enjoy singing in the shower, this is way more fun!  There is no audition, but some modest ability to follow along a four part musical score would be helpful.  Let us know if you’d like to give it a go.  We’d love to hear from you.
  • Being a Rotarian is not a prerequisite.  If you know of any ‘Friend of Rotary’ who you think might be interested, please let them know, and ask them to get in touch – partners, adult children, neighbours… all welcome! 
  • They need a new ‘Artistic Director’ to guide the Choir musically.  This may be a fine opportunity for a retired musician or choir director who is looking for some relaxing interest, or a music student looking to gain some experience in choir direction.  While revenue generation potential is inevitably quite modest, some level of remuneration should be possible.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please invite them to get in touch.
  • Accompanist.  Their current accompanist is very keen to help out but has commitments that will likely limit her availability.  If anyone knows a competent pianist, again please get in touch.
  • Finally they need a venue.  It needs to have seating for about 20 people, and as mentioned, ideally needs to be equipped with a piano.  Alternatively, we may be able to work with a reasonable quality keyboard. If you have suggestions please let us know.

If you can help with any of the above, please get in touch, either with Louisa Horne (rotarylouisa@gmail.com), or with Dick Hodgson of Halifax Northwest, (at dick.hodgson@dal.ca ).   They would love to get this fine choral group up and running again!!

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Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo – Call for singers for Adult Choir

I am Patricia Tupper, choral director of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.

This year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the adult choir’s presence in the Tattoo.
I would like to invite any adult SATB singers to join me in celebrating this amazing milestone. You can contact me at choir@nstattoo.ca to express your interest. Please put Adult Choir in the subject line.

This is a major commitment, but it is a great opportunity to experience the excitement of mounting a large production while singing, engaging with foreign participants and making new friends.
The ability to read music is a definite asset and I am sure that you will find that your investment in time is well rewarded. 

Here is an overview of the schedule to date: Rehearsals begin on Sunday, May 28th from 6:00 until 9:00. Rehearsal site TBA
Those rehearsals continue every Sunday night until June 18.
Rehearsals in the Scotia Bank Center are scheduled to begin on the evening of Monday, June 19th and we’ll probably be there most nights until the Show starts dress rehearsals on June 28th.The Show opens on the evening of June 30th. 

Show 1 June 30 evening

Show 2 July 1 matinee

Show 3 July 2 matinee 

Show 4 July 2 evening 

Show 5 July 3 matinee 

I’m hoping that this information will be helpful. More details will be coming as they are known 
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Patricia Guy Tupper
Choral Director The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

choir@nstattoo.ca

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Choir Director, Dartmouth Choral Society

The DARTMOUTH CHORAL SOCIETY seeks a Choral Director to start September 2023

We are searching for a director who will continue to provide enjoyable and musically challenging experiences for our members.

The Dartmouth Choral Society is a four-part, non-auditioned 60 member community choir. We are the longest continuously performing community choir in Nova Scotia, soon entering our 70th year of singing and performing for the community. Throughout its history the Dartmouth Choral Society has provided an artistic opportunity for members to sing some of the great choral works from the renaissance to the contemporary.

Our choral year consists of two terms, September to December, rehearsing weekly to present a Seasonal Concert, and January to April/May culminating in a Spring Concert. The Choir may participate in other concerts/performances at the discretion of the Director.

The responsibilities of the Director include in part:

  • the selection of music and liaising with the librarian to acquire music
  • notifying the accompanist in advance of musical selections for each rehearsal
  • conducting weekly 2 hour rehearsals
  • providing musical instruction to the choir
  • holding auditions as required to determine the appropriate range for a voice or to
    select soloists
  • preparing the choir for at least two concerts per year and directing these concerts
  • recommending guest performers for concerts
  • consulting regularly with the President on matters of choir administration such as
    concert dates, venues, program content, suggested honoraria for guest performers
    and on choir progress.

The application deadline is March 24th, 2023. Applications should be sent electronically to the Selection Committee: dartmouthchoral1954@gmail.com
For further information contact the President Bep Demings: dartmouthchoral1954@gmail.com

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Choral Canada’s Connections Silent Auction.

