News
November 26 & 27, 2022 | Polaris in collaboration with The Inclusive Choir present: CELEBRATIONS
Featuring Choirs for Change's core choir Polaris, this year's Celebrations focuses on uplifting the contributions of queer musicians to our musical culture.
All of the music that will be performed is composed or originally performed by queer musicians.
This concert will feature the works of classical choral composers Benjamin Britten and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, contemporary Canadian composers Stuart Beatch and Leslie Uyeda, and choral arrangements of queer pop musicians Tegan and Sara, and Stewart Legere.
Polaris is excited to be joined by the Inclusive Choir, an initiative that brings people of all abilities together to make music.
Tickets are available through Ticket Halifax at a variety of price points. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the door, with a Pay-What-You-Can option for people who are underwaged.
Saturday, November 26 at 7:30pm
St. Matthew's United Church (1479 Barrington Street, Halifax)
Sunday, November 27 at 3:00pm
Grace United Church (70 King Street, Dartmouth)
All of the music that will be performed is composed or originally performed by queer musicians.
This concert will feature the works of classical choral composers Benjamin Britten and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, contemporary Canadian composers Stuart Beatch and Leslie Uyeda, and choral arrangements of queer pop musicians Tegan and Sara, and Stewart Legere.
Polaris is excited to be joined by the Inclusive Choir, an initiative that brings people of all abilities together to make music.
Tickets are available through Ticket Halifax at a variety of price points. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the door, with a Pay-What-You-Can option for people who are underwaged.
Saturday, November 26 at 7:30pm
St. Matthew's United Church (1479 Barrington Street, Halifax)
Sunday, November 27 at 3:00pm
Grace United Church (70 King Street, Dartmouth)
Announcement: Nova Scotian Conductor and Composer Ryan Henwood named Artistic Director of Choirs for Change
Choirs for Change is thrilled to announce that Ryan Henwood has been appointed to the new role of Artistic Director!
Henwood has been involved with Choirs for Change since its inception in 2017, first as a singer and later as principal director of Polaris and Spíra choirs. In that time, he has led both choirs through countless rehearsals and concerts, and taught hundreds of arrangements—including original songs like “Pulse” and “Celandine.”
Last year, Henwood completed his Bachelor of Music Education from Memorial University and started work in Halifax as a music teacher.
"In my role as Artistic Director," Henwood says, "I hope to be able to work with and support my conducting colleagues to provide our audiences with high-level and thought-provoking artistic programming...[and] I want to empower our choristers to feel that our art making is a form of a social change."
Choirs for Change's mandate is to have its three choirs—Polaris, Spíra, and Eastern Horizon—support social change movements with innovative choral events. With this in mind, Henwood has previously led the choirs to appear at Nocturne: Art at Night Festival, Mayworks Halifax, and multiple rallies for different causes. Going forward, Henwood plans to promote causes close to home.
"I hope to ground our social change focus on local issues. This may take form through events that focus on issues happening on a municipal or provincial level, but may also look like partnering with other organizations that are already doing amazing work in our community."
And Henwood's event planning doesn't stop with choral music—he plans to collaborate with artists across a variety of mediums. "Choral music is already such a powerful vehicle for storytelling," he says. Choristers and audiences alike will appreciate the shared talents of "musicians, dancers, and spoken word artists."
Catch Henwood leading Polaris in concert at the end of November—watch for the concert announcement here.
Henwood has been involved with Choirs for Change since its inception in 2017, first as a singer and later as principal director of Polaris and Spíra choirs. In that time, he has led both choirs through countless rehearsals and concerts, and taught hundreds of arrangements—including original songs like “Pulse” and “Celandine.”
Last year, Henwood completed his Bachelor of Music Education from Memorial University and started work in Halifax as a music teacher.
"In my role as Artistic Director," Henwood says, "I hope to be able to work with and support my conducting colleagues to provide our audiences with high-level and thought-provoking artistic programming...[and] I want to empower our choristers to feel that our art making is a form of a social change."
Choirs for Change's mandate is to have its three choirs—Polaris, Spíra, and Eastern Horizon—support social change movements with innovative choral events. With this in mind, Henwood has previously led the choirs to appear at Nocturne: Art at Night Festival, Mayworks Halifax, and multiple rallies for different causes. Going forward, Henwood plans to promote causes close to home.
"I hope to ground our social change focus on local issues. This may take form through events that focus on issues happening on a municipal or provincial level, but may also look like partnering with other organizations that are already doing amazing work in our community."
And Henwood's event planning doesn't stop with choral music—he plans to collaborate with artists across a variety of mediums. "Choral music is already such a powerful vehicle for storytelling," he says. Choristers and audiences alike will appreciate the shared talents of "musicians, dancers, and spoken word artists."
Catch Henwood leading Polaris in concert at the end of November—watch for the concert announcement here.
Coming Soon: Spíra - a summer choir!
Come sing for fun this summer with Spíra - a summer choir!
Anybody can sing, and it feels good to do it, especially with other people. Singing in a group can reduce stress and pain, improve your mood and musicianship, and build relationships and community.
Spíra is a drop-in, outdoor community choir, active during the summer months on Monday evenings. It is perfectly suited for folks who are looking for a chance to sing, to develop their music skills, and to build community. No auditions, no experience necessary, and you don’t need to know how to read music. Everyone is welcome!
July 4, 11, 18, 25, Aug 1 (weather permitting)
6:00-8:00pm
Fort Needham Memorial Park
Participation is free
Stay up-to-date on the latest choir news, events, and programming updates
Instagram:@ChoirsForChange
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ChoirsForChange
Anybody can sing, and it feels good to do it, especially with other people. Singing in a group can reduce stress and pain, improve your mood and musicianship, and build relationships and community.
Spíra is a drop-in, outdoor community choir, active during the summer months on Monday evenings. It is perfectly suited for folks who are looking for a chance to sing, to develop their music skills, and to build community. No auditions, no experience necessary, and you don’t need to know how to read music. Everyone is welcome!
July 4, 11, 18, 25, Aug 1 (weather permitting)
6:00-8:00pm
Fort Needham Memorial Park
Participation is free
Stay up-to-date on the latest choir news, events, and programming updates
Instagram:@ChoirsForChange
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ChoirsForChange
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!