Toronto Children's Chorus Programme

Songs of the Season with the

Toronto Children’s Chorus ROY THOMSON HALL | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH | 2:00PM

Featuring guest artists from the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, TCC’s own Alumni Choir, and emerging Bass-Baritone, Owen Phillipson.

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SONGS OF THE SEASON with the Toronto Children’s Chorus Roy Thomson Hall | Sunday, December 15, 2024

DR. ZIMFIRA POLOZ, Artistic Director with special guests GREGORY HARRISON, Percussion SHAWN GRENKE, Organ OWEN PHILLIPSON, Bass-Baritone ELIZABETH KALASHNIKOVA & DOMINIC WHO, Dancers MEMBERS OF THE TORONTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We wish to acknowledge the land on which the Toronto Children’s Chorus operates.

For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, the meeting place of Toronto is still home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and the Toronto Children’s Chorus is grateful to have the opportunity to live, study, work, and make music on this land.

For the enjoyment of your fellow patrons and the artists on stage, please

No video recording

No flash photography Mute your cell phones

If you enjoyed this afternoon’s performance, please consider showing your support for the Toronto Children’s Chorus with a donation. torontochildrenschorus.com/ways-to-help

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WELCOME MESSAGE Welcome to Roy Thomson Hall and Songs of the Season with the Toronto Children’s Chorus!

Tonight, we celebrate the spirit of the season through the shared language of music.

From timeless carols that bring the charm of winter to life to contemporary pieces that reflect the joy of giving and togetherness, the voices of these talented young performers offer a heartfelt reminder of hope, love, and the power of community.

Tonight, we are proud to present works by two remarkable Latvian composers. Ēriks Ešenvalds’ Stars captivates with its otherworldly beauty, featuring the unique tones of tuned glasses. We are also delighted to perform Father Thunder, an exhilarating piece arranged for the Toronto Children’s Chorus by renowned Latvian composer Laura Jēkabsone. This vibrant work portrays the force of nature, while celebrating the depth and vitality of Latvian choral traditions.

Our esteemed guest musicians, Shawn Grenke, Gregory Harrison, Owen Phillipson and the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra bring vibrant energy to this year’s concert.

We are also thrilled to welcome two remarkable dancers, Elizabeth Kalashnikova and Dominic Who, whose fresh choreography adds elegance to this multi-arts collaboration. Together, these talented artists help create an unforgettable experience that celebrates the transformative beauty of music and the power of creative harmony.

I would like to dedicate Sheldon Rose’s nostalgic arrangement of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas to the legendary founder and original visionary of the Toronto Children’s Chorus, Jean Ashworth Bartle. Jean, thank you for the passion, skill, and dedication you have given throughout your life to raise up and inspire thousands of choristers and choirs around the world. It is an honour to carry on the legacy of the choir after Elise Bradley’s tenure, which brought the choir to new heights and carried on its best traditions.

We sincerely appreciate your presence this afternoon. Your support enables these talented young singers to share their artistry with us and helps nurture their passion for music and artistic development. On behalf of everyone at the Toronto Children’s Chorus, we wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and music!

Sincerely,

Zimfira Poloz

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PROGRAMME ORGAN PRELUDE In Dulci Jubilo

Denis Bédard Shawn Grenke, organ

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Katherine Lau

CAROL FOR ALL: AUDIENCE SING-ALONG Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Felix Mendelssohn

arr. David Willcocks

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King: Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; With th'angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin's womb: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th'incarnate Deity!

Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

CHORALE Fantasia on Christmas Carols

Ralph Vaughan Williams,

arr. Matthew Otto*

Zimfira Poloz, conductor | Shawn Grenke, organ | Members of the TSYO

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PROGRAMME CAROL FOR ALL: AUDIENCE SING-ALONG O Come, All Ye Faithful

arr. David Willcocks

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!

O come, let us adore Him, (x3) Christ, the Lord!

God of God, Light of Light, Lo, He abhors not the virgin's womb; Very God, begotten not created; O come, let us adore Him, (x3) Christ, the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest!

