2017-2018 CHOR LEONI Annual Report Our 26th Season 1
Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
Members of Chor Leoni First Tenors Corey Hollett Ken Hollett Noel Hollett Shaun Jackman Bob Keyes Derek Kief Mark MacDonald Cliff Reinhardt Hyo Shim Peter Spira William Ting
Second Tenors Jordan Back Kevin Chiang Byron Hanson Kyle Harland Choji Hayashi Bruce Hoffman Reid Howard Liam Kearns Jim Knight Rod Locke Bryn Orth-Lashley Marc Petrunia Keith Sinclair John Wyness
Section Leaders Mark MacDonald, Byron Hanson, Greg Martin, Michael Soderling Honorary Lifetime Members Christopher Gaze, o.b.c., m.s.m. Martha Lou Henley, c.m.
Board of Directors Baritones Joseph Anthony James Carter Ken Cassidy Russell Cripps Ian Farthing Mike Fletcher Dean Giustini Doug Graeb Conor Graham Phil Jack Mike Jackman Peter Joosten Tom Kidd Paul Larocque Douglas Leung Greg Martin Rob McAllister Greg Mohr Daniel Sheinin Ted Steiner
Basses Douglas Au-Lange Rick Bennett Paul Birch Lucas Brown Stash Bylicki Garth Edwards James Emery Ed Friesen Travis Fuchs Michael Hall Barry Honda Eric Kristensen David Love Chris Moore Shinil Park Bob Rankin Larry Smeets Michael Soderling Nicholas van der Velden
CHAIR Vice-CHAIR James Emery Rick Bennett Treasurer Secretary Marni Johnson Rod Locke MEMBERS AT LARGE James Carter, Leanne Denis, John Geddes, Conor Graham, Fred Lee, Peter Joosten, Masato Oki, Patricia Penner
Staff Artistic Director: Erick Lichte Executive Director: Stash Bylicki Production Manager: David Carpenter Manager of Marketing & Patron Relations: Bruce Hoffman Administrative Assistant: Derek Kief Digital Media Producer: Phil Jack Archivist: Eric Kristensen Accompanist: Ken Cormier
FOUNDER Diane Loomer, c.m. HONORARY PATRONS Judith Forst, o.c., o.b.c., Martha Lou Henley, c.m., Brett Polegato, Wayne Riddell, c.m., Robert Sund, Bramwell Tovey, o.c., o.m., Patrick Wedd
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Report from the Artistic Director by Erick Lichte There is so much to love about Chor Leoni. They sing beautifully in so many styles, and are champions of Canadian art both here and across the world. But for me, Chor Leoni is special because they are a choir FROM the community and a choir FOR the community. These men have an unparalleled commitment to their art, and to the development of young men’s lives through our MYVoice and PROMYS programs. Most importantly, Chor Leoni believes in the transformative power of its singing to make Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada a better place.
Erick Lichte
Report from the Executive Director by Stash Bylicki As I finish my first season as Chor Leoni’s Executive Director, I see the 25th anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the vibrant community that has propelled Chor Leoni for the past 25 years. Our audiences are passionate, adventurous, and unyieldingly supportive. This season we shared our music with more than 18,000 people in Vancouver and across the world. That is incredible. Our generous donors share in our belief that music has the power to change lives, and helped us finish a new recording project, sent us to Asia, and supported our important educational programs. We are so thankful. The brilliant board of Directors collaborated on the creation of a brand-new strategic plan that will lead the organization for the next four years. I encourage you to give it a read. Also, none of this would have happened without our world-class staff, collaborators, musicians, educators, and volunteers. Finally, the singers of Chor Leoni are a kind, generous, hilarious, and engaging group of men. It is their love and dedication that has transfixed audiences for 25 years. I’m certain that through their continued passion, Chor Leoni is in good hands as we embark on the next 25 years of creating beautiful music in Vancouver.
Stash Bylicki
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
Report from the Chair by James Emery This past year Chor Leoni embarked on a comprehensive review of the 5-year Strategic Plan established in 2013. The Strategic Planning Committee, most ably led by Rick Bennett, met a number of times in the early part of 2018 to draft a revised plan that incorporated feedback from a survey of the membership. The proposed new plan was reviewed by the board and finalized by the summer. The plan continues in the same vein that was established previously with our commitment to choral singing excellence in an environment of inclusivity and respect for both the membership and our audience. It recognizes Chor Leoni’s history of ambition and innovation and provides a framework that allows further explorations of our art form. With this well constructed Strategic Plan, the Artistic Director and Executive Director have a resource that guides their decision making on a daily basis and provides clear direction when planning for subsequent seasons.
James Emery
Our Vision To engage and enrich the world through the art of male choral singing.
Our Mission
Our Values
Chor Leoni inspires audiences, trains artists, educates youth, and advances the male choral art form by creating, promoting, and presenting male choral music.
Supporting and supported by one another, we
We create transformative experiences for our performers, audiences, and communities. We champion Canadian culture at home and abroad.
• thrive on the joy of making and sharing music, • insist on and cultivate excellence, diversity, inclusiveness, and respect, • embrace courage and innovation, • are dedicated to engaging, building, and improving communities through our art, and • aspire to continuous growth as musicians and individuals.
