News
Spíra Summer Season!
Spíra is a choir perfectly suited for folks who are developing their music skills or sharpening their social justice knowledge, and for folks who need more flexibility than is generally given in choral ensembles. There are no auditions, you don't need to know how to read music, and no musical experience is necessary. Anybody can sing, and we think everyone should!
This choir will run for 6 sessions on Monday evenings (7:00 - 9:00pm) this summer (July 19 - August 30), in weekly-rotating outdoor spaces around Halifax and Dartmouth. In Phase 3 of Nova Scotia's reopening plan, we are allowed to gather outdoors with up to 25 people, without social distancing and masks. Phase 4 increases this number to up to 50, which may be in effect by the time we begin. Masks are recommended when you can’t maintain a minimum physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others, and we plan to follow this recommendation during our sessions.
For more information about Spíra's artistic team, click here!
To register for Spíra's 2021 summer season, click here!
This choir will run for 6 sessions on Monday evenings (7:00 - 9:00pm) this summer (July 19 - August 30), in weekly-rotating outdoor spaces around Halifax and Dartmouth. In Phase 3 of Nova Scotia's reopening plan, we are allowed to gather outdoors with up to 25 people, without social distancing and masks. Phase 4 increases this number to up to 50, which may be in effect by the time we begin. Masks are recommended when you can’t maintain a minimum physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others, and we plan to follow this recommendation during our sessions.
For more information about Spíra's artistic team, click here!
To register for Spíra's 2021 summer season, click here!
Announcement: New Eastern Horizon Leadership
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Choirs for Change is thrilled to announce the appointment of Amelia McMahon and Thomas Burton as co-conductors of Eastern Horizon Chamber Choir.
Both originally from the Annapolis Valley, Amelia and Thomas will be working collaboratively to bring high-level, contemporary choral music to Nova Scotian audiences. Sincere thanks to Jack Bennet and Christina Murray, who jointly led the ensemble for the past three seasons. The ensemble has grown and achieved national recognition under Jack and Christina's care and guidance. You can read more about Amelia and Thomas by clicking here! |
Return to Choir Plan: Polaris
The presence of COVID-19 in Nova Scotian life has disrupted regular plans for the 2020-2021 choir season. The introduction of new guidelines has meant a rethinking of how Choirs for Change can present choral programming that continues to inspire participation by community members while pursuing the values and goals which are foundational to the organization’s mission.
There are two primary realities of this unique season. First, is that no matter our attempts, this choral season will not be in the shape of what we regularly offer. This will be a very different kind of season, and its full detail will only be realized as we progress through the year. The second reality is that there will be a component of virtual/online programming. This will change the way the choir members approach participating in the year, and the demand placed on choir leadership.
In discovering a path forward, Polaris will remain steadfast in achieving two goals:
The Polaris team is planning to deliver these goals through programming that combines in-person and online activities. These activities will, at all times, meet the guidelines and regulations in place by public health and other leading bodies in regards to COVID-19 protocols. These activities will be creative and flexible.
You can read more about our Return to Choir Plan by clicking here!
There are two primary realities of this unique season. First, is that no matter our attempts, this choral season will not be in the shape of what we regularly offer. This will be a very different kind of season, and its full detail will only be realized as we progress through the year. The second reality is that there will be a component of virtual/online programming. This will change the way the choir members approach participating in the year, and the demand placed on choir leadership.
In discovering a path forward, Polaris will remain steadfast in achieving two goals:
- Artistic work that is relevant to social justice movements
- To provide programming that connects individuals and creates community through shared experience
The Polaris team is planning to deliver these goals through programming that combines in-person and online activities. These activities will, at all times, meet the guidelines and regulations in place by public health and other leading bodies in regards to COVID-19 protocols. These activities will be creative and flexible.
You can read more about our Return to Choir Plan by clicking here!
An Interview with Polaris Principal Conductor, Ryan Henwood
Thanks to Polaris member Sarah Roberts for providing this article while working at the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness!
https://www.socialconnectedness.org/choir-connectedness-and-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR0Ll8jXR4ajbWm09wHbgcvxzpszr4UCfybhLX9KpujgSrkTte4SMlpNu3E
https://www.socialconnectedness.org/choir-connectedness-and-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR0Ll8jXR4ajbWm09wHbgcvxzpszr4UCfybhLX9KpujgSrkTte4SMlpNu3E
New Recordings Available Online!
While we're not able to present live performances due to covid-19 restrictions, we have taken the opportunity to add archival recordings of our past performances to our new Soundcloud page! You will find great music from Polaris, Spira, and Eastern Horizon stretching back the past few seasons.
Click below to listen!
Click below to listen!