O come, let us adore Him, (x3) Christ, the Lord!

MIRO & SPIRITO TRAINING CHOIRS Five Little Snowflakes

Donna Rhodenizer*

The Polar Bear

Carol Barratt & Karl Jenkins

Zimfira Poloz, conductor | Shawn Grenke, organ | Members of the TSYO

INTERLUDE Dance of the Wind-Up Toy

Chris Crockarell

Elizabeth Kalashnikova & Dominic Who, ballet dancers Dakota Scott-Digout & Monique de Margerie, piano Greg Harrison, Claire Harris & Members of the TSYO, percussion

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PROGRAMME PASIO & ANIMA TRAINING CHOIRS Winter-Time

W. H. Belyea

Cold Snap

Mark Hayes

Judith Bean, conductor | Gergely Szokolay, collaborative pianist

MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charlotte Burrage, Executive Director

ANIMA & CORO TRAINING CHOIRS Take a Winter Walk With Me

Mary Donnelly,

arr. George Strid

Charissa Bagan, conductor | Claire Harris, collaborative pianist

BRASS QUINTET Fanfare from “La Peri”

Paul Dukas

Members of the TSYO

MAIN CHOIR Nutcracker Jingles

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky,

arr. Chuck Bridwell,

piano arr. Dakota Scott-Digout*

Charissa Bagan, conductor Claire Harris & Dakota Scott-Digout, collaborative pianists Elizabeth Kalashnikova & Dominic Who, ballet dancers

INTERMISSION

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PROGRAMME BRASS QUINTET O Tannenbaum Anonymous,

arr. Peter Schnurrenberger

Members of the TSYO

CORO TRAINING CHOIR Winter Dream

James Desjardins

Annika Maja Kho, violin | Emily Wisniewski, soloist Dear Santa (How’s It Looking?)

David Hamilton

Zimfira Poloz, conductor | Sheldon Rose, collaborative pianist Annika Maja Kho, violin

HEAD CHORISTER SPEECH Liepa Spakauskas

CANTARE & CHOREALIS Quittez Pasteurs

Traditional French carol,

arr. Sheldon Rose*

Annie Yan, flute Winter Wonderland

Felix Bernard, arr. Andy Beck

Charissa Bagan, conductor | Monique de Margerie, collaborative pianist

CANTARE, CHOREALIS, & CHORAL SCHOLARS Ave Maria

Camille Saint-Saëns

Charissa Bagan, conductor | Shawn Grenke, organ

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CAROL FOR ALL: AUDIENCE SING-ALONG Joy to the World

arr. John Rutter

Joy to the world! The Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room And heaven and nature sing (x2) And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing Joy to the Earth! The Saviour reigns Let men their songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy (x2) Repeat, repeat the sounding joy He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love (x2) And wonders, wonders, of His love!

CHAMBER CHOIR Stars

Ēriks Ešenvalds

Zimfira Poloz & Michael Denomme, conductors

CHAMBER & CHOREALIS Father Thunder

Laura Jēkabsone

Zimfira Poloz & Michael Denomme, conductors

THANK YOU MESSAGE Zimfira Poloz, Artistic Director

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COMBINED CHOIRS Star Carol

John Rutter

Charissa Bagan, conductor | Dakota Scott Digout, collaborative pianist Shawn Grenke, organ | Members of the TSYO Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Hugh Martin,

arr. Sheldon Rose*

Zimfira Poloz, conductor | Dakota Scott Digout, collaborative pianist Members of the TSYO Elizabeth Kalashnikova & Dominic Who, ballet dancers *Canadian composer

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TRANSLATIONS QUITTEZ PASTEURS Leave your sheep, you shepherds all, Your crooks and flocks behind, Leave your hamlets, leave your thrall, No longer be confined.

Transform your tears to joy profound, A perfect love embrace, Go forth and worship, all around, The God of love and grace.

Wise men, the star shines bright for you, To guide you on your way, To this great King, your homage do, Your faith and love display.