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ONE LAST SONG 25th Annual Remembrance Day Concerts
November 11 | 1:30pm | West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver November 11 | 8pm | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver
This is the Torch We are Thrown BY RICK BENNETT
“I harbour no naïve In the spring of 2017 Lorraine and I joined thousands of Canadians in a pilgrimage to Vimy Ridge. Eighteen months on, I find myself revisiting images from Vimy. In particular I cannot shake William Longstaff’s painting, The Ghosts of Vimy Ridge, depicting the ghosts of Canadian soldiers wandering sleeplessly on the slope below the Memorial. Do they wander still; and if so, what might give them rest? John McRae wrote they would not sleep if we break faith and fail to take up their quarrel with the foe. Often interpreted as a call to arms, I see in McRae’s words a different, more universal meaning. He was, after all, a medical man, and penned In Flanders Fields at a forward dressing station. His dealings with the daily butchering of young bodies cannot have left him unmoved. In this light I view McRae’s foe not as some foreign other, but all nations, and the quarrel to be taken up is not with foreigners, but with humanity’s participation in war. Read this way we keep faith with the fallen by foreswearing, not bearing, arms. This is the torch we are thrown; only this will truly end the slaughter, and only then will the ghosts of Vimy sleep.
view that our songs might birth true peace. But they may perhaps serve a more humble end, holding us and our audiences accountable, once a year, to these ghosts of Vimy Ridge.”
If I am right, then the grim conclusion 101 years on is that Vimy’s ghosts are no closer to sleep; nor yet the millions more killed and broken since the war to end all wars ended. A bleak, despairing view. In its grip I ask why Chor Leoni bothers to observe Remembrance Day? I harbour no naïve view that our songs might birth true peace. But they may perhaps serve a more humble end, holding us and our audiences accountable, once a year, to these ghosts of Vimy Ridge. Through our annual observance we must confront again the truths that we summoned them to war, we sent them to their deaths, and now it is we who still will not let them sleep. And if you listen carefully, in the deepest moments of that reflection, you may hear those ghosts of Vimy Ridge, asking us anew in the bitterness of their still sleepless wandering: “Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Will you not pick up the torch?” To hear those whisperings is, I think, why we sing.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
christmas with chor leoni
December 15 | 4:30pm | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver December 15 | 8pm | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver December 16 | 1:30pm | West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver December 18 | 4:30pm | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver December 18 | 8pm | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver
A Family Affair BY ROZ, KEN, COREY & NOEL HOLLETT “The first, Noel, the second, Corey” is the Hollett version of “The First Nowell”, for in our household, with the gift of twin sons, that’s when we truly became a family. Early on, the boys asked how old they’d have to be before they were able to sing with us, so it was with great pleasure that we have ended up being a family with mostly the same friends and activities. Chor Leoni has given us the opportunity to share experiences as a family that we never imagined we’d have. Whether it be exploring castles in the Czech Republic, dinner canal-side in Venice, or dancing on a moonlit beach in Bali, we realize that our biological family has been included in the greater Chor Leoni family. One way to be together has been through Chor Leoni rehearsals, where there are a couple of hours carved out of each week to sing side by side, providing a chance to join in a shared experience in a communal place away from independent careers and the demands of busy lives. Ken finds this keeps him feeling as a relevant influence in his son’s lives and allows the boys to have a friendship with the man who raised them, setting a course for a lifetime bond. In volunteering at choir concerts, Roz loves the camaraderie she feels in gifting her time to honour their efforts. For us, it doesn’t feel like Christmas until we reach the Christmas concert. The rush and bustle of so many responsibilities drop away as lights are dimmed and an expectant hush settles over one and all. As the gift of music begins, something beautiful, cathartic, ephemeral and spellbinding occurs, transcending notes and words on a page. Something speaks directly to the heart of both performers and audience, drawing people together for at least a moment of truly human connection. Afterwards, while sending people back out into the city, we hear from our audience their deep appreciation of the connective space they have found in the concerts, and their sense of a renewed understanding of the simple pleasures of the season. And we hope Yule feel the same way too.
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As the gift of music begins, something beautiful, cathartic, ephemeral and spellbinding occurs.
c/4
Canadian Choral Composition Competition February 23 | 8pm | The Orpheum Annex FINALISTS: Benjamin Bolden, Marie-Claire Sandon, Gerda Blok-Wilson
Bowled over by C4 BY MARIE-CLAIRE SANDON I am so bowled over by the love, commitment, artistry, and dedicated community surrounding the C/4 concert. This is what a healthy artistic organisation looks like after many years of building itself up. Amateur or not, as an arts organisation, creating events where the Canadian musical community can grow and develop is to be aspired to, and this is exactly what you are doing. We three finalists of this competition were welcomed in Vancouver with such enthusiasm! First off, offering to fly (from anywhere in Canada) and lodge your finalists is a huge act of generosity that did not go unnoticed. Thank you for offering that extra step. It then made the next item do-able: the workshop on Wednesday evening. Having a full hour for each of the finalists’ piece helped get into the nitty-gritty of the performance aspect of the piece. It also helped me, as a composer, to understand the ease and difficulties of some of the passages I wrote, which is something that is nearly impossible to do for myself without such a workshop. It also helped us understand a little better the character of the choir by spending more time with you than if we had only come for the concert. Speaking of the concert, the format was fantastic. There’s nothing more fun than being able to communicate your ideas to the audience, and even more fun to get audience/choir/director/jury feedback. More of that! I deeply appreciate this event that Chor Leoni has created, and I can’t wait to see how the Canadian choral community will evolve — and hopefully be inspired — thanks to C4. COMMUNITY PARTNER
this concert Generously supported by
ACCOMMODATION GENEROUSLY SUPPLIED BY
An arts organisation, creating events where the Canadian musical community can grow and develop is to be aspired to, and this is exactly what you are doing.