We’re just one week away from the start of Choral Canada’s Connections Silent Auction! There’s still time to register – sign up now to be notified as soon as the auction goes live on March 3rd. There are loads of items to bid on, including 8 commissions, 11 workshops/consultations, gifts, books and more!

And don’t forget to RSVP for the final event on March 15th at 7:30 pm ET, featuring a “live on Zoom” performance from the Vancouver Youth Choir and time to connect with colleagues as we watch the final bids roll in.
REGISTER TO BID
RSVP FOR CLOSING EVENT
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Canadian Choral Resources Project Survey

National and provincial choral organizations, artists, composers, schools, and various arts organizations across Canada are invited to complete this survey to help gather information to support the creation of a new national Choral Resources Database as part of the Canadian Choral Resources Project.  For more information on the project read the project blog on the Choral Canada website. 

This project is co-ordinated by Byron Hermann with analysis by CPAMO. This survey is part of a project designed to determine the major challenges choirs, choruses, singing groups and composers are currently facing, and to help identify what gaps there are in choir programming and governance, as well as help identify new resources or toolkits needed in the choral sector.

Your participation in this survey will help development of new resources available for you and will include a new website CanadianChoralResources.ca with a free database for you to explore containing information from across the country, such as:  digital programs, recorded interviews, performances, composer information, and toolkits to assist in livestreaming, strategic and curriculum planning, etc. This database could also help you improve your current audience experiences. 

Deadline for completion: Monday, March 27, 2023

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes of your time. As a token of appreciation for your time, after completing the survey you can enter into a draw to win one of the prizes: 

– A gift certificate for $100 from Cypress Music Publishers 

– A $50 gift certificate from Long and McQuade

Complete the survey today!  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8MH7MYJ

Why not share the link/post to this survey with others who you think would be interested.

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Sing Summer – JCC & YCC Registration

Registration is open for Sing Summer 2023. JCC and YCC will take place from August 13-19, 2023. New this year is a Day Camper option for either camp. There are a limited number of spots for campers who may wish to join for the activities all day but return home in the evening (includes lunch and supper). Visit our website to learn more.

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Unison Festival 2023- Festival Chorus Registration


In only three months, Halifax will be welcoming over 600 2SLGBTQIA+ choristers from all
across Canada for the 2023 Unison Festival. The Festival is being hosted by The Women Next
Door and the Halifax Gay Men’s Chorus, with support from the Nova Scotia Choral
Federation. From May 19-22, the city will be buzzing with the joy of a queer community
united in the magic of choral music! The weekend will feature a series of choral concerts,
workshops and social events that will bring the community together.


The theme of the Festival is Open Harbour, and in that spirit we want to welcome the local
2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies to participate. The Closing Concert will feature our
three Festival Choruses, each with delegates drawn from the 17 2SLGBTQIA+ choruses
participating in the festival. Registration for a Festival Chorus is also open to the public and if
you’re a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or an ally who loves to sing, we’d love to
have you!


Each of the three Festival Choruses (SSAA, SATB and TTBB) will be performing their own
repertoire, which will include the world premiere of newly commissioned pieces to help
raise awareness around the LGBT Purge in Canada. These pieces were commissioned by
Unison with the assistance of the LGBT Purge Fund. The Festival Choruses will be conducted
by some of Canada’s premiere choral conductors: Deirdre Kellerman (SSAA), Marg
Stubington (SATB) and Willi Zwozdesky (TTBB). More information about the repertoire of
each Festival Chorus will be posted on the Unison Festival Choruses page.


During the festival, rehearsals for the Festival Choruses will occur on Saturday, May 20 and
Sunday, May 21 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Halifax Convention Centre. The Festival
Choruses will perform at the Closing Concert on Monday, May 22. There will be a tech
rehearsal in the morning so the expected time commitment is from 9:00am – 12:30pm. An
online rehearsal will be held prior to the festival and new registrants will have access to a
recording from a previous rehearsal. The cost of registration for a Festival Chorus is $50 and
can be done through the Festival Choruses page. Participants will also receive either a
rainbow tartan bow tie or bandana which will be part of the uniform for the concert.
If you are interested in participating in a Festival Chorus and are coming from out of town,
Unison has group rates available at several hotels in Halifax.

For more information about the 2023 Unison Festival, please visit the Unison website or contact
festival@unisonfestivalunisson.ca.