DONATE

News

Posted on

Introducing the 3 choirs for “Messiah” by G.F. Handel

The Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor Present Messiah by G.F. Handel: Featuring three stellar choirs

On December 8, 2023, three acclaimed choirs will be joining forces to perform a remarkable rendition of G.F. Handel’s renowned masterpiece, Messiah. Led by conductor Lydia Adams, the Elmer Iseler Singers, Viva Chamber Singers and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto will present a concert that promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Each choir boasts its own unique strengths and style, combining to create a harmonious and dynamic performance that will leave audiences spellbound. Let us acquaint you with each of them.

Elmer Iseler Singers, Parry Sound 2023 (Photo: Mark Rash)

The Elmer Iseler Singers (EIS), founded in 1979 by Dr. Elmer Iseler, is led by Lydia Adams, C.M., celebrating her 25th year as conductor and artistic director. The EIS are known internationally for their superb musicianship, radiant choral sound and commitment to the commissioning, promotion and performance of works by Canadian and international composers. The EIS is celebrated nationally as one of the flagship choral organizations in Canada. In this performance, the EIS joins their Associate Choir, VIVA Singers, who they work with in an ongoing mentorship model, and the Amadeus Choir, who share many superlative experiences with EIS under conductors Elmer Iseler and Lydia Adams, in presenting this inspiring and glorious work of G.F. Handel.

The VIVA Chamber Singers is a choir for highly skilled youth and adult singers within the broader VIVA Singers Toronto organization. Founded in 2000 by artistic director and conductor Carol Ratzlaff in response to widespread cuts to music education, the Chamber Singers emerged from their original youth ensembles. Many members work as current artistic staff with children ages 4 and up.

The award-winning Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto is led by artistic director and conductor Kathleen Allan. The Amadeus Choir champions the best of choral music by commissioning and premiering works by Canadian and international composers through a self-produced concert series, guest performances, and special events. The Choir recently established the Choral Creation Lab, a residency for composers and poets to co-create original works; and Emerging Canadian Voices, an ensemble of eight young professional singers who take on leadership positions within the choir and receive career mentorship.

This concert is an exceptional opportunity for music lovers to experience the magic of Handel’s Messiah with over 100 voices and orchestra. The combined talents of the Elmer Iseler Singers, VIVA Chamber Singers, and Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto are joined by four exceptional soloists: Linda Tsatsanis, Hillary Tufford, Michael Colvin, and Jorell Williams on December 8, 2023.

Allow the mesmerizing beauty of Handel’s Messiah to transport you to a world of sublime musicality and unparalleled artistry. We look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary performance.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here for the event page.

Posted on

Introducing the soloists for “Messiah” by G.F. Handel

Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, Conductor and Artistic Director present Messiah by G.F. Handel on December 8, 2023

The Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, conductor Present Messiah by G.F. Handel: Featuring four award winning soloists

We are delighted to introduce the four exceptional soloists who will be gracing the stage at the Elmer Iseler Singers presentation of Messiah by G.F. Handel. Representing a diverse range of vocal talents, these soloists are set to captivate the audience with their extraordinary performances. Let us acquaint you with each of them.

Linda Tsatsanis

Linda Tsatsanis, a soprano of remarkable skill and artistry, possesses a voice that is described by the Boston Globe as “sheer vocal proficiency, a bright, flexible voice, big but controlled, shaded with plentiful color“. Linda’s interpretive abilities bring a refreshing and nuanced approach to every piece she performs, resulting in a mesmerizing experience for all fortunate enough to witness her talent.

Hillary Tufford

Hillary Tufford, a mezzo-soprano of exceptional talent, possesses a voice that is characterized by richness and warmth. With a remarkable vocal range and an innate ability to convey emotion, Hillary seamlessly transports listeners into the depths of the music. Her flawless technique and expressive phrasing make her a true powerhouse on stage, guaranteeing a performance that is both captivating and heartfelt.

Michael Colvin

Michael Colvin, a tenor known for his remarkable blend of power and sensitivity, possessing “one of the most beautiful lyric tenor instruments around“. With a commanding stage presence, Michael consistently delivers incredible performances that leave audiences spellbound. His extraordinary ability to imbue each note with emotion creates an immersive musical experience that is simply unforgettable.