JUDGES James Carter Jocelyn Morlock Rodney Sharman
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
CHOR LEONI
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April 28 | 1:30pm | West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver April 28 | 8pm | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver
A Profound Thank You BY MARK MACDONALD As a founding member of Chor Leoni, I have watched with pride over the past 25 years as our little ensemble grew in size and confidence and took on ever more challenging repertoire. From a little group of about 20 singers, unsure of what we were doing, often rehearsing in Diane’s living room, we have grown into an established Vancouver musical tradition of 60 singers, whose fans never fail to amaze me with their loyalty. I think as important as that impact, the impact on the singers, especially me, in terms of confidence, craft, and exposure to a much wider world of music than we could have imagined, has been profound. I came to Chor Leoni with a love of the singing voice and a huge desire to add mine to the mix, but with precious little experience and no formal training. I blush to admit it now but I could barely read music. Diane had faith in me and I’m grateful for that. I find myself now changed in ways I find hard to express without acknowledging my gratitude. Chor Leoni has opened up a world of music and life for me that I never knew existed. And now Erick, picking up that torch, has taken us from challenge to success, to more challenge and more success, never resting on our laurels, always raising the bar. This growth, this versatility, this skill was beautifully encapsulated in our Chor Leoni 25 anniversary concert. From Poulenc’s exquisite Quatre Petites Priéres to Josquin’s Absalon to Rahman’s Wedding Qawwali, Chor Leoni demonstrated once again that it continues to bring new sounds, new feelings, new vision to Vancouver’s choral and broader community. I know it has for me. At some point in the future it will be time for me to retire and I will do so wistfully but with a profound sense of pride in what we all have accomplished. I know that our little ensemble has grown into a permanent legacy for Vancouver, for Canada, and for the world.
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I find myself now changed in ways I find hard to express without acknowledging my gratitude. Chor Leoni has opened up a world of music and life for me that I never knew existed.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
vanman male TAKE 6 in Concert April 6 | 8pm | Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
Transfixed by Take 6 BY PETER JOOSTEN I really wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into the Take 6 concert. I must have been living under a rock because I had never heard of them. When the season was announced, I figured I would leave Take 6 as a surprise. I didn’t google them, listen to their music, or go out of my way to find out anything about them. From the moment they stepped foot on stage they blew me away. Their vocal abilities were astounding and definitely something that had me completely transfixed. R&B and soul music are not common genres at Chor Leoni events and I was so happy to experience something so different at this concert. Along with their fantastic sound, I was also impressed by the professionalism of the group. After the concert and over the course of the VanMan weekend, they took the time to talk with and answer questions that the various patrons and MyVoice singers had. I feel that they enriched the weekend as a whole. I am so happy I was able to attend this concert. It exceeded any expectation I might have had. I’m grateful that Chor Leoni is able to expose our community to the breadth of talent that exists throughout North America.
Their vocal abilities were astounding and definitely something that had me completely transfixed.
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choral Summit SUMMIT Concert April 7 | 7:30pm | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC
A Weekend of Connection BY MELODIE LANGEVIN When I started rehearsals with the Vancouver MYVoice ensemble in January 2018, I should have known that in just ten weeks’ time I would be brought to tears seeing the unique young men I had gotten to know sing on the Chan stage with such uninhibited passion amongst hundreds of others doing the same. The relationships made at VanMan are so significant; by the end of the weekend the singers are connecting across grades, across schools, and across districts because they have just experienced some of the most incredibly meaningful music making they may ever experience, together. And it’s cool! The enthusiasm and passion that these young singers may not ordinarily feel comfortable expressing in most situations is modeled by Chor Leoni, encouraged, and celebrated. As I looked out on the sea of MYVoice singers in the Chan choir loft singing pieces like “Gimikwenden Ina” and “We Rise Again”, I could see that VanMan is so much more than just a weekend of concerts - it’s a weekend of transformation that truly makes our world a better place.
VanMan is so much more than just a weekend of concerts
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
Educational Outreach MYVOICE: A Place Where They Belong
PROMYS Honour Choir Treasured Choral Memories
BY Carrie Taylor
BY VICTOR BURKE
Being a young man in high school and dealing with all the issues that emerge during that time is tough; add singing in a choir to that mix and, as the teacher asking them to join choir, I have come to realize how difficult and how vulnerable this makes them. Many young boys in elementary school love to sing in choir, but once they reach high school they begin to worry about the stigma of being a “choir geek” and, more importantly, they lose confidence in their ability to sing well. The twin problems of going through a voice change while navigating the high school social environment means that we easily lose many young men from making music.