The shining star will lead you on, To light that knows no end, The rising Sun, the Holy One, Your gifts of gold attend, With frankincense and myrrh, adore, The Christ child evermore.

Divine Spirit, whose power knows no bounds, Pierce our hearts with your love's gentle flame.

Our destiny finds peace, where grace surrounds, God promises us heaven, His proclaimed aim, By taking human form, to earth He came.

AVE MARIA Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death. Amen.

FATHER THUNDER Zibināja flashes (like lighting) Trīs gadiņi saule raud zelta zarus lasīdam The sun cried for three years while gathering golden branches Pērkona tēvam deviņi deli thunder’s father has nine sons

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GUEST ARTISTS

SHAWN GRENKE Organ Conductor, Pianist and Organist Shawn Grenke is Director of Music at Eglinton St. George’s United Church in Toronto, Associate Conductor and Accompanist for the Amadeus Choir of Toronto, Accompanist to the Elmer Iseler Singers of Toronto, and Artistic Director of the 80-voice Achill Choral Society in Orangeville, Ontario. Shawn began his musical training as a chorister and pianist with the Hastings County Board of Education Concert Choir under the Direction of Rudolf Heijdens in his hometown of Belleville. He has a Bachelor of Music degree (2000) from Mount Allison University (New Brunswick), and a Master of Music degree (2002) from the University of Toronto. Shawn has made international appearances in concerts in Poland, at the ‘Let the Future Sing’ Choral Festival in Sweden, the ‘Le Mondial Choral LotoQuébec World Choral Competition’ in Laval, Québec, ‘Xinghai Choral Competition’ in China, Seoul, Roy Thomson Hall, CBC Radio, and other various festivals, concert series and recitals throughout Canada, the United States and Europe.

GREGORY HARRISON Percussion Gregory Harrison is a dynamic and multifaceted musician, composer and producer based in Toronto. He is an East Coast Music Award-winning and Dora- nominated composer whose works have been commissioned by Soft Rains Games, Toronto Dance Theatre, Kaeja d'Dance, ProArte Danza, Architek Percussion, Fifth Wind Quintet, Popular Demand Pictures, and Hemmings House Productions. His extensive touring resume spans artists and groups including Jeremy Dutcher, Chloe Charles, Cirque du Soleil, Taktus, Mear, FUZE Orchestra, Video Games Live, R. Murray Schafer, and Fred Penner. He has performed internationally at notable venues such as Massey Hall, NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, the JUNO’s, and The Kennedy Center. Praised as a 'percussion and electronics wizard' (Bob Boilen of NPR Music), Gregory thrives on pushing boundaries and exploring the intersection of organic and electronic mediums through his mastery of music technology and performance. His audio recording work and compositions have been featured on programs such as Steven King’s Popsy (Popular Demand Pictures), CBC Gem’s Kim’s Convenience, Pixelmatic’s Infinite Fleet and France’s Got Talent. You can see Gregory perform regularly with his groups: Grej, Taktus marimba duo, Mear, Disaster Pony, and The Cybertronic Spree.

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GUEST ARTISTS

OWEN PHILLIPSON Bass-Baritone Owen Phillipson, bass-baritone, is pursuing his Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance under Professor Darryl Edwards at the University of Toronto. Owen began his singing journey as a chorister at St. Michael's Choir School where he discovered his love for choral music and eventually, solo repertoire. Owen is at home in a variety of vocal music.

As a chorister, he has sung with such ensembles as Tallis Choir; the University of Toronto Macmillan Singers, Ontario Youth Choir, St Basil’s Schola Cantorum, the Elmer Iseler Singers, and the National Youth Choir of Canada. Owen also has sung in two operas with the company Teatro Nuovo which allowed him to sing under the leadership of Jakob Lehmann in the chorus of i Capuleti e i Montecchi and cover the role of Capellio, and also sing in the chorus of Anna di Resburgo, an opera written by the only known female bel canto composer, Carolina Ucelli, brought back to the performing stage after over 170 years.

