FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHOIRS ONTARIO ANNOUNCES THE WINNER OF THE 2021 RUTH WATSON HENDERSON CHORAL COMPOSITION COMPETITION
TORONTO, ONTARIO | AUGUST 7, 2022 – The Board of Directors of Choirs Ontario is thrilled to announce that Matthew-John Knights has been selected the winner and recipient of the 2021 Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition.
Over 25 submissions were received from composers across the country. The compositions were reviewed by an accomplished jury panel of composers, conductors and choral professionals.
I heard the Spring Wind Whisper by Vancouver-based composer, Matthew-John Knights was unanimously chosen as the winner. Matthew-John will receive a cash prize of $2,000.00 and a premiere performance of his winning composition.
“Wonderful composition, text, and attention to detail; the score is professional and great care and craft was taken. Beautiful, evocative opening gesture which layers the entries. [We] love the mixed metre to bring out the phrasing of the poem”
Statement from President of Choirs Ontario, Andrew Walker
Matthew-John Knights’ piece, I heard the Spring Wind Whisper, is a well-deserved selection for this year’s Ruth Watson Henderson Composition Competition. Choirs Ontario is proud to support the growth of choral composition across our province, and it is thanks to composers like Matthew-John that we have a thriving, exciting future for our community.
Upon learning of his achievement, Knights remarked; “I cracked open my eyes early one morning, and checked my phone for emails. I saw that I had one from Chois Ontario, and expected to find a polite rejection regarding a submission I had sent in. Instead I was overjoyed to find that I had been chosen as the recipient of the Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Award for 2021! My heart was racing and I excitedly scrolled through the email again, re-reading the news and details, almost ready to pinch myself, I felt the news to be so exciting. I’m now very much looking forward to sharing my piece, “I Heard the Spring Wind Whisper,” with both the choir and the audience in the upcoming season. The text I chose is a selection of lines from a poem by Bliss Carmen. I chose lines of his text that were most evocative and descriptive, those that conjured vivid images in my mind. I set these to music, playing with the choir’s ability to weave and overlap voices, and to flirt with tonality, creating interesting sonic colours to accompany the beautiful, and overwhelmingly positive text”.
In the early stages of his career Matthew-John Knights has already begun to make a name for himself winning several important prizes. His piece, “Blessed by Beauty and Rage” recently won the Thirteen Strings Call for Scores in 2019 and premiered in June of that year under the baton of Kevin Mallon. With the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Matthew-John created “Adherent; Unyielding” for violin and piano, which was premiered in July of 2019 by its dedicatee, Gregory Lewis, collaborating with pianist Frédéric Lacroix. In January of 2020, Matthew-John’s orchestral debut took place with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, at the Winnipeg New Music Festival, under the baton of Julian Pellicano. In 2020, Matthew-John received a SOCAN chamber music award for his piece “Distorted Reality, Imaginatively Amended,” written in 2019 while he studied at Orford Music Academy with Véronique Lacroix and Dorothy Chang. Further studies at Orford included working with Ana Sokolović, Jean Lesage, Nicolas Gilbert.
Matthew-John has a special interest in creating theatrical works, that is, music that involves physical movement/staging. His piece, “Shadow Figures,” for two oboes was played in March 2022 at the Sonic Boom Festival in Vancouver, and features movement of the oboists to tell a more immersive story. “Abstraction” for solo bass clarinet will also feature staging in an upcoming music video project with Turning Point Ensemble. His thesis, a part of his DMA program at the University of British Columbia, will also heavily feature movement and staging in a work for mezzo-soprano, flute/alto flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, cello, piano and mixed percussion.
ABOUT THE RUTH WATSON HENDERSON COMPOSITION COMPETITION
The Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition was born out of a concert held in November 1992 to honour Ruth’s 60th birthday including Toronto Children’s Chorus, Elmer Iseler Singers, Amadeus Choir, Bach Children’s Chorus, Elora Festival Singers, Oriana Women’s Choir, and TMC Youth Chorus. The proceeds of this joint concert were used to establish the RWH competition. The administration of the competition was handed over to Choirs Ontario with Ruth Watson Henderson involved in judging the competition up until 2017.