Having been involved with Chor Leoni and their youth outreach programs for three years now, I can say first-hand that the PROMYS Honour Choir is one of the highlights of my choral experience every year. It has been a privilege to not only take advantage of the opportunities that PROMYS has provided, but to watch (and contribute to!) its growth over the years I’ve been in it.
Given these challenges, getting young men to start singing in their high school choir is a big hurdle. MYVoice happens away from the school; the singers don’t even need to tell their friends they are trying it if they don’t want to. Imagine the comfort and support they feel as they walk into a room full of like-minded teenagers who share their interest in singing and are willing to accept them into a team. This year the Burnaby MYVoice chapter that I direct had 60 singers. That is a team of 60 young men; 60 new friends; 60 people that know your talents and respect your interest in singing. Many of these guys are already on sports teams and know what it is like to be on a team, but for some, this is their first team experience working together to create something beautiful. The wonderful spinoff from MYVoice is that many of these young men take the confidence they build through MYVoice and join their school choirs. The musical and extra-musical world that is introduced to these young men is a singular experience and its importance can’t be overstated. These young men leave MYVoice knowing they are part of a bigger community, a community where they belong. I honestly believe there isn’t any other opportunity like this anywhere else in Canada. Carrie Taylor has been a high school music teacher for 31 years. She also directs the Vivo Children’s Choir, is the coordinator for the British Columbia Provincial Honour Choir, and has been involved with Chor Leoni’s MYVoice and PROMYS programs for many years.
Some of my most treasured choral memories have come from PROMYS. The first time I sang alongside Chor Leoni, it was tackling Ešenvalds’ Stars in 2016. It was the first time I’d been exposed to a group of all-male singers, united in their love for sharing music. It inspired me to pursue more enrichment opportunities beyond that of a regular high-school education. The following year’s PROMYS allowed me to take the stage of the Chan alongside some of my best friends, sharing the venue with Chanticleer — and receiving a standing ovation. I distinctly thought to myself, “This is it, this is the peak, I’ll never get to do anything like this again.” But I did. This year’s PROMYS group got to work more closely than ever with Erick, and enjoyed a masterclass with Take 6. Take 6! That’s insane! Just trying to sight-read Family of Love for the first time, I think we all felt out of our depth. And yet it was that challenge, eased along by the guidance of Erick, that made the VanMan Summit Concert all the more rewarding. Singing alongside Chanticleer and Take 6 at the Chan was a level of performance that most will never experience, and I’ve gotten to do it twice. I can’t wait for 2019 — with Cantus — to make it three times. My time with Chor Leoni has cultivated an appreciation and dedication to the craft of choral artistry in ways I simply could not have otherwise experienced. The camaraderie and level of performance I get to witness first-hand each year is a privilege I will sorely miss when I age out of free donuts and T-shirts, and one I’ll cherish while I still can. And who knows? By then, I just might be a proud lion myself!
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VANMAN FESTIVAL SINGERS A Stellar Mix: Music and Camaraderie BY TERRY RANDALL My male colleagues and I at the Delta Choral Society (Delta Community Choir and Delta Chamber Choir) are pleased to have been a part of the VanMan Choral Summit and, specifically, the VanMan Festival Singers since year two of the event’s inception. We were initially drawn to the event through information in a programme that I received from a Chor Leoni Christmas concert. I talked it up with the guys in our group and we had nine attend in our first year. We have consistently attended since and are looking forward to our fourth year in 2019. All the guys who went that first year enjoyed it so much that most of us have repeated every year since. A stellar guest vocal group was added to the event in 2017 and VanMan grew from a one-day event to Friday night as well as Saturday. This change just gave us the opportunity for much more enjoyment. We were treated to the vocal stylings of Chanticleer and Take 6 in the past 2 Summits and are thoroughly looking forward to seeing and hearing Cantus this coming April. For male choral singers of any age, this annual event is a must! For a modest price, you get to see a concert by the guest performers on Friday, perform in 2 concerts yourself on Saturday, and enjoy the rehearsals, workshops, and camaraderie during the event. Our heartfelt congratulations and thank-you’s go out to Chor Leoni Director Erick Lichte, and all the members of Chor Leoni and the Chor Leoni family who put on this marvellous event!
Delta Choral Society contingent of VanMan Festival Singers
For male choral singers of any age, this annual event is a must!
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
Mane Event
Pop music is in Chor Leoni’s DNA because it opens us up to opportunities classical music alone cannot.