ELIZABETH KALASHNIKOVA Ballet Dancer & Choreographer Elizabeth Kalashnikova is a trained ballet dancer who has performed extensively for various professional dance companies and has been part of different commercial work. Elizabeth was trained at the Canadian Ballet Theatre and Atelier Ballet. Elizabeth has performed in various classical productions, such as The Nutcracker and Giselle at the Winter Garden Theatre for the Canadian Ballet Theatre. She has also worked as a dancer for multiple TV shows, including the CW show Reign (all four seasons) & Mary Kills People. Presently, Elizabeth dances for the Opera Atelier Company, performing in world-known productions, such as Persee, Armide, Medea, and The Marriage of Figaro - staged at the Elgin Theatre, Toronto, and the Royal Opera House in Versailles, France.

DOMINIC WHO Ballet Dancer & Choreographer Dominic Who is an international ballet dancer who has performed worldwide as a principal dancer. Some of his favorite shows to perform in include Giselle, Alice in Wonderland, and Romeo and Juliet. He has captivated audiences at iconic venues such as Toronto’s Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres, Les Château de Versailles in France, and Theatre Prefecture in

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GUEST ARTISTS Japan. Dominic has performed with companies including Ballet Jörgen, Ballet Theatre UK, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and Opera Atelier, with whom he has worked extensively.

Beyond performing, Dominic is a passionate choreographer, having produced three original shows and choreographed pieces and sword fights for companies globally.

TORONTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA For 51 seasons, since its founding under the direction of Victor Feldbrill in 1974, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) has been dedicated to providing a high-level orchestral experience for talented young musicians aged 22 and under. The tuition-free TSYO program delivers a unique, powerful, and life-enriching opportunity that encourages significant achievement, regardless of participants’ chosen career paths. The TSYO is closely affiliated with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra: TSO musicians serve as coaches through the season, TSO guest artists lead TSYO master classes, and the TSYO performs annually with the TSO in a side-by-side concert.

MEMBERS OF TORONTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA Violins

Violins

Horn

Annika Maja Kho

Austin Dong

Kaitlyn Yen

Merdeka Korunovski

Matthew Ng

Trumpets

Richard Xiong

Double Bass

Grace Locker

Zoe Laiyi Clarke

Emma Chen

Kevin Hayward

Violas

Percussion

Trombone

Daniel Hughes

Elyssa Arde

Constance Prost

Sam Talebi

Thomas Zhang

Tuba Elizabeth Fair

TREVOR WILSON Conductor, Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra Trevor Wilson is a conductor and composer who since 2022 has held the position of RBC Resident Conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, where he works closely with Music Director Gustavo Gimeno and conducts performances with the TSO each season. He was also recently named Music Director of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, beginning in the 2024/2025 season. Trevor has also appeared as a guest conductor with orchestras across Canada, including the NAC Orchestra and Symphony Nova Scotia in spring 2024.

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Under the mentorship of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Trevor was among the inaugural cohort of the Orchestre Métropolitain’s Orchestral Conducting Academy in Montreal, a program in which he covered rehearsals, participated in masterclasses and community outreach programs, and assisted in concerts during the 2021–2023 seasons. Also active in the musical community of his native Ottawa, Trevor has conducted performances with the University of Ottawa Orchestra and in 2017 co-founded the Ottawa Pops Orchestra, serving as its Music Director until 2019.

Having attended numerous masterclasses and festivals, Trevor has had the opportunity to study under internationally renowned conductors and pedagogues such as Alexander Shelley, David Zinman, Gerard Schwarz, Neil Varon, and also served as assistant conductor of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada under the late Boris Brott in summer 2019.

Trevor completed his graduate studies in orchestral conducting under Marin Alsop at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland.