One of Canada’s foremost musicians, Ruth Watson Henderson is renowned internationally both as a composer and pianist. Her works are acclaimed, performed, and recorded worldwide. The Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Competition was established in 1996 to recognize Ms. Watson Henderson’s invaluable contribution to the art of choral music. Ms. Henderson is very pleased to encourage the contribution to Canadian choral music that the competition provides, and appreciates the work of Choirs Ontario who administers this program.
Choirs Ontario is proud to support Canadian composers and add to the rich legacy of Canadian choral music through the Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition. Past winners of the competition include: Jason Jestadt, Mark Sirett, Leonard Enns, Allan Bevan, and Elise Letourenau.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Emma Margutsch, Office Manager
Email: info@choirsontario.org
Tel: (416) 923-1144
Website: www.choirsontario.org
Social Media: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Press Release: Announcement of the 2021 Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition Winner
Announcement of the 2021 President’s Leadership Award Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHOIRS ONTARIO ANNOUNCES THE WINNER OF THE 2021 PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP AWARD
TORONTO, ONTARIO | AUGUST 5, 2022 – The Board of Directors of Choirs Ontario is thrilled to announce that Carol Woodward Ratzlaff has been selected the winner and recipient of the 2021 President’s Leadership Award.
Carol’s long and extensive career as an educator, a choral conductor, artistic director and mentor has distinguished her as a leader within the province of Ontario and beyond. Her development of the VIVA Singers Toronto youth and adult programs encourages artistic excellence in a context of mutual respect.
Carol Woodward Ratzlaff is the Artistic Director and Founder of VIVA Singers Toronto, Co-Conductor of Main Chorus, Chamber Youth Leadership Chorus, Community Choir, SATB Chamber Singers and Conductor of the Every Voice Matters Chorus.
As per Carol’s vision, at the heart of VIVA is the Every Voice Matters Chorus, which welcomes teens and young adults with disabilities. An all-abilities, inclusive approach to choral music education and performance is central to the identity of the organization and to each of VIVA’s seven choirs. Carol’s commitment to innovation and excellence in community music-making has led to the development of unique foci for each of VIVA’s choirs, including dynamic ensembles for children 4 and up, a leadership-based youth choir, the unique Creation Stream program for young composers ages 6 to 16, and choirs for adult singers at all levels of experience.
Carol maintains an active career as a choral conductor, educator, singer, and private voice teacher, after her recent retirement from the Toronto District School Board. Having recently joined the Faculty at the Oscar Peterson School of Music, Royal Conservatory of Music, Carol has also continued to share her passion for vocal music education as a Sessional Instructor at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto; and with Vocal Music Teacher candidates at OISE, University of Toronto and the Faculty of Education, University of Windsor. Through Carol’s diverse teaching outlets, her former students can be found in university music faculties, as award-winning singer/songwriters, as music teachers across the GTA and beyond, and as lifelong advocates for the power of choral music.
Carol has performed across Canada and internationally as a member of the Elmer Iseler Singers, the Elora Festival Singers, and has been engaged as a guest artist with the Pax Christi Chorale, the Toronto Chamber Choir, and the Toronto Consort. She currently sings with Soundstreams’ Choir 21.
Carol is a PhD student in Music Education at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto where she will research choral performance opportunities for singers with disabilities. She holds a MMus in vocal performance from the University of British Columbia, with degrees in vocal performance and music education from Western University and the University of Toronto.
Upon learning of her appointment, Ratzlaff remarked: “I am very grateful to be selected as recipient of the President’s Leadership Award, especially after such a challenging time for singers in recent years. I feel that I must share this recognition with the strong and dedicated VIVA Singers Toronto team who stood together, focused on the possibilities, and unearthed new ways of being and doing choral music together.”
Carol is described as,
“Carol is an innovative, risk-taking, collaborative, singer-first conductor-educator who consistently demonstrates new ways of engaging with choristers through a commitment to equity, inclusion, repertoire, and programming.”
“Carol has been one of the leading figures on the Ontario Choral scene for many decades. Her experience as a conductor, mentor, educator, champion of contemporary Canadian choral repertoire, singer, voice teacher, and choral administrator has been an invaluable part of the Ontario and Canadian choral Scene… Carol’s artistic leadership is nothing short of inspirational to the choral community at large and continues to inspire new generations of choristers and educators.”
“Carol Ratzlaff has built an amazing choral family with a dedication and passion for all the right things, building a group that is inclusive to its core, and which inspires its singers to excellence while building community.”