June 25 | 3pm & 8pm July 2 | 3pm & 8pm BMO MainStage Tent at Bard on the Beach Vanier Park, Vancouver
Lions Inhabiting the Stage BY LUCAS BROWN I thought Chor Leoni was only for singing – excellent stuff but clearly with a narrow focus. Turns out I was wrong. At a rehearsal shortly before the summer Bard show I was handed a sign-up sheet asking, “What’s the least amount of clothing you’re comfortable wearing on stage?” With trepidation I ticked the last box: “Next to nothing.” But it didn’t stop there. “To what extent are you willing/able to be a frontline dancer?” I read the question twice. “Willing? Yes. Able? Hardly. I’ve never taken a dance class in my life.” This season was my third Bard show and with each presentation I knew I was becoming a more well-adjusted man. Of all our concerts, this summer blow-out was one of the clearest examples how singing is where transformation begins—not where it ends. Our most recent Bard show was the first one for my parents. They have a history of being razzle-dazzle averse, so the idea of having them in the audience was enough to make me almost ill. In the end, they had the time of their lives. One of the reasons, I think, is that they were able to experience choral music in a new way. The shape of music is easy to take for granted if you’ve become accustomed to one genre. But for people like my folks, it takes something like ‘Mane Event’ to move even an inch closer to expanding that assumption. For them our show was a bit like wearing glasses for the first time. Everything from First Nations anguish (Gimikwenden Ina/Do
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You Remember?) to the exuberance of Bollywood (Wedding Qawwali) helped to prepare them for the unbridled freedom of six grown men performing a burlesque striptease wearing giraffe onesies. But most importantly for them, they were finally able to see me. My entire life I had longed to be a dancer but was too scared to try or even say the words. Because of the Bard show I found the impetus to leap over the wall. As a result, people who thought they knew me were introduced to parts of my core that might have otherwise remained dormant. The celebration was incredibly public, with a roaring crowd, incredible costumes, and a top-notch band. Art allows us to reach people where they are, as they are. To do that requires taking that first vulnerable step. Those who are watching, in turn, feel connected and safe. Each singer is still a separate entity but also part of a united, single organism. We break down barriers by first dismantling them within ourselves. Pop music is a part of Chor Leoni’s DNA that opens us up to opportunities classical music alone cannot. A few tears were shed at the close of that last show, but they were mostly tears of joy. I’m beyond privileged for the gifts I’ve been given. I’m also proud to belong to a classical music organization that believes in harnessing non-classical opportunities to share something the world desperately needs. Our future is as bright as that first sign-up sheet and I look forward to other expanding experiences as we continue to evolve.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
Chor Leoni in Singapore & Bali Harmony in the Midst of Competition by Paul Birch
For most of the members of Chor Leoni the prospect of a choir trip to Singapore and Bali was some sort of romantic vision combining Singapore Slings and “Bali Ha’i” from South Pacific. The reality was far better. From the time we left Vancouver on July 17 until we landed back home on August 3 we experienced a sense of camaraderie and fun that was generated by being with a marvellous bunch of friends and engaging in activities that emphasized harmony even in the midst of competition. In the choral contests in which we participated in both locations, we found ourselves to be cast in the role of being somewhat ‘exotic’ even in the company of singers who were decked out in feathers, sarongs, and other flamboyant costumes. We were, after all, the only participants who had come from the western hemisphere. It was a novel experience to have throngs of Chinese children and Thai choristers leap to their feet yelling and clapping even before we had sung. The prizes we were awarded simply added to the thrill of being able to participate in such surroundings. Quite apart from the music, however, was the joy of just being bonded as a group of friends. Even the ‘plus ones’ (non-singing partners and spouses) recognized the uniqueness of the experience as we travelled, ate and shared time together. No matter how much we had previously identified ourselves as a choir we now could add this unifying adventure to our repertoire of memories.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
CHOR LEONI IN THE COMMUNITY In addition to Chor Leoni’s regular concert series, the choir also sang at: • Dr. Peter: Life Commitment | October 20 • CKNW Orphans’ Fund Pledge Day | November 29 • CBC Open House & Food Bank Day | December 1 • US Consulate General Independence Day Event | June 28 • BlueShore Financial | July 10
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Fundraising Events
At Home
Spring Dinner Concert
September 27 | Lorne & Melita Segal’s residence
April 15 | Sutton Place Hotel
TOTAL RAISED: $95,080
TOTAL RAISED: $41,250
Guests at the choir’s 15th annual fundraising gala were in for a surprise. As Vancouver Courier columnist and Man-About-Town Fred Lee said, “No guest has ever fallen into the Segal’s indoor pool — that is until Chor Leoni held their At Home Fundraiser at the couple’s sprawling bungalow. Artistic Director Erick Lichte took the plunge on a $10,000 dare. The cannonball contributed to a very memorable $100,000 night.”
Soaring arias by famed Canadian soprano Lara Ciekiewicz and the warm sound of Chor Leoni filled the sold-out ballroom of the Sutton Place Hotel during this special event in support of the choir’s touring efforts. Chor Leoni would like to thank Sonya Wall for her enthusiastic support of this beautiful evening!
Chor Leoni thanks At Home Chair Lesley Stowe and the hardworking At Home Committee for leading this very successful event. We also thank Mary and Peeter Wesik and BlueShore Financial for their generous and leading support of At Home.