TSYO FACULTY Trevor Wilson

Nicholas Hartman

TSYO Conductor & RBC Resident Conductor

Brass Coach, TSO Horn

Shane Kim

Joseph Kelly

Violin Coach, TSO Violin

Percussion Coach, TSO Percussion/

Peter Seminovs

Assistant, Principal Timpani

Violin Coach, TSO Violin

Matthew Robertson

Ivan Ivanovich

TSYO Manager & Community Assistant

Viola Coach, TSO Viola

Nicole Balm

Lucia Ticho

TSO Senior Director of Education &

Interim Cello Coach, TSO Cello

Community Engagement

Christopher Laven

Pierre Rivard

Double Bass Coach, TSO Double Bass

TSO Family & School Programs Manager

Miles Haskins

Angela Maria Sanchez

Woodwind Coach, TSO Acting Associate

TSO Education & Community Engagement

Principal Clarinet

Coordinator

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THE TORONTO CHILDREN’S CHORUS

THE TORONTO CHILDREN’S CHORUS THE TCC MISSION STATEMENT To deliver innovative artistry, exceptional music education, and unique performance opportunities that cultivate young people’s growth The Toronto Children's Chorus (TCC) is a vibrant musical community that has been nurturing young voices for generations. Founded in 1978 by Jean Ashworth Bartle C.M., O.Ont. and subsequently led by Artistic Directors Elise Bradley, MNZM (2007-2021) and Dr. Zimfira Poloz (2022-present), the TCC has been a cornerstone of choral excellence in Toronto and Canada for over 45 years. Throughout its illustrious history, the Chorus has graced world-renowned stages including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and The Dom in Salzburg. As choral ambassadors, the TCC has represented Canada on 33 international tours and seven national tours. The TCC has also earned accolades at several prestigious competitions, including the International Eisteddfod in Wales, the Let the Peoples Sing competition in Europe, the CBC National Radio Competition, and the International Choral Ḵathaumixw. The Chorus regularly collaborates with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, a partnership that celebrates the enduring connection and shared musical heritage between these two key institutions in the city's arts scene.

Now, as the TCC celebrates its 47th concert season, it continues to build on a legacy of musical achievement and international recognition. This summer, the Chamber Choir completed their 33rd international tour, travelling to Slovenia where they performed with the Slovenian Children’s Choir at the Slovenian Philharmonic.

The Toronto Children’s Chorus consists of eight choirs: five Training Choirs ages 6-12 (Miro, Spirito, Pasio, Anima, and Coro), and three Main Choirs ages 12-18 (Cantare, Chorealis, and Chamber).

"Each time the TCC performs with the Toronto Symphony, I am struck by the maturity of their sound. The children are incredibly disciplined with a warmth and richness rarely heard in children’s choirs." - Peter Oundjian, Conductor Emeritus, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

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DR. ZIMFIRA POLOZ Artistic Director, Toronto Children’s Chorus Dr. Zimfira Poloz is a passionate musician, educator, award-winning conductor, and internationally respected adjudicator and clinician. When working with young musicians, Zimfira believes that ‘brilliance has no age.’ By building the finest capabilities and encouraging superb artistry with boundless positive energy, she is able to unleash the creative and musical potential of every child unlike any other.

Dr. Poloz has been decorated with numerous awards, including Honoured Representative of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the city of Hamilton’s VIP Award, and the Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting (Ontario Arts Council).

Zimfira teaches “Vocal Pedagogy for Young Choirs” at the University of Toronto, Music Faculty. She is a Canadian Representative for Choral Space – International Academy for Choral Arts as well for the Interkultur World Choir Council, and a mentor for American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) International Activities. She is a Board Member for the World Alliance of Children’s Choirs (A Global Network of Children’s Choirs and Conductors) and curator/editor for the choral music publisher Cypress Choral Music.

CHARISSA BAGAN Associate Artistic Director, Toronto Children’s Chorus Charissa Bagan, M.Mus. currently serves as President of Choirs Ontario and is a Lecturer in Music at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Creative School. She led the award-winning Bach Children’s Chorus as Artistic Director from 2017 to 2024 and was the Junior Choir Conductor at St. Michael’s Choir School from 2011 to 2015.