Jorell Williams

Jorell Williams, an accomplished bass with a voice characterized by “a deliciously resonant baritone voice” (Broadway World), he has earned acclaim for his “rock-solid” skills. Commanding attention with a voice that can effortlessly fill a concert hall, Jorell’s performances are marked by his impeccable control and artistic depth. His ability to deliver captivating interpretations ensures that his performances are memorable, leaving an indelible impression on all in attendance.

With this ensemble of talented soloists, the Elmer Iseler Singers presentation of Messiah promises to be a truly remarkable musical experience. Join us as we journey through Handel’s enchanting composition, featuring the extraordinary vocal talents of Linda Tsatsanis, Hillary Tufford, Michael Colvin, and Jorell Williams. Experience the power and beauty of their voices as they bring this timeless masterpiece to life along with the Elmer Iseler Singers, VIVA Chamber Singers, and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto. Over 100 voices conducted by the exceptional Lydia Adams.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here for the event page.

Posted on

World premiere of “Psalm Cycle” at Celestial Light

Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams conductor presents Celestial Light

We are grateful to Sid Robinovitch for his dedication of his new Psalm Cycle to Lydia Adams and the Elmer Iseler Singers. The World Premiere of Psalm Cycle will be sung in Hebrew by the Elmer Iseler Singers and is set in five parts: Praise, Sing, Lament, Rejoice, and Reflect following Psalms 145, 96, 6, 24, and 121 respectively.

Sid Robinovitch

A native of Manitoba, Sid Robinovitch has devoted himself to musical composition, having studied at Indiana University and at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. He presently lives in Winnipeg, where he works as a composer and teacher.

Robinovitch’s works have been frequently broadcast on CBC radio, and he has also written music for film and TV where he is best known for his theme for the satirical comedy series, The Newsroom.

Klezmer Suite, performed by the Winnipeg Symphony under the direction of Bramwell Tovey, received a Prairie Music Award for outstanding classical recording. Sefarad, a CD featuring his music for guitar, was released in 2008 on the Marquis label and received both JUNO and Western Canadian Award nominations for classical recording of the year.

You won’t want to miss it! 

Sid Robinovitch at rehearsal for Celestial Light 2023 at Eglinton St. George's United Church, Toronto
Sid Robinovitch at rehearsal for Celestial Light 2023 at Eglinton St. George’s United Church, Toronto
Sid Robinovitch with Lydia Adams and Jessie Iseler at "Psalm Cycle" rehearsal for Celestial Light 2023 at Eglinton St. George's United Church, Toronto
Sid Robinovitch with Lydia Adams and Jessie Iseler at “Psalm Cycle” rehearsal for Celestial Light 2023 at Eglinton St. George’s United Church, Toronto

We are excited to see you on Saturday and share the exhilarating choral sounds of the beloved Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, glorious works by Eleanor Daley, William Byrd, John Beckwith and Srul Irving Glick, and, of course, the world premiere of Psalm Cycle by Sid Robinovitch.

Tickets are available online and at the door!

Instead of just purchasing tickets to Celestial Light, consider subscribing to all three Toronto concerts!

The Toronto series season “A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light” includes Messiah by G.F. Handel on December 8, 2023 with over 100 voices as EIS are joined by the VIVA Chamber Singers, the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, award winning Canadian soloists: Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Hillary Tufford, mezzo-soprano; Michael Colvin, tenor; Jorell Williams, bass; and orchestra.

Our third concert of the season Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light on April 20, 2024 introduces Toronto’s newest contemporary vocal ensemble, Chroma Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Mitchell Pady and brings back our associate choir, VIVA Chamber Singers, Carol Ratzlaff, conductor. The three choirs will present the spectacular Mass for Double Choir by Swiss composer Frank Martin, stunning works for multiple choir by Canadians Peter Togni and Eleanor Daley, and Stars by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds.

A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light 

Subscribe to three concerts ($110, $100, $60), click here.

Celestial Light

Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here.

Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Or call for more information, to buy tickets or group tickets 416-217-0537

Posted on

Lydia Adams invites you to Celestial Light on Oct. 28, 2023

Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams conductor presents Celestial Light

Conductor Lydia Adams invites you to join the Elmer Iseler Singers for their first Toronto series concert of the 2023-24 concert season.

This opening concert, Celestial Light, includes glorious music by Eleanor Daley, William Byrd, and a choral tribute to master Canadian composer John Beckwith, who was so important to the choir for many years throughout all our work with Elmer conducting, at Sharon Temple. They will sing Sharon Fragments by John at this program as well as the world premiere of a wonderful new set of Psalms, sung in Hebrew, by the EIS long-time friend, composer Sid Robinovitch, from Winnipeg, who will be in attendance for the concert.

The second half will bring a performance of the sublime Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, a work of exceptional mysticism and beauty. This performance is with instrumentalists, and the entire concert is full of light and beauty.

You won’t want to miss it! 

Or save even more by subscribing to our Toronto series season “A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light” which includes Messiah by G.F. Handel on December 3, 2023 with over 100 voices as EIS are joined by the VIVA Chamber Singers, the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, award winning Canadian soloists: Linda Tsatsanis, soprano; Hillary Tufford, mezzo-soprano; Michael Colvin, tenor; Jorell Williams, bass and orchestra. Our third concert of the season Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light on April 20, 2024 introduces Toronto’s newest contemporary vocal ensemble, Chroma Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Mitchell Pady and brings back our associate choir, VIVA Chamber Singers, Carol Ratzlaff, conductor. The three choirs will present the spectacular Mass for Double Choir by Swiss composer Frank Martin, stunning works for multiple choir by Canadians Peter Togni and Eleanor Daley, and Stars by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds.

A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light 

Subscribe to three concerts ($110, $100, $60), click here.

Celestial Light

Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here.

Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Or call for more information, to buy tickets or group tickets 416-217-0537

Posted on

Elmer Iseler Singers present their 45th Toronto Concert Season

Elmer Iseler Singers present A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light

A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light 

Dear Friends:

We are thrilled to offer you a season filled with spectacular choral music and experiences, music that will move and excite you, and which brings the light of choral music to your hearts!

2023-2024 CONCERT SEASON: A CONSTELLATION OF RADIANT CHORAL LIGHT

Our opening concert of the season, Celestial Light, includes glorious music by Eleanor Daley, William Byrd, and a choral tribute to master Canadian composer John Beckwith, who was so important to the choir for many years throughout all our work with Elmer conducting, at Sharon Temple. We will sing the Sharon Fragments by John at this program as well as the world premiere of a wonderful new set of Psalms, sung in Hebrew, by our long-time friend, composer Sid Robinovitch, from Winnipeg, who will be in attendance for the concert. The second half will bring a performance of the sublime Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, a work of exceptional mysticism and beauty. This performance is with instrumentalists, and the entire concert is full of light and beauty. You won’t want to miss it!

Messiah – G.F. Handel December’s concert will be thrilling with the presentation of Messiah at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church with both the VIVA Chambers Singers and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto joining us for a spectacular evening of thrilling musical sounds. We will be joined by a stellar quartet of soloists and with orchestra. I hope to see you all there, and please tell your friends about this concert. This is a must for your seasonal calendar!

Our third concert of our Toronto concert season, Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light, is one to be savoured and we have as our guests two glorious choirs: our Associate Choir, the VIVA Chamber Singers, Carol Ratzlaff, conductor, and Toronto’s newest contemporary vocal ensemble, Chroma Vocal Ensemble, conducted by Mitchell Pady. The choirs will present the spectacular Mass for Double Choir by Swiss composer Frank Martin, stunning works for multiple choir by Canadians Peter Togni and Eleanor Daley, and Stars by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. This concert is a showcase of choral brilliance, and will be a highlight in the Toronto choral landscape.

Please join us for three superlative choral events, and invite a friend. They will thank you!

Give a gift to your soul and invest in your life with choral music!

Looking forward to seeing you as we celebrate light and life!