AT HOME COMMITTEE Lesley Stowe, Chair Larry Burr, Stash Bylicki, David Carpenter, James Emery, Noel Hollett, Fred Lee, Rob McAllister, Paul Larocque, Erick Lichte
Chor Leoni Idol May 6 | Blackbird Public House TOTAL RAISED: $21,565 An unexpected appearance by Ms. Virginia Ham was only the first highlight of an evening of hilarity, entertainment, and fundraising at Chor Leoni’s fourth annual Chor Leoni Idol. The team of Corey and Noel Hollett were the eventual winners, to the delight of our enthralled audience. Thank you to all of our contestants who worked so hard to benefit the ensemble. Their commitment helped us raise almost $22,000! CONTESTANTS James Carter, Corey & Noel Hollett, Barry Honda, Reid Howard, Liam Kearns, Douglas Leung, Larry Smeets CELEBRITY JUDGES Carmen Cruz, Rick Cluff, Bruce Munro Wright
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
A DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE Why We Support Chor Leoni BY ROBERT WATSON
Our family’s first exposure to Chor Leoni was four years ago at the invitation of our newly found friend and architect James Emery. My wife and I attended the Chor Leoni Christmas performance that year and came away from the show with the impression that this group of men cared deeply both about their art and the community around them. We became familiar with the MYVoice program as a result of our exposure to Chor Leoni and through this program we have learned how an organization can have a positive effect on the community. We did not have a deep knowledge of the MYVoice program two years ago when our son first joined this group for young singers. We started taking him to practices every week and the most I learned about it was that he got doughnuts at each session. It was not until the end of that first season, during the VanMan weekend that I saw for the first time the impact that MyVoice was having on its members and on the community. The program is run in multiple sites across greater Vancouver with professional conductors sharing their passion mentoring the young men that participate in the program. What I like most about the MyVoice program is how inclusive it is. The young men that join do not have to audition or prove their ability in order to be part of it. They just need to make a commitment to the organization and they are welcomed in. I find this refreshingly positive. Last year my wife and I were moved by the wide variety of young men that joined MYVoice and by the confidence that they displayed at the VanMan weekend. It was at that point that we decided to make a financial contribution to the program and to try in every way we could to help the program grow and succeed. Our family continues to support the MyVoice program and the wide variety of shows delivered by Chor Leoni. It is our hope that this organization will continue to grow and have a positive effect on the arts and the social scene in Vancouver.
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This group of men cares deeply both about their art and the community around them.
DONORS
Chor Leoni names its giving levels after the stars of the constellation Leo, the lion. Thank you to all of our benefactors and friends. Your generosity helps us shine! This list acknowledges donations received from Aug 1, 2017 to Jul 31, 2018. If you detect any errors or omissions, please call the choir office at 604.263.7061.
Total: $221,224.00
REGULUS ($10,000+) Alix Brown, RBC Foundation, RJL Law Corporation, Robert & Helen Watson, Peeter & Mary Wesick ADHAFERA ($5,000 - $9,999) Rick* & Lorraine Bennett, James* & Leslie Carter, Bob & Judy Hager Family Fund, Gabryel Harrison, Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation, Paul & Darlene Howard, Marni Johnson & Gordon Roberts, The Joseph Segal Family Foundation, Kearns & Company Lawyers NOVA ($2,000 - $4,999) Stephanie Carlson, Pete Chamberlain, Richard & Valerie Dunsterville, James Emery* & Rob McAllister*, John Geddes, Ray Glicksohn, Doug Graeb*, Hamber Foundation, Joan Henderson, Carol & Richard Henriquez, Iredale Group Architecture, Gary & Louise Kenwood, Erick* & Ashley Lichte, McGrane-Pearson Endowment Fund, Nader Mirhady & Chris Salton, Patricia Penner, Moe Takhar, Colleen & David Torrison, Eric & Beverly Watt DENEBOLA ($500 - $1,999) AllWest Insurance, Dennis & Holly Back, Paul* & Margaret Birch, BlueShore Financial, Jamesie Bower, Richard & Valerie Bradshaw, Shannon Brown, Stash Bylicki* & Katerina Kwon, Joyce Campkin, Vincent Carey & Ed Friesen*, Nina Cassils, Lori Charvat, Liz Chaston, Ted & Dorothy Chiasson, The Christopher Foundation, Larry Clausen & Myron Story, Coast BC Hazmat Inspections Inc., David Cousins, Margaret Denis, Christopher Doray, Garth Edwards*, John Evans, Fidelity Investments Canada ULC, Charles & Lucile Flavelle Family Fund, Sally Geller, Douglas Gordon, Jim Green & Vivian Thom, Ken* & Rosalind Hollett, Don & Patricia Hudson, Heather & Bill Ireland, Elsie & Audrey Jang Fund, Bob* & Deborah Keyes, Bill & Denny Lang, Paul Larocque*, Robert Lesperance, Alan & Mary Lou Miles, Greg Martin*, Brenda McAllister, Joan McLeod, Jennifer Meldrum, Jean Michelson, Lois Milsom, Cheryl Neighbour, Elizabeth