Recent projects include serving as Children’s Choir Chorus Master for GFN Productions’ 2024 performance of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers at Meridian Hall and for Opera Atelier's 2022 production of Dido & Aeneas at the Elgin Theatre and directing singers in a video recording project with Canadian artist Eleanor King for Toronto’s Nuit Blanche 2023.

Charissa's additional engagements include presenting on music literacy at Choral Canada’s Podium 2024 conference, guest conducting the Toronto Chamber Choir (2024), and adjudicating for the Ontario Music Festivals Association (2023). 2024-2025 season appearances include presenting at OMEA’s 2024 Roots Conference in London, ON, guest conducting the Niagara Children’s Honour Choir in 2025, and adjudicating at the 2025 Kitchener-Waterloo Kiwanis Festival.

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DR. DARRYL EDWARDS Vocal Coach & Consultant, Main Choir Guest Conductor, Alumni Lobby Carols Professor Darryl Edwards is an internationally lauded singing teacher, celebrated for his effectiveness and innovation. At the University of Toronto, Canada, with individuals in the voice studio and groups in the classroom, he continually creates significant pathways for ideal learning experiences and performance outcomes. His encouragement has most recently reached the students and voice faculty of the Hong Kong Academy of the Performing Arts as a Visiting Artist-Teacher, and the High Institute of Music in Damascus, Syria.

A hallmark of Darryl’s abilities is his extraordinary nature in elevating young singers to their best, most skilled communicative selves from the practice room to the performing stage.

This is true for everyone: young vocal artists-in-training in a choral medium, in their solo own performing moments, whether it be in a local music festival class, a house or church concert, to career artists who lift their intentions into superb outcomes in international concerts, opera engagements or competitions. Each singer learns to develop the specific performing gateways and experiences that make all the difference from growing to knowing, and to consistently creating.

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THE TORONTO CHILDREN’S CHORUS

CHORISTERS MIRO TRAINING CHOIR Bahareh Ameri, Conductor Dr. Grace Ha, Collaborative Pianist Mirabella Kolodkin & Forouhar Rezvani Baghae, Rehearsal Assistants Aria Bhushan Laurel Chan Angela Chen April Chen Mili Chen Jayna Cheng Chiao-Chiao Chien Reagan Feng Robin Gill

Celeste Grossi Jamie Jiao Aashi Kundu Abigail Lee Michelle Ling Ava Milroy Miri Mu Jack Nathanson Zoe Nguyen

Eden Obaid Hanni Pollak Yinuo Sun Barlow Vitiello Matthew Wang Spencer Yin James Zhang

SPIRITO TRAINING CHOIR Meredith Wanstall, Conductor Dr. Grace Ha, Collaborative Pianist Hazel Gaudette & Andrew Lowe, Rehearsal Assistants Isabelle Chan Bea Cooper Sofia David Vicky Ding Daniel Faria Fonseca Emmett Hishon Lanya Hu Iris Huang Sarah Huang Satya Jain

Jemma Lam Maverick Lau Evelyn Luk Samuel Luk April Rose Manago John Paul Alexander Monkhouse Pierre-Loïc Pagnoux Olivia Pilarte-Kajtar Melody Song

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Ember Tam Gabrielle Tudor Eva Vidayko Marina Wang Rosaline Wang Ethan Xiong Joshua Xue Adam Yang Alice Zhou

THE TORONTO CHILDREN’S CHORUS PASIO TRAINING CHOIR Judith Bean, Conductor Gergely Szokolay, Collaborative Pianist Ana Sofia Laroche-Guerrero & Amanda Won, Rehearsal Assistants Rico Au Ariella Caballero Kenneth Chen Teimuraz Chichagua Claire Chun Bea Costanzo-Poon Theodore Davydov Hayley He Yannick Abyan Hucalinas

Maya Jeyathas Keira Johnson Dibo Ju Nessa Kalman Luman Lu Zara Muredda Kyra Obaid Vivian Peng Scarlett Ristic

Lillian Vas Ivanka Wang Joyce Wang Matthew Wei Walter Wisniewski Daniel Yan Amanda Yang

ANIMA TRAINING CHOIR Charissa Bagan, Conductor Claire Elise Harris, Collaborative Pianist Lily Littlefield Buschlen & Alexandra Skira, Rehearsal Assistants Priya Aggarwal Emmeline Bagan Lavinia Bagan Zitong Chen Ella Chernyavsky Clara David Carly DeRosa Caroline Goldenberg Ellis Greenberg Caroline Guo

Raphaela (Raphie) Li Ino Liu Henry Menzel Isla Miller Emma Pollak Mary Raquedan Alexander Roze Angela Shang Lindy Teng Josiah Thanjaratnam

Avery Thomas Wesley Torbay Brendan Wallace-Park Wolfe Willson Clara Xiao Margaret Yan Carole Yang Reina Yao Alice Zhang

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THE TORONTO CHILDREN’S CHORUS CORO TRAINING CHOIR Zimfira Poloz, Conductor Sheldon Rose, Collaborative Pianist Jamie Brown-Hart & Sofia Radenko, Rehearsal Assistants Jocelyn (Yan Kiu) Chan Ella Rose Chang Rachel Chen Tommy Cheng Jayne Cheung Ziya Cui Isabel Ding Roy Feng Astrid Frejd Christina Gan Katelyn Gao Sophie Ho Simone Ho-Declerck Siang-Wei Huang

Bridget Jara Yirou (Teresa) Ke Patrick Keyes-Ho Amelija Kin Thibodeau Annastasia Kokkinias Matteus Kolodkin Leah Kwak Aitong (Amy) Li Lily Louie Isabella Ma Adeline Mazakian Felicity Mei Maria Cristina Monkhouse

Ahara Mugunthan Eva Popovsky Elise Raquedan Ethan Ru Nadiya Sapeha Olivia Tang Isobel Thompson Oliver Torbay Bryan Wang Sarah Wang Emily Wisniewski Chelsea Wu Annabella Xu Alex Zheng

MAIN CHOIR - CANTARE Charissa Bagan, Conductor Monique de Margerie, Collaborative Pianist Cassandra King, Rehearsal Assistant Naomi Angelo Suzanne Antabli Alexandra Barsoum-Dowding Liam Caughey Alisa Chen Chloe Chen Jasmin Chen Maya Chernyavsky Sarah Chun Arya Erdogan Nora Foo

Berkay Gungor William Guo Neve Harvey Adele Hawke Alexandra He Joanna He Emmanuelle Leung Alice Li Fiona Li Sophia Liu Grayson McMurray Elisa Palacios

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Winnie Poon Martina Rojas-Alvarado Martina Ruggier Elizabeth Rukosuyeva Katherine Shur Sofia Skondric Akela Stone Iris Tang Benjamin Tu Charlotte Woo Amelie Wu Lillian Zhang

MAIN CHOIR - CHOREALIS Charissa Bagan, Conductor Monique de Margerie, Collaborative Pianist Cassandra King, Rehearsal Assistant Emily Ball Naomi Belinko Constance Connesson Olivia Laurie Leguia

Yuming Lu Ryan Talebi Israelle Tomlinson Anna Tong

Elsie Yin Lois Yu Alyssa Yung Lily Zhang

MAIN CHOIR - CHAMBER Zimfira Poloz,, Conductor Dakota Scott-Digout, Collaborative Pianist Ellie MacKinnon, Rehearsal Assistant Sarah Abai* Aaron Alvarado Lincoln Bradley Mia Chan Nathan Chau Scarlett Coelho Adam Connesson Ruhee Damani Brynnie Ddungu Gloria Ding Lillian Frynta Elizabeth Fullerton Maya Girma Natasha Harvey Elizabeth He Danica Henry Silver Hewitt

Ivy Jiang Jolene Jiang Sadie Kennedy Christina Kolomiyets Jacob Kooiman Eva Kulic Cindy Kwan Ana Sofia Laroche-Guerrero Katherine Lau Josephine Lazarus Lauren Lee Stella (Ruofan) Li Cecilia Liu* Evelyn Lockhart Jaya Lomaga Alycia Mark