Statement from President of Choirs Ontario, Andrew Walker
“Carol is a deserved recipient of the Choirs Ontario President’s Leadership Award. Her achievement and leadership as a chorister, administrator, and leader in our community is extraordinary. She is welcoming to all, a strong musician and singer, and inspires all those around her.
It is thanks to people like Carol that the choral community in Ontario thrives. Thank you, Carol, for all that you do.”
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP AWARD
Established in 2001 to commemorate Choirs Ontario’s 30th anniversary, this award recognizes individuals who, through their support or engagement in choral music-making, have made an exceptional contribution to the promotion and advancement of choral music in their communities.
The Award is presented annually and alternates between those who support choral music – executive directors, administrators, volunteers, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and those who are directly involved in the performance of choral music – singers, conductors, and accompanists. Candidates must have demonstrated an exceptional leadership role, vision and cultural activism and must be nominated by a Choirs Ontario member choir or individual member.
Previous recipients include: Frieda and Vern Heinrichs, Linda Beaupre, Emily Burgetz, Marilyn Ala-Kanti, Albert Greer, Robert Henderson, Mark Sirett, Jessie Iseler, Gerald Fagan, Barbara Clark, Jean Ashworth Bartle, and Andi Murphy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Emma Margutsch, Office Manager
Email: info@choirsontario.org
Tel: (416) 923-1144
Website: www.choirsontario.org
Social Media: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Press Release: Announcement of the 2021 President’s Leadership Award Recipient
Nominations for President’s Leadership Award being accepted!
We are currently accepting nominations for the 2021 President’s Leadership Award. Established in 2001 to commemorate Choirs Ontario’s 30th anniversary, this award recognizes individuals who, through their support or engagement in choral music-making, have made an exceptional contribution to the promotion and advancement of choral music in their communities. This year, the recipient will be a conductor, singer, accompanist, or collaborator who has demonstrated great commitment and leadership in the Ontario choral community. Nominations are being accepted until June 18th. For more information and the nomination form, please visit https://choirsontario.org/programs-awards/#PresAwardLink .
Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship Now Open For Applications!
Application Dates: December 1, 2020 – March 1, 2021
Russell Braun receives the Oskar Morawetz Award for Excellence in Music Performance
Ontario Arts Council announcement
Operatic baritone Russell Braun has received the Oskar Morawetz Award for Excellence in Music Performance. This prize honours the legacy of Oskar Morawetz, one of Canada’s leading composers of contemporary music, whose career spanned more than 50 years. It is presented biennially to an outstanding Canadian performer in the field of classical music, recognizing talent and commitment to Canadian music.
Russell was selected for this award by a jury of music professionals convened by the Ontario Arts Council. The jury, which was unanimous in its decision, stated: “Russell’s powerful voice and strong stage presence have made him a highly sought-after artist by the world’s major opera companies. Along with his stellar international reputation, he also makes it a point to maintain his commitment and connection to Canadian music and composers – including Oskar Morawetz.”
The award presentation took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, following that evening’s performance of the Canadian Opera Company’s Hansel & Gretel, in which he is performing the role of Peter. The award was co-presented by Claudia Morawetz, daughter of Oskar Morawetz, and Judith Gelber, vice-chair of the Ontario Arts Council board of directors.
In response to receiving the award, Russell said: “It fills me with a great sense of honour to receive the Oskar Morawetz Award. I am humbled to be in the company of other esteemed Canadian artists who have received this prize. I had the great privilege to meet Oskar Morawetz, and I saw how, through his keen sense of storytelling, he was able to express Canada’s place in history in a way that was informed by his own personal experience, empathy and sense of humour. Thank you to the award jurors, the Morawetz family and to all brave composers who express their voice and entrust artists to speak eternally for them.”
National Choral Awards Deadline: March 1, 2020
(French version to follow/Version française à suivre)
Do you know anyone who has excelled in any of the following categories? Get their outstanding work recognized by nominating them for a National Choral Award!
Deadline: March 1, 2020
Click here to submit a nomination: https://www.choralcanada.org/national-choral-awards.html
Connaissez-vous quelqu’un qui fait du travail excellent dans l’une des catégories ci-dessous? Vous pouvez récompenser leurs efforts en posant leur candidature pour un des Prix nationaux de chant choral!
Date limite: le 1 mars 2020
Pour poser une candidature: https://www.choralcanada.org/prix-nationaux-de-chant-choral.html
President’s Leadership Award Recipients Announced
From Mark Vuorinen, President of the Choirs Ontario Board of Directors:
It is a great pleasure for me to recognize two individuals whose impact on choral music in Ontario has been both broad and very deep.
The President’s Leadership Award of Choirs Ontario recognizes individuals who, through their support or engagement in choral music-making, have made an exceptional contribution to the promotion and advancement of choral music in their communities.
The recipients of this year’s award have been supporting choral music in this province, across the country, and around the world for decades. They have demonstrated their commitment to and passion for choral music as volunteers, board members, philanthropists, Honorary Patrons and audience members as they have assisted choirs and choral organizations and encouraged conductors to fulfill a vision for choral excellence and creative transcendence.
The recipients of the 2019 President’s Leadership Award are Frieda and Vern Heinrichs.
They are Honorary Patrons of both the Elmer Iseler Singers and the Amadeus Choir, among many other groups.
As the jury for this award met, we encountered overwhelming support from the choral community for the Heinrichs’ nomination through many letters of nomination. To understand the breadth and depth of the Heinrichs’ rich contribution to the choral landscape of this province is to sample from the many extraordinary letters of nomination and support. I quote:
Vern and Elfrieda Heinrichs truly love the choral art form. They are there for advice, wisdom, and support of all kinds. They put all this into action every day of their lives. In their quiet way, they lift us up and lead us to a higher place, inspiring those whose lives they have touched to seek excellence in all that they do.
When our valued art form is continually experiencing the uphill struggle of funding, the Heinrichs’ engagement has brought an essential legitimacy to the support of choral music, influencing many others to do likewise. Their rich Mennonite heritage has been an immense influence in their philanthropy, which they demonstrate with modesty, humility and great passion and enthusiasm.
Vern and Frieda were instrumental through the Heinrichs Foundation in endowing the Elmer Iseler Chair in Choral Conducting and the Elmer Iseler National Graduate Fellowships in Choral Conducting at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto. Their commitment to the importance of educating and exposing both current and future generations to excellence in choral music is evident in these and other endeavours.
Vern and Elfrieda are passionate about choral music, and they understand what a profound impact it can have on singers and audiences. They show their love and support for the choral community by their steady attendance at concerts, festivals and choral events of all levels in Toronto, Guelph, and throughout Canada and the US.
This very kind, compassionate couple has made an avocation of supporting choral music, and we in Canada have benefitted from their expertise and generosity. I can think of no better recipients for Choirs Ontario’s President’s Leadership Award.
Their kindnesses to musicians, their warm hospitality, their presence at so many events in the community, and their additional efforts behind-the-scenes to support the choral art are more than worthy of recognition from Choirs Ontario. In fact, I would say we are overdue in granting them this honour.
Please join me in recognizing and thanking Elfrieda and Vern Heinrichs for their transformational contribution to the choral music.
Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship Awarded to Nila Rajagopal
The 2019 Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship awarded to Nila Rajagopal, Conductor’s Intern/Conductor’s Assistant, Toronto Children’s Chorus at Pro Musica’s Choral Masterpieces concert on Sunday, April 28th at the Church of St. Jude. The $1000 grant will help Nila with the cost of her choral conducting studies.
The Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship Fund was established by London Pro Musica Choir and named in honour of Ken Fleet, the choir’s beloved conductor for 23 years. The scholarship embodies Ken’s passion for music and education and gives young conductors a chance to forge their own path towards a career in choral conducting. The recipient must be an Ontario resident with formal music training.
Ken taught at Medway High School in Arva, Ontario, where his choral program won the CBC Choral Competition. He also taught at Western, conducting the UWO singers, and co-conducted the Amabile Mens’ and Boys’ Choirs in London with fellow Western graduate Carol Beynon, winning three CBC National Radio Competition awards.
The arts are vital to creating a vibrant, smart, and caring community. LCF is honored to steward this fund, ensuring talented conductors have the opportunity to follow in Ken’s footsteps, pursue their dreams, and contribute to their community through the gift of music.
“This is a unique scholarship meeting an important need”, says Lori Runciman, who represented LCF at the concert on Sunday. “We commend London Pro Musica’s desire to honour Ken and his vision in this lasting way.”
Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt and Linda Beaupré receive 2018 President’s Leadership Award
Established in 2001 to commemorate Choirs Ontario’s 30th anniversary, the President’s Leadership Award recognizes individuals who, through their support or engagement in choral music-making, have made an exceptional contribution to the promotion and advancement of choral music in their communities. Choirs Ontario is proud to present this year’s award to Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt and Linda Beaupré in recognition of their remarkable contribution to the promotion and advancement of choral music in the province. The jury panel commended recipients’ outstanding impact on choral education and larger arts community in this province.
Linda Beaupré, through her amazing career, has changed the lives of thousands of young singers through her two exceptional organizations, The Bach Children’s Chorus/Bach Chamber Youth Choir and the Guelph Youth Singers. With her joyous approach to music making, and her unstinting dedication to excellence, Linda Beaupré is truly one of the foremost conductors in this country.
Ms. Beaupré is a musical force of nature who exemplifies the very best of humanity. Through her inspired leadership in her exemplary career, and with her excellence, inspiration, vision and artistry, her dedication and integrity, she has made a truly positive difference in Ontario and the world to thousands of children, creating and nourishing, over 30 years, organizations that count themselves among the very best internationally. Linda’s outstanding career as a conductor, educator, adjudicator, arranger, author and editor has positively inspired thousands of children and children’s choir conductors in Ontario and internationally.
Dr. Apfelstadt has been a model leader and educator. In her role as the Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Conducting, she fostered a collegial and collaborative community across all the Faculty of Music choral ensembles. During her tenure as the Elmer Iseler Chair of Conducting and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Toronto, Dr. Apfelstadt created one of the most diverse programs for choral conducting in the country. Her conducting, mentorship, and high standard of excellence and artistry fostered a love of choral music in all her students who continuously showcase her lasting positive impact in their ongoing work as some of the province’s leading conductors, music educators, and singers. An advocate for choral music across the broader community, she built and strengthened connections between the University of Toronto and various schools, youth groups, and community choruses such as the Orpheus Choir, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Young Voices of Toronto Choirs, and Cawthra Park High School Choirs. Dr. Apfelstadt has a sincere passion for promoting Canadian music locally and internationally.
Choirs Ontario applauds Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt’s and Linda Beaupré’s work and is pleased to be honouring them with this award.
The 2018 Presidents’ Leadership Awards presentation times and locations:
December 2, 2018 @ 2:30 PM
Choirs in Concert: For the Joy of the Singing – A Tribute to Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt
Elaine Choi, Trevor Dearham, Lori-Anne Dolloff, Mark Ramsay, conductors
Join the choirs of the Faculty of Music as they pay tribute to Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt, recently retired Director of Choral Activities, with a concert featuring the music of Orban, Balfour, and Pinkham.
MacMillan Theatre, 80 Queen’s Park
$30, $20 senior, $10 student | BUY TICKETS ONLINE or call 416-408-0208
December 8, 2018 @ 7:30 PM
Mystical Light – A 2018 Holiday Concert by Bach Children’s Choir and Bach Chamber Youth Choir
A Tribute to Linda Beaupre
Presenting a glowing holiday concert including “Chasing the Northern Lights” to and “I Want To Stare At My Phone With You”. Our award-winning choirs will feature music from Raffi, Gordon Lightfoot, as well as many festive choral favourites!
Toronto Centre for Performing Arts, 5040 Yonge Street
$35/$40 | BUY TICKETS ONLINE
Lydia Adams’ receives Choral Canada Distinguished Service Award
The Choral Canada Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition of long-term service to choral music in Canada. Awards are based on the significance and extent of transformative service in building, nurturing or promoting the Canadian choral community through a primary career in Canada. The individual’s contributions may have been made through teaching, conducting, or leadership.
The Elmer Iseler Singers’ Board of Directors and Administration are proud and pleased to announce that Lydia Adams of Caledon, ON, Conductor and Artistic Director, is a recipient of the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD from Choral Canada, July 2018, presented at the Bi-Annual Podium National Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
According to Choral Canada’s website “the Choral Canada Distinguished Service Award” is given in recognition of long-term service to choral music in Canada. Awards are based on the significance and extent of transformative service in building, nurturing or promoting the Canadian choral community through a primary career in Canada. The individual’s contributions may have been made through teaching, conducting, or leadership.”