Noble, RBC Phillips Hager & North Investment Counsel Inc, Bernard Poznanski, Bob* & Margaret Rankin, Diane Ravelli, Reid Family Charitable Gift Fund, D & D Ressor Family Holdings Inc., Don & Heather Risk, Peter & Elfriede Rohloff, Ursula Schmelcher, Mike & Val Seager, Nicky & Doug Seppala, Marion & Andy Shaw, Larry Smeets*, Ted Steiner*, Nigel Stewart, Lesley Stowe, Mary-Anne Stowe, Ian & Jane Strang, Michael Watson, Bill Wood, Bruce Wright, Kathy Yoshitomi, Mark Zlotnik ZOSMA ($200 - $499) Robert Aguayo & Leanne Denis, Joan Apel, Cora Ashburner, Jordan Back*, Laura & Paul Baker, Beth Elaine Barkey, Brenda Benham, Maureen Bennington, Dianne Bentz, Patricia Bice, Melina Buckley, Michael Cavaletto, Eva Christopher, Coast Capital Savings, Jude Coffin, Ken Cormier*, Dawn Demery, Bill & Jeannie Denault, Count Enrico & Countess Aline Dobrzensky, Shannon Dolphin, Janet Enns, John Esdaile, Ian Farthing*, John Forbes, Evelyn Froese, Joy Gibson, Rusty & Lindy Goepel, Norma Goldie, Conor Graham*, Kate Gregory, Karen Hamersley, Wendy Hamilton, Amanda Harris, Peter & Sylvia Hart, Martha Hazevoet, Nancy Hermiston, Bruce Hoffman* & Dean Brown, Barry Honda*, Reid Howard*, Jean Hurst, Judith Hutson, Isabeau Iqbal, Muhammad Iqbal, Carole Jinks, Peter Joosten*, Anne-Marie & Peter Kains, Nancy Kemble, Margaret Kidd, Marla Kiess, Jim Knight*, Vlad Krajina, Tini Lattey, Fred Lee, Lynn & Russel Lichte, Rod Locke* & Quinn Crosina, David Love* & Jim Harcott, Greg Lypowy, Gerald Lyseng, Cindy McPherson, Douglas McRae, Peter Mercer & Ginger Shaw, Greg Mohr*, Christine Nicolas, Diane Norton, Masato Oki, Naz Pahani, Elaine Peddie, Jill Purdy, Carolyn Robertson, Bill & Pat Sexsmith, Hyo Shim*, Frances Smith, Peter Spira*, Joan Stewart, Fumiko Suzuki, Sheila Wex RASALAS ($75- $199) Robert Allan, Hugh Alley, Janet Allwork, Sue Anderlini, Jean Arthur, Karen Bartlett, Ron Bergeron, Ruth Brodie, Charles Budd, Diana Budden, Marilyn Bullock, Lawrence Burr, Marnie Carter, Ken Cassidy*, Rachel Caulfield, Kevin Chiang*, Sheila & Doug Chisholm, Virginia Coatsworth, Burke & Hanneke Corbet, Rita Cousins, Rick DeHart, Ruth Doise, Stephen Dunbar, Prudence Emery, Lynn Eyton, Diane Fast, Nancy Flexman, Judi & Graham Forst, Christa Frosch, Paula Goldenberg, Ronald Hagler, Dan Halperin, Stephanie Hardman, Holly & Peter Horwood, Julia Hydes, Olga Ilich, Phil Jack*, Shaun Jackman*, Rebecca Kennedy, Phyllis Kenney, Marie Khouri, Derek Kief*, Eric Kristensen* & Geoff Reid, Mark MacDonald*, Colin Mackenzie, Tara May, Rob Mayhew, Lesley McGibbon, Sandi Mcintosh-Kocaba, Robyn McLean, Theresa Mulligan, Janice Noble, Heather Notman, Marti Oppenheimer, Aster & Herb Osen, Barb Pearce, Robert Philipp, Marlene Poole, Greg Rasmussen, Merle & Barry Rector, Catherine Rickey & Ross Ramsey, James Rodgers, Jim Rogers, Adrianne Ross, Peter Schutz, Andrew & Hilde Seal, Bernice & Ron Slemko, Helen Smith, Audrey Suttorp, Yifan Tang, Mary Thomas, Cathy Tuckwell, Vancouver Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, Lois Voth, Marie Wagstaff, Marie Walsh, Wendy Webber, Vic Weckerle, Valerie Weeks, Jennifer Winsor, John* & Sue Wyness SUSTAINING DONORS GIVING BY RECURRING MONTHLY DONATION Brenda Benham, Paul* & Margaret Birch, Stash Bylicki*, Kevin Chiang*, Garth Edwards*, Ian Farthing*, Monika Forberger, Doug Graeb*, Conor Graham*, Kyle Harland*, Joan Henderson, Reid Howard*, Jean Hurst, Shaun Jackman*, Bob* & Deborah Keyes, Derek Kief*, Eric Kristensen* & Geoff Reid, Roderick Locke* & Quinn Crosina, Greg Martin*, Tara May, Patricia Penner, Bob* & Margaret Rankin, Don & Heather Risk, Helen Smith, Colleen & David Torrison, James Vanderheide* * Indicates choir member
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
Financial Report 2017-18 Season 2017-18 was an exceptional year for Chor Leoni financially. The Choir had record revenues and experienced double-digit growth for the third year in a row. Performance revenue increased 20% and accounted for 34% of total revenue. Fundraising efforts are taking root: donations and sponsorships increased more than 50% over the previous year. The Choir also received substantial increases in government grants. The majority of expenses (76%) related to performance, CD production and management, education programs, the Asia tour, and other artistic endeavours, all in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan. Funds were used from the Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund to commission a major work for Remembrance Day. The Tour Fund was drawn down as budgeted, to supplement the choir members’ contributions toward the Asia tour. The Board directed additional funds for a tour to Alberta and the Northwest Territories in 2019. Bottom line performance was well ahead of budget. The Choir had budgeted a loss of $53,000, which represented the net cost of the 2018 summer tour to Asia. However, given very strong revenue performance and expense management, the bottom line loss of $17, 289 was far better than planned. Chor Leoni remains financially very healthy. The organization continues to invest in its strategic plan initiatives and is well positioned for continued progress toward its goals.