Lydia Adams
Conductor and Artistic Director
Elmer Iseler Singers

A Constellation of Radiant Choral Light

Subscribe to three concerts ($110, $100, $60), click here.

Celestial Light

Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Individual tickets ($55, $50, $35), click here.

Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Eglinton St. George’s United Church
Individual tickets ($45, $40, $25), click here.

Posted on

New Initiative: Emerging Composer/Conductor Workshop

Elmer Iseler Singers Announce New Initiative: Emerging Composer/Conductor Workshop at the Canadian Music Centre!

The Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, Artistic Director, are thrilled to announce a new initiative in the EIS educational outreach program on Saturday, September 30th, 2023 at the Canadian Music Centre.

The emerging choral composers’ and conductors’ workshop features six composers from the VIVA Singers Toronto choral composition program.

The Singers are excited to work with these composers to assist them in honing their skills for their future work.

The Singers and Lydia Adams will also mentor four emerging conductors, Nathan Gritter, Manishya Jayasundera, Deborah Park and Emily Taub, all from the Toronto area, conducting compositions by Canadian composers Eleanor Daley, Ruth Watson Henderson and Hussein Janmohamed, all Associate Members of the CMC. 

Nathan Gritter
Nathan Gritter, Conductor
Manishya Jayasundera
Manishya Jayasundera, Soprano, Conductor, JTC Scholar
Deborah Park
Deborah Park, Conductor
Emily Taub, Alto
Emily Taub, Alto, Conductor, JTC Scholar

This new initiative is an exciting one for the Elmer Iseler Singers, in that it showcases both emerging Canadian choral composers, and also the next generation of Canadian choral conductors!

This is one of three educational workshops the Elmer Iseler Singers will present during the 2023-2024 concert season and we look forward to the thrill of working with all these fine artists.

Tickets are not available for this workshop, unfortunately, due to limited space, but future workshops will be available for interested audience members to attend.

Gordon Burnett, Bass
Gordon Burnett
Bass

Gord Burnett maintains an active career as a singer, conductor and voice teacher. In addition to the Elmer Iseler Singers, his professional choral experience includes the Elora Festival Singers, Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, and 16 years with Tactus Vocal Ensemble, an octet dedicated to the performance of early music. Presently he conducts the Sanctuary and Handbell Choirs at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener and the Guelph Male Choir. He maintains a successful private voice studio in Waterloo. In his spare time, he enjoys working through the Sunday New York Times crosswords.

Sharang Sharma, Tenor
Sharang Sharma
Tenor

Sharang Sharma is an emerging musician with interests in performance and historical musicology. His interpretation of repertoire from the Middle Ages to 1800 brings a refreshing take on little-performed music by less renowned composers. His most recent engagement as lay clerk at The Queen’s College, Oxford (UK), has set him up for a life in ecclesiastical music, which he pursues as Director, Chapel Music at Huron University College, London (Canada). He focused on monastic culture in medieval Italy as part of his recently completed masters in musicology at the University of Oxford.

Sharang has performed in professional and amateur choirs, such as The Strand Consort in London (UK), Fount & Origin in Oxford, Kammerchor and Chor Amica in London (Canada), and with theatre and opera companies, such as LINK in London (Canada), and Spectra Ensemble in London (UK). During his undergraduate degree, he participated in Western University’s choirs and opera productions and was an active member of London’s musical community. His range of experiences comprises recording with the BBC, performing with the Academy of Ancient Music and Instruments of Time and Truth, studying historical repertoire and performance with Canadian Renaissance Music Summer School and Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, and appearing as guest chorister and soloist at many music festivals including the Huron County Bach Festival and the Sherborne Early Music Festival.

Sharang was the 43rd and 44th season James T. Chestnutt Scholar.

Michael Sawarna, Tenor
Michael Sawarna
Tenor

Michael began singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers in 2004. He is the second Iseler Singer to originate from Kemptville, Ontario a small town south of Ottawa. Now living in Toronto he is a Tenor Section Lead for the Amadeus Choir and St. Andrew’s United Church Choir. He is studying voice with Catherine Robbin at York University. In his spare time Michael hopes to become as good a hockey player as now-retired tenor Ed Wiens.

Mitchell Pady, Tenor
Mitchell Pady
Tenor

A Graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Mitchell Pady pursued his studies in composition and voice.  He has performed and participated in many festivals and conferences including the national conductors’ conference run by the Association of Canadian Orchestras.  He has acted as choral adjudicator for both the Kiwanis and Music Fest Canada competitions and is the Choral Conductor for the acclaimed Inter-Provincial Music Camp.  During the last six years Mitchell has worked with teachers and students as a choral clinician for a number of professional development workshops across the Toronto District School Board. He is presently Artistic Director of the Oriana Singers and conductor of The Cellar Singers, succeeding Albert Greer who retired in May 2012.

Doug MacNaughton, Baritone (Photo: Catherine Charron-Drolet)
Doug MacNaughton
Baritone

Doug MacNaughton began his singing career at the age of 20, when he made his operatic debut with Edmonton Opera. Since then, he has gone on to sing throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. He is at home in opera, operetta, musical theatre and concert work, and he is known as much for the versatility of his acting as for his singing.

Eric MacKeracher, Tenor
Eric MacKeracher
Tenor

Eric is from Pickering, Ontario. He joined the EIS in September 2000 and in the same month became the music director at Kingston Road United Church in the Beaches area of Toronto. He also sings tenor in the Amadeus Choir. In his spare time Eric likes to read – preferably with one of his several cats curled up in his lap! 

Michael Thomas, Bass
Michael Thomas
Baritone

Baritone Michael Thomas, a native of Toronto, has been a member of the Elmer Iseler Singers since 1998. His powerful, emotive voice has been featured in performances as a soloist with numerous choirs in the Toronto area, most notably with the Amadeus Choir and the Elmer Iseler Singers. He was also the baritone soloist with the Toronto Symphony’s New Creations Festival in 2013 in the Canadian premiere of Vabeni: Ritual of Prehistoric Fossils of Man by Krystof Marayka. Michael is a music instructor for the Toronto District School Board and, since August 2006, has been Music Director at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Markham. Michael was selected to sing with Placido Domingo as a member of the Blackcreek Summer Music Festival Chorus.

Nelson Lohnes, Bass
Nelson Lohnes
Bass

Nelson was born in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Organist and music director at St. James The Apostle, Brampton. Occasional teacher for the Dufferin Peel Roman Catholic School Board and Peel Board of Education. Grade 10 Silver Medal and A.R.C.T. Gold Medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Music Associate and Music Licentiate Diplomas from the Western Board of Music. Solo work during career has included opera, musical and choral societies in England, the United States and Canada. Recent solo work was in August at Niagara on the Lake International Festival singing several Spanish Tango pieces with chamber quartet. Nelson will soon be recording a new solo CD, including “Song for the Mira”.

Andrea Ludwig, Mezzo Soprano (Photo: Bo Huang)
Andrea Ludwig
Soprano

Juno-nominated mezzo soprano Andrea Ludwig is an artist of tremendous depth, musicality and scope. Hailed by Halifax Chronicle Herald critic Stephen Pedersen as having “tones of silver and gold,” Andrea has appeared with the Canadian Opera Company in numerous roles including Nireno in Handel’s Julius Ceasar, the Second Niece in Britten’s Peter Grimes, Flora in The Turn of the Screw, Moira in Paul Ruder’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and Liesgen in Bach’s Coffee Cantata. Andrea is proud to announce her recent Juno nomination for a recording of Canadian composer Peter Togni’s Responsio in collaboration with Jeff Reilly, Suzie LeBlanc, Charles Daniels and John Potter.

Gisele Kulak, Soprano
Gisele Kulak
Soprano

Saskatchewan native, Gisele Kulak has enjoyed a widely varied career, beginning with opera and operetta, but shifting to oratorio and recital work, dabbling in pop and jazz along the way. Gisele has performed as a soloist with The National Ballet Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, Tapestry New Opera Works, The Victoria Symphony, The Oakville Symphony, The York Symphony, The Burlington Civic Chorale, and in many concerts with “Music at Metropolitan”, the concert series of Metropolitan United Church in Toronto.

Gisele has established a focus on choral music, singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers for eleven seasons and Soundstreams’ Choir 21 for seven seasons.  She has also been a member of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, “voxworks”, and the Adelphi Ensemble. Gisele teaches singing and provides choral techniques workshops as well as being the vocal coach for The Oriana Women’s Choir.

Susan Suchard, Soprano
Susan Suchard
Soprano

Soprano Susan Suchard is a native of London, Ontario. She holds a BMus from Western University and an MMus in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Toronto. Now in her 21st season with the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, she is also a frequent singer with the Elmer Iseler Singers, and a former member of the Elora Festival Singers, the professional core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Canadian Opera Company Chorus. She enjoys a career as a voice teacher, with students ranging from beginners, to advanced amateurs, to aspiring professionals. As a conductor, Susan has served as Director of Music for Rosedale United Church,  as Preparatory Chorus Conductor for VIVA Singers Toronto, and on projects with Tapestry Opera and Jumblies Theatre. She was an Artist Educator for the Canadian Opera Company and a music teacher in the public school system. As an arts administrator, Susan was General Manager for VIVA Singers Toronto, Managing Editor for Opera Canada magazine, and Leadership Legacy Intern for Tapestry Opera.

Valerie Nunn, Alto
Valerie Nunn
Alto

Valerie was privileged to sing for Elmer in the 80’s and is thrilled to be back singing with EIS.  While in the Singers, she met her husband, Gord Burnett and has Elmer to thank for that!

Her choral experience includes Hart House Chorus, Ontario Youth Choir, University of Western Ontario Faculty Singers, Gregg Smith Singers (NYC), Elora Festival Singers and Tactus Vocal Ensemble. She enjoys playing guitar for the Buddy Choir, a group of developmentally challenged adults who love to sing! 

Karen Freedman, Alto
Karen Freedman
Alto

Despite growing up in a musical household, with her mother a founding member of Elmer Iseler's Festival Singers, Karen only discovered choral singing herself at McMaster University, where she studied French. During an 11-year stay in France, she sang with the Ensemble Vocal de Provence and Audite Nova de Paris. Throughout her teaching career with the Toronto District School Board, she sang first with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir under the direction of Elmer Iseler, then with the Amadeus Choir and Lydia Adams.

Now retired from teaching, Karen joined the Elmer Iseler Singers as a substitute in 2018. She is busier than ever, as an alto and librarian with the Amadeus Choir and as a volunteer in the Choirs Ontario Music Library. She loves to travel and read historical novels when she has time.

Shawn Grenke, Accompanist
Shawn Grenke
Accompanist

Conductor, Pianist and Organist Shawn Grenke is Director of Music at Eglinton St. George’s United Church in Toronto, Associate Conductor and Accompanist for the Amadeus Choir of Toronto, Accompanist to the Elmer Iseler Singers of Toronto, and Artistic Director to the Woodstock Fanshawe Singers of Woodstock Ontario.

Shawn is also the Director of the 80 voice Achill Choral Society based out of Orangeville, Ontario. Shawn has made international appearances as conductor, pianist and organist in Poland, Sweden, Korea, the United States and Europe.

.

Paul Winkelmans, Baritone - Photo:Simeon Rusnak Photography
Paul Winkelmans
Baritone

Paul Winkelmans joined the Singers at the start of their 2017/2018 season, having just received his Master of Music in Voice and Opera Performance from McGill University. At McGill he enjoyed performances as part of Opera McGill, as well as his involvement in Michael McMahon’s Song Interpretation class. He loves exploring and sharing both standard and unconventional repertoire, combining works by classical masters Schubert and Schumann with contemporary pieces in his programmed recitals, and even commissioning a new Canadian work to premiere for his fourth year undergraduate recital at the University of Manitoba.

Graham Robinson, Bass
Graham Robinson
Bass

Graham studied under Dr. Bruce More, Alexandra Browning, and Susan Young. He was a featured performer for the University of Victoria Chorus and Chamber Singers, and the Victoria Chamber Orchestra In addition to his role as a soloist, Graham has managed a vocal studio and provided vocal coaching to the Cantiamo Youth Choir. After spending time in Cuba and Japan, he now resides in Toronto. In addition to singing with Elmer Iseler Singers, he is featured regularly with the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Univox, Humbercrest United Church, and All The King’s Voices.

Cathy Robinson, Soprano
Cathy Robinson
Soprano

Cathy joined the Elmer Iseler Singers in 2005. She has an extensive operatic career, including the role of Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust with Premier Opera, Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte with Oberlin’s Summer Opera Program in Casalmaggiore, Italy. Cathy has also appeared in three operas with the New Opera and Concert Centre in Toronto, and was the winner of the 1996 Oshawa-Whitby Kiwanis Senior Rosebowl Competition. Cathy maintains her role as a soprano with the Amadeus Choir, in which she has sung for many years.

Claire Renouf, Soprano
Claire Renouf
Soprano

Claire is thrilled to be a part of the Elmer Iseler Singers. Born in Toronto, she began her formal training as a child when she joined the Toronto Children’s Chorus. After singing with them for seven years, she continued her studies at Queen’s University, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. During her time at Queen’s, she also sang with the Queen’s Choral Ensemble, and performed in several stage productions, such as Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretal, as well as Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. After graduating, Claire sang as a member of the Exultate Chamber Singers under Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt for five years. Claire has studied under such Canadian talents as Patricia Harton-McCord, Elizabeth McDonald, and Bruce Kelly. She continues to use her vocal training as a prospective voice-over talent.

Claudia Lemcke, Alto
Claudia Lemcke
Alto

Claudia Lemcke studied Piano and Voice in her native Germany. With her ‘warm and clear voice and a reliable sense of style’ (Rheinische Post) and ‘her charming sound and directness of interpretation’ (Brantford Expositor) she has established herself as a versatile Mezzo Soprano equally at home in art song and oratorio.

Claudia has been a frequent soloist in Toronto and the GTA and has extensive choral and solo experience with several of Toronto’s finest ensembles. After singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers as a substitute for several years she finally joined the ensemble in 2016.

When she is not singing in Toronto, Claudia can either be found in Montréal, singing with La Chapelle de Québec under Bernard Labadie, or teaching Piano and Voice in her own private studio.

Lynn McMurray, Alto
Lynn Featherstone
Alto

Lynn Featherstone joined the Singers in September 2017. She was raised in Cambridge, Ontario, where she started piano lessons at age six, beginning a life-long pursuit in musicianship – as a choral singer, soloist and conductor. At the University of Toronto she completed both her Bachelor of Music in Music Education in Voice Studies and her Masters in Music Education, and has sung with the University of Toronto MacMillan Singers and the Bach Festival Singers. For over a decade Lynn has been an alto soloist at Fairlawn Avenue United Church. She was formerly Associate Conductor for the Bach Children’s Chorus, under conductor Linda Beaupré. Lynn is the private vocal coach and piano teacher at Crescent School.

Amy Dodington, Soprano
Amy Dodington
Soprano

Amy Dodington joined the Elmer Iseler Singers in the Fall of 2012.  Her musical family has had a long association with the EIS since the days of the Festival Singers.  Originally from Port Carling, Muskoka, she moved to Toronto in 1996 to study Zoology and then Voice Performance at the University of Toronto.  She then studied privately with Monica Whicher.  Amy is now a freelance soloist regularly performing concert works and giving eclectic solo recitals.  As a soprano soloist and section lead she sang for seven years with the Toronto Chamber Choir, sixteen years at Kingsway-Lambton Church, and is currently at Fairlawn Avenue United Church under Eleanor Daley.  Amy’s extensive choral experience includes the Ontario Youth Choir, the Hart House Chorus, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, the Oriana Singers, Helmuth Rilling’s Stuttgart Festival Ensembles and Soundstreams Choir 21.  You can discover the next thing that’s up her sleeve on her website: amydodington.com 

Gillian Grant
Alto

Since graduating from Queen's University School of Music, Gillian's enthusiasm for her work has provided her with a breadth of experience including teaching private piano and voice lessons, singing with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, singing backup vocals in a folk band, and working as soprano section lead at St. Aidan’s in the Beach. 

Charles Davidson, Tenor
Charles Davidson
Tenor

Hailed for "refined tone, luxurious timbre and superb technique" (Opera Going Toronto),

Charles Davidson trained foremost at the Guildford School of Acting (UK) many moons ago.  A former member of Tafelmusik chamber Choir (2 Juno nominations) and Elora Festival Singers, Charles appears as a soloist with various ensembles around the GTA.  Engagements this season include concerts with Les Violons du Roy/La Chapelle du Quebec and a special "Show Tunes for 200" celebration at Metropolitan United Church, Toronto on May 26.  Favourite roles include Tony in West Side Story,  Frank Jr. in Catch Me if You Can and the title chracters in Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical.  For updates, find his FB fan page ('Charles Davidson, Tenor').  It's always a treat to be back in Orillia with The Cellar Singers, Mitchell and the amazing Mariposa Market!

Alison Roy, Alto
Alison Roy
Alto

Alison was born in Ottawa, Ontario and has been with the Elmer Iseler Singers since 1994. She works for the Toronto District School Board as a Music Itinerant. Alison is Second Alto Section Lead at Metropolitan United Church and Alto Section Lead for the Amadeus Choir. In her spare time (whenever that is!), she does studio work, and writes.

Will Reid, Tenor
Will Reid
Tenor

Will is a Toronto-based musician, conductor and educator. When not singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers, he can be seen singing lead for the funk and soul band, Yasgurs Farm as well as the 50s group, The Redeemers. Will is also the Assistant Choir Director and George Black fellow of Sacred Music at the Church of the Redeemer, a position held since 2015. Will holds a B.Mus from the Faculty of Music and a B.Ed from OISE, UofT. 

Ben Keast, Tenor
Ben Keast
Tenor

Ben joined EIS in the fall of 2016. He is a composer, chorister, teacher, and music director. As a composer, he combines his experience in Korean traditional music and his knowledge of western classical music to achieve a unique soundscape – with a focus on choral music. Every summer, he can be found working with talented children, putting on six musicals over the course of a summer at Camp Manitou in McKellar, Ontario. Every Sunday, he sings Renaissance polyphony at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Parkdale, Toronto. He holds a Master of Music degree in Composition from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Music from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa.

Clara Krausse, Soprano
Clara Krausse
Soprano

Clara Krausse is a soprano who hails from Montreal and is currently based in Toronto. She enjoys performing a wide variety of music, including choral, chamber, and solo music, from early to contemporary.  She performs regularly with groups such as Soundstreams’ Choir 21, Concreamus, Trinity St. Paul’s United Church choir, and is thrilled to now be singing with the Elmer Iseler Singers. Recent solo performances include Buxtehude’s Mit Fried und Freud and Fauré’s Requiem with Serenata à St-Jean, Montreal, and Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Mass for the Endangered with Trinity St. Paul’s United Church. She obtained her Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto where she studied with Nathalie Paulin. Besides singing, she also plays the recorder, having performed with Serenata à St-Jean and the University of Toronto’s Collegium Musicium.

Manishya Jayasundera
Manishya Jayasundera
Soprano, Conductor, JTC Scholar

Manishya Jayasundera is an emerging conductor, educator, singer and pianist. She received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto where she completed her degree in Classical Voice Music Education. She is currently in the Master of Teaching program at OISE with Vocal Music and French as her teachable subjects. She received her ARCT diploma in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Manishya was the apprentice conductor with the Exultate Chamber Singers at the October 2022 concert. She was also the most recent conducting intern at St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto. Currently, Manishya is the Senior Choir Conductor with the Brampton Children’s Chorus and she sings with various groups in the GTA.

Join us at our upcoming concerts

Messiah by G.F. Handel

Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto

Tickets to Messiah by G.F. Handel
Starry winter sky

Triple Choir Splendour: Sonic Light

Sunday, April 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm EDT
Eglinton St. George’s United Church, Toronto, ON

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Yellowknife, Canada

To learn about upcoming events, music and news