 The 2024 NYCC takes a group picture following their participation in a PODIUM 2024 conducting masterclass at the Delta Hotel Montreal. – Photo: Kitbielle Pasagui When music sounds, all that I was I am Ere to this haunt of brooding dust I came; And from Time’s woods break into distant song The swift-winged hours, as I hasten along. — Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) Thirty young choral singers from across the country recently embarked on an unforgettable journey throughout the province of Quebec, sharing their voices and vibrant energy as members of the 2024 National Youth Choir of Canada. The program officially launched in early January with Zoom gatherings and repertoire meetings with Guest Conductor Roseline Blain and Apprentice Conductor Kitbielle Pasagui, and a virtual roundtable discussion on contemporary career avenues for choral artists. The choir also had a chance to meet and learn from Quebec-based composer Ana Sokolović who was commissioned by Choral Canada to write Two Studies for Choir for the 2024 ensemble, and Kanien’kehá:ka dancer Barbara Diabo, as they explored connections to nature, art and movement in Katia Makdissi-Warren’s Clairière. The group then convened in person at Université Laval in Quebec City for five days of intensive rehearsals and workshops, which included Estill voice training with Julie Cimon Racine. The singers excitedly dove into the repertoire under the expert guidance of Blain, Pasagui and collaborative pianist Pierre McLean, supported by Tour Manager Émilie Versailles.
And what’s a choir tour without some sight-seeing and public singing? Engaging with Local Communities Part of what makes the National Youth Choir of Canada so special is the opportunity to engage with communities through workshops, concerts, and collaborations with local choirs and singing groups. These events not only provide essential opportunities for personal growth and cultural exchange for all involved, but they help bring exciting musical experiences to communities that may not otherwise have access to them. This year, the NYCC shared their music with multiple community organizations at no cost. They sang for patients at Maison St-Raphaël, a palliative care home in Montreal, a special mother’s day concert at Leclerc Institution women’s prison in Laval, and for students and staff at École de musique Vincent-d’Indy. A Grand Finale at PODIUM 2024 The tour concluded in Montreal at PODIUM 2024, Choral Canada’s national choral conference and festival. As part of the NYCC program, all singers are provided with full access to the 4-day event where they attend lectures and concerts, network with new colleagues, and create memories to last a lifetime. Their final concert at the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul was a true culmination of the choir’s work together and served as a fitting end to the tour. The choir was surrounded by hundreds of colleagues, friends, and new acquaintances, including past alumni who joined them for their closing piece, a bilingual performance of Stephanie Martin’s Nothing Gold Can Stay. We sincerely hope the NYCC left feeling energized and inspired to bring back all that they learned and experienced to their local choral communities! The 2024 Quebec tour of the National Youth Choir of Canada was more than just a series of concerts; it was a journey of connection, learning, and celebration. The choir not only showcased their exceptional musical talent but also embraced the cultural richness of Quebec, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard them. A special highlight of the tour, and one that seemed to resonate with the singers, was performing Katharine Petkovski’s When Music Sounds, winner of the Diane Loomer Award in Choral Canada’s 2024 Competition for Choral Writing. As the choir members returned to their respective homes across the country, they carried with them memories of joy, friendship and good music, with the piece’s poetry (by Walter de la Mare) reminding them of the transformative power of music:
The National Youth Choir of Canada continues to exemplify the power of music to unite, inspire, and create a brighter future for all. It cannot be said enough times: THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this program possible. Choral Canada is beyond grateful for the support from every single donor, sponsor, singer scholarship provider, tour and concert host, billet, volunteer, member of the NYCC committee, all those who shared ideas and made connections for us in the province of Quebec, and the list goes on... Lastly, we want to thank all the incredible singers, artistic and administrative staff, and the incredible composers without whom this would not be possible. The future of the choral art form is in good hands! Stay tuned for updates on the 2026 edition of the program by visiting our website, connecting with us on social media, and signing up for Choral e-Bytes, Choral Canada’s bi-weekly newsletter. Would you consider making a donation this year to help us reach our goal?Plans are already underway for the 2026 program in British Columbia and we need your help to continue the growth and success of this program. As you may have heard, we are celebrating the 40th year of the NYCC program this year and we have set an ambitious goal to raise $40,000. Although we’ve reached 45% of this goal ($18,000), we’re not stopping there!
To help us reach $40,000, we are happy to announce that we are launching a Matching Campaign to further support our fundraising efforts. Through the generosity of a long-time donor and supporter of NYCC, every donation received today through to September 30, 2024 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000!
0 Comments
 Roseline Blain. Photo credit: Guy Rochette Choral Canada, the National Arts Service Organization for the choral and group singing arts sector and community, announced yesterday that Roseline Blain has been chosen as the 2024 Guest Conductor for the National Youth Choir of Canada (NYCC), one of Canada’s finest youth choirs.
“We are delighted that Roseline will lead the 2024 National Youth Choir of Canada. She is a tour de force in the Montreal community and will bring fabulous energy and expertise to the singers. What an opportunity for all of us to experience her repertoire choices and interpretive approach in this, Choral Canada's flagship program” says President, Morna Edmundson. With nearly twenty-five years of experience, Roseline is known for her dynamic and expressive qualities, her inspired interpretations and her leadership that combines energy and finesse. Originally trained as a pianist, she holds a master's degree in performance from the University of Ottawa and a master's degree in choral conducting from Université de Sherbrooke. Roseline is very active on the Québec and Canadian choral scene; she directs the Musica Orbium ensemble, Chœur du Plateau, Ensemble Phoebus, Ensemble Gaïa and the Chœur du Musée d'art de Joliette. Roseline is now the Artistic Director of the Festival de chant choral de Montréal. Until recently, she was the General and Artistic Director of Les Petites Voix du Plateau, a choral organization of 125 young people that she founded in 2012. Roseline says: “I am honoured to be the Guest Conductor of the 2024 National Youth Choir of Canada! I feel grateful and privileged to follow in the footsteps of the choral conductors who came before me. It is a unique opportunity for me to share my great love of music with young ambassadors of choral singing. I look forward to seeing and hearing them flourish through music and song, in a respectful, fun and inclusive environment, while sharing in a rich and memorable experience, both personally and artistically." Roseline is currently teaching choral conducting courses at Université de Sherbrooke while Robert Ingari is on sabbatical. In the summer of 2023, she will be the Guest Conductor of the École d’été de chant choral at the Université de Sherbrooke, CAMMAC and the Stage de chant choral at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix in Saint-Irénée, Québec. Past NYCC Guest Conductors Jean-Sébastien Vallée (2020 & 2022), Jeff Joudrey (2018), Timothy Shantz (2017), Michael Zaugg (2016), Hilary Apfelstadt (2014), Ivars Taurins (2012), Victoria Meredith (2010), Julian Wachner (2008), Richard Sparks (2006), Kathryn Laurin (2004), Lydia Adams (2002), Leonard Ratzlaff (2000), Iwan Edwards (1998), Robert Cooper (1996), Diane Loomer (1994), Elmer Iseler (1992), James Fankhouser (1990), Wayne Riddell (1988), Jon Washburn (1986), and John Standing (1984). Learn more: Roseline Blain Press Release (PDF)  Are you looking to learn more about the National Youth Choir of Canada and what we've been up to? We've got the perfect thing for you! Read the NYCC’s Fall 2022 Newsletter featuring program highlights from NYCC 2022, news about our extensive online recording archive, important dates for the 2024 program, and information on the Guest Conductor search.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
August 2024
Categories |
|
About NYCC | The Choir | Artistic Team | Sponsors & Partners | Auditions | Mentorship | Repertoire | Alumni | Donate | Contact
A propos de CNJC | Le chœur | Équipe artistique | Commanditaires et partenaires | Auditions | Mentorat | Répertoire | Anciens | Donner | Contact
|
230 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, Ontario M4V 1R5 647-606-2467 © Choral Canada 2024 Our office is located on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee & the Wendat Peoples.
Notre bureau est situé sur les territoires traditionnels des Mississaugas de la Première nation de New Credit, des Anishinaabe, des Haudenosaunee et des Wendat. |
RSS Feed