Marni Johnson Treasurer
REVENUE 2017-18
EXPENSES 2017-18
22
Performance revenue 34.0% Touring revenue from members 10.0% Donations 18.2% Sponsorship 0.9% In-kind sponsorship 7.6% Government grants/gaming 18.5% Foundations 3.6% Endowment Income 2.6% Raffles and auctions 2.5% Sales and merchandise 1.0% Membership dues/other 0.6%
Performance-related expenses 71.4% Office and administration 12.4% Administrative personnel 12.7% CDs and recordings 4.2% Amortization 0.1% Other -0.8%
REVENUE Performance Revenue Touring revenue from members Donations Sponsorships In-kind sponsorship Government grants/gaming Foundations Endowment Income Raffles and auctions Sales of merchandise Membership dues/other
$ 414,349 $ 126,852 $ 221,224 $ 11,000 $ 92,903 $ 225,196 $ 44,020 $ 31,136 $ 30,790 $ 12,003 $ 7,560
REVENUE TOTAL
$ 1,217,033
EXPENSES Performance-related expenses Office and administration Administrative personnel CDs and recordings Amortization Other
$ 881,584 $ 153,559 $ 156,966 $ 51,572 $ 934 $ (10,293)
EXPENSE TOTAL
$ 1,234,322
NET INCOME (LOSS)
$ (17,289)
NET ASSETS – Beginning of year NET ASSETS – End of year Change in Net Assets
$ 121,216 $ 103,926 $ (17,290)
NET ASSETS Operating Fund $ 40,291 Touring Fund $ 21,653 Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund $ 38,134 Capital Assets $ 3,848 TOTAL NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS 2017-18
$ 103,926
Operating Fund $40,291 / 39% Touring Fund $21,653 / 21% Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund $38,134 / 36% Capitol Assets $3,848 / 4%
The Diane Loomer Founders’ Circle Chor Leoni Men’s Choir was proud to launch the Diane Loomer Founders’ Circle to recognize those friends who have chosen to leave a gift in their will or estate to Chor Leoni. We named the circle after our beloved founder, Diane, because gifts of this magnitude ensure the legacy of Diane and Chor Leoni lives on for many years to come. We are so thankful for the commitment, foresight, and generosity of those who have left an estate gift, and we are honoured to acknowledge you in your lifetime for your unwavering support of Chor Leoni. MEMBERS Rick* & Lorraine Bennett, Paul & Margaret Birch*, Ann Coombs, James Emery* & Rob McAllister*, Ian Farthing*, Jean Hurst, Jacqueline Joys, Len & Shauna Kirkham, Eric Kristensen* & Geoff Reid, David Love* If you are considering a gift in your will or estate plans to Chor Leoni, please contact us. We would be happy to provide sample will wording or chat with you about the incredible impact of your gift. Please contact Stash Bylicki, Executive Director, at 778.886.4612 or stash@chorleoni.org. * = current choir member
Artist Gabryel Harrison Chor Leoni would like to thank artist and poet Gabryel Harrison for creating three stunning artworks that graced our 2017-18 season’s marketing materials and fundraising efforts. After extensively interviewing choir members, Gabryel wrote a moving poem called “Canto for Chor Leoni,” then had it translated into Braille and incorporated it into three stunning works: the dupytch “Out of Empy Air,” and “Risk Love,” and for our Silver Anniversary, “Hearts in Harmony.” Thank you Gabryel for sharing your astounding creativity so generously with Chor Leoni!
government sponsors
major sponsors
Print & Media sponsors
sustaining sponsors
concert sponsors
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2017-18 Annual Report
Number of
PERFORMANCES:
CHOR LEONI Erick Lichte Artistic Director
33
Largest
PRODUCTION AUDIENCE
3,348
Number of WORKS
PERFORMED:
CANADIAN WORKS:
Christmas with Chor Leoni
Total AUDIENCE:
18,858
Facebook LIKES
4,051
July 28/18: Chor Leoni won both of the categories MOST ENGAGING we entered (Musica Sacra & Male Choir) at the BICF Facebook POST — Bali International Choral Festival! 5.3K People Reached, 1.6K Engagements, 722 Reactions, 126 comments, 30 shares
106
45
Singapore International Choral Festival 1ST 1ST 1ST
Equal Voices Folklore Musica Sacra
CHAMPION
Bali International Choral Festival 1ST 1ST
Sacred Music - Choir Championship Male Choir – Choir Championship Special Jury’s Prize for Outstanding Choreography
LION FLIGHT KILOMETRES (TOUR)
1,439,424
DISTANCE FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON: 384,400 km.
(2A + B + C + D) x L = 1,439,424 WHERE:
A = distance from Vancouver to Hong Kong = 10,277 km B = distance from Hong Kong to Singapore = 2,568 km C = distance from Singapore to Denpasar = 1,683 km D = distance from Denpasar to Hong Kong = 3,419 km L = 51 lions
VANMAN MALE CHORAL SUMMIT Total number of
PERFORMERS:
279
VanMan Festival Singer
ENROLMENT:
24
Tour congratulations, by Tara May
MYVoice SINGERS:
165 20 43 Representing
CHOIRS: