About the Amadeus Choir

Founded in 1975, the Amadeus Choir has become widely known for its professionalism, exceptional musicality, and diverse, high-quality programming. One of Canada’s pre-eminent choral groups, the Choir performs a regular series of concerts in Toronto and collaborates with exceptional organizations such as the Elmer Iseler Singers, the Bach Children’s Chorus, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

In 2019, Conductor Kathleen Allan assumed the role of artistic director, after Lydia Adams’ 35-year tenure with the Choir. Under Ms. Allan, the organization continues its commitment to supporting the work of Canadian composers, singers, and instrumentalists through the commissioning, presentation, and recording of new works, and the engagement of emerging Canadian artists.

The Amadeus Choir's legacy of supporting choral composition, with a 30-year history of sponsoring a seasonal songwriting competition, has evolved into The Amadeus Choral Workshop series, providing opportunities for selected composers and conductors who are in the early stages of their careers to develop their skills. In January 2019, four composers of varying ages and experience levels had the opportunity to hone their works with a live choir and with the input of Canadian choral music icons, Eleanor Daley and Lydia Adams. The Choir was thrilled to assist in developing these new pieces, and participants’ feedback was unanimously positive. The format of this new workshop series allows the Choir tremendous creativity and flexibility in programming. Through the series, the Amadeus Choir will continue to engage and inspire artists of all ages in the choral music community, enriching this country’s outstanding choral tradition in a multitude of ways.

In the 2019/20 performance season, the Amadeus Choir initiated its Emerging Canadian Voices program. Securing significant foundation sponsorship for a three-year period, the Choir has engaged six emerging choral musicians to rehearse and perform with us regularly, receiving mentorship and professional opportunities that will support their career development.

The Choir has been the recipient of three National Choral Awards by the Association of Canadian Choral Communities and has received the Most Innovative Performance award (2014) for its “Music of the Spheres” collaboration with the Elmer Iseler Singers, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Roberta Bondar Foundation.

Discography of the Amadeus Choir comprises eight CD recordings. The most recent, “Voices of Earth,” includes several pieces commissioned by the Choir, showcasing the music of celebrated Canadian composers Ruth Watson Henderson, Sid Robinovitch, Eleanor Daley, and Imant Raminsh. More recent commissions include works by Hussein Janmohamed, and Rita Ueda.