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Strawberries and Champagne by the Lake

Strawberries and Champagne by the Lake

Canada’s Elmer Iseler Singers
Lydia Adams, Conductor and Artistic Director
invite you to join us on 

Sunday, May 28, 2023, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Toronto Hunt Club, 1355 Kingston Road

Welcome back to our unique setting on Lake Ontario – a ‘hidden jewel’ between the beaches and the bluffs. Participate in our amazing spring silent auction, enjoy light refreshments and spend a delightful musical afternoon with Canada’s Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor.

Celebrate with us as we honour
Lydia Adams’ 25th year as
Conductor and Artistic Director of
the Elmer Iseler Singers. 

Tickets: $100 (appropriate 2023 tax receipts will be issued)

More information and tickets are available online, click the button below or call 416-217-0537.

Proceeds from this annual fundraising event will support the Elmer Iseler Singers’ outstanding musical performances, workshops and educational activities throughout the GTA, around Ontario and across Canada.

EIS logo - cropped
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Spirit in Song: the Spring Wind Whispers

Conductor Lydia Adams invites you to join the Elmer Iseler Singers for a performance of stellar choral music on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 4:00 pm – Eglinton St. George’s United Church.

The Singers, joined by outstanding guest instrumentalists, perform the world premiere of Barren Cabin, Tin Roof, by Matthew Emery, the stunning Requiemby beloved composer John Rutter, Come, Holy Spirit by Ruth Watson Henderson and premiere performances of works by Matthew-John Knights and Nicholas Ryan Kelly.

Please join us!

Click the YouTube video below for Lydia’s invitation

Spirit in Song: the Spring Wind Whispers

Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
35 Lytton Blvd., Toronto, ON, M4R 1L2 

The Elmer Iseler Singers respectfully request that all audience members wear masks.

For tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here

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Elmer Iseler Singers sing for Ukraine

On the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Elmer Iseler Singers, conductor Lydia Adams and mezzo-soprano Andrea Ludwig mark this sad moment with a performance of Melodia, by Myroslav Skoryk, arranged by Mykola Hobdych. 

On this solemn anniversary, we extend our deepest sympathy to the Ukrainian people. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine, reaffirming our commitment to the ideal of freedom, with hope that the voices of peace and justice will be heard.

Слава Україні!

Melodia: Myroslav Skoryk, composer; Mykola Hobdych, arranger; Andrea Ludwig, mezzo-soprano; Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor
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Honouring Leon Dubinsky (1941-2023)

Dear Friends – The Elmer Iseler Singers and conductor Lydia Adams join with people the world over in paying tribute to songwriter Leon Dubinsky, who died in Cape Breton on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023.

Leon Dubinsky is perhaps best known as the writer of the iconic song, ‘We Rise Again’, synonymous with the resilience of the people of Cape Breton Island to face life’s difficulties and loss. ‘We Rise Again’ touches a universal chord in people’s hearts, and has inspired generations of people worldwide to keep moving forward and to stay strong in spite of hardships and challenges. It is an uplifting work that gives people hope for the future. The Elmer Iseler Singers have been honoured to sing ‘We Rise Again’ in every part of Canada where we have toured: East, West and North. Leon’s words and music have brought inspiration, hope and light to many thousands of audience members and singers around the world.

The Elmer Iseler Singers send our deepest condolences to Leon’s family and his many, many friends and colleagues.

Thank you, Leon. We are forever grateful.


The Elmer Iseler Singers, conductor Lydia Adams and pianist Shawn Grenke are joined by choirs from across Canada singing ‘We Rise Again’ to pay tribute to our friend, Leon Dubinsky.

Joining the EIS are:

  • Whitehorse Community Choir (Barbara Chamberlin, conductor)
  • Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus (Maria Fuller, conductor)
  • Wiarton Concert Choir (Marla Spencer, conductor)
  • Agincourt Madrigal Singers, Toronto (James Pinhorn, conductor)
  • Cape Breton Chorale (Ryan Billington, conductor)
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Order of Canada Appointments!

Order of Canada medals (photo: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall)

Dear Friends – it is with enormous pleasure that we congratulate three of our treasured choral friends on their appointment to the Order of Canada.

We are thrilled to congratulate Toronto composer Eleanor Daley on her appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. Eleanor is honoured for her many contributions to Canadian music and to choral culture throughout Canada and internationally. The Elmer Iseler Singers have had a long-standing connection with Eleanor, and have championed her music in our Toronto concerts, on Tour throughout Canada, and through recordings.

Eleanor Joanne Daley, O.C.

We are also so happy to congratulate Kingston composer Mark Sirett on his appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada. The Elmer Iseler Singers have presented Mark’s music on our Toronto series and on Tour throughout Canada, and we are thrilled that he has been granted this great honour for his contributions to Canadian choral music.

Mark Geoffrey Sirett, C.M.

The Elmer Iseler Singers also celebrate with St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador conductor Douglas Dunsmore for his appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada. Douglas has been awarded this prestigious award for his significant contributions as a conductor and music educator and for his significant contributions to prominent provincial and national music organizations. On a personal note, Douglas has been a life-long colleague and has hosted the choir on tour in St. John’s many many times through his university and community connections.

Douglas Allen Dunsmore, C.M.

Eleanor, Mark and Douglas will be presented with their insignia at a future investiture ceremony (date to be determined).

The Order of Canada was created in 1967, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to honour people whose service shapes our society, whose innovations ignite our imaginations, and whose compassion unites our communities.

“The Order of Canada celebrates the lives, endeavours and successes of people from coast to coast to coast and from all walks of life. Those being appointed today come from a variety of sectors, have achieved national and international success, and have shown ingenuity, innovation and generosity. What’s more, they have made a difference in their communities and for Canada with their outstanding dedication and commitment. Congratulations to the new Order of Canada appointees, as well as those celebrating a promotion within the Order.” – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

Congratulations to Eleanor, Mark and Douglas!
The Elmer Iseler Singers and conductor Lydia Adams celebrate with you!!

Join us for this upcoming performance

Strawberries and Champagne

Strawberries & Champagne at the Lake

Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Toronto Hunt Club - Celebrate Lydia Adams' 25th year as conductor and artistic director of the Elmer Iseler Singers as we enjoy the beautiful and intimate setting of the Toronto Hunt Club on Lake Ontario. Participate in our amazing spring silent auction and spend a delightful musical afternoon with Canada’s Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor.

Tickets available online (appropriate 2023 tax receipt will be issued).

To learn about upcoming events, music and news