Petra Matheson Mary McRae Surina Naidoo Lilysa Pirtam Emma Rutledge Isla Shapiro Victoria Smith Liepa Spakauskas* Jarvis Tomassini* Rachel Wang Caitlynn Woo Olivia Xiong Annie Yan Tracy Yim Cynthia Zhao Julia Zhuang

*Head Choristers

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ALUMNI TCC ALUMNI CHOIR (as of December 11, 2024) Dr. Darryl Edwards, guest conductor Dakota Scott-Digout, collaborative pianist Alex Annosantini Kerstin Baker-Ash Ariel Brookes Zachary Brookes Nicole Cheung Brenna Clapp Liam Clapp Asha Collins Aramea Copeman Brian De Wolfe Dennis Dobrovolsky Claire Durette Dominic Eboña Dean Ebona

Ashlynn Emmanuel David Federman Summer Figueroa Elizabeth Milena Frynta Kirstin Grant Nyree Grimes Johanna Grönberg Dylan Haggard Elizabeth Harvey Valerie Hawke Nicole Jauernig Jennifer Kirner Mirabella Kolodkin Polina Kukar

Gloriann Lobo Anne Maenhaut Asha Mayadunne Keera McNalty Jason Moon Alexandra Nathanson Jessica Nigli Alison Price Alan Qiao Annick Read Kirsten Read Alexandra Skira Kate Van Buskirk Lucas Yin

THE LOBBY CAROLS WERE GRACIOUSLY SPONSORED BY OUR ALUMNI We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Alumni who generously sponsored the following Lobby Carols, spreading holiday cheer to all!

Ding! Dong! Merrily on High

Sponsored by Brian De Wolfe (1985-1990)

God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

Sponsored by Alexander Annosantini (2013-2017, TYC 2018-2021)

Past Three A Clock

Sponsored by Susan Astington (1980-1988)

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Sponsored by Dominic Eboña (2005-2010, TYC 2016-2023)

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Sponsored by Alice Atell (1998-2005, TYC 2019-2023)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ALUMNI POINSETTIA SPONSORSHIP A heartfelt thank you to all of the TCC alumni who generously sponsored the poinsettias on the Roy Thomson Hall stage.

Alexandra Airhart (1995-2002)

Dedicated to Elliott Airhart

Alexander Annosantini (2013-2017, TYC 2018-2021) Destiny Best (2005-2012)

In honour of Ken Stephen

Annick Read

Dedicated to the Eboña family

Peter Read

For Annick and Kirsten Read

The Toronto Children’s Chorus wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank all of our donors for their generous support! We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our patrons, donors, collaborators, and enthusiasts without whom the Chorus would not be possible. A special thank you to Cadillac Fairview for being our special Season Sponsor for the second year in a row.

JEAN ASHWORTH BARTLE BURSARY FUND The Jean Ashworth Bartle Bursary Fund is an important part of our organization and lies at the core of our values. So far this season, we have provided financial aid to 24 choristers, enabling them to continue their musical journey. The Bursary Fund reflects our commitment to making choices that create tangible progress—fostering life-changing experiences for our choristers and unity within our broader community. As the need for support continues to grow, we invite you to help us uphold this vital mission and empower the next generation of musicians.

ENDOWMENT FUND RECOGNITION The Toronto Children’s Chorus is deeply grateful to Jean Ashworth Bartle for generously establishing a new endowment fund for the 2024-2025 season. We are proud to introduce the Donald E. Bartle Youth Choral Fund, which will provide annual financial support for touring costs to deserving Chamber choristers, awarded based on financial need. The late Donald E. Bartle, husband of our founder and artistic director, Jean Ashworth Bartle, was a dedicated supporter of the choir. This fund honours his legacy and enduring commitment to our choral community.

If you would like to learn more about how to support these giving initiatives or make a general donation please visit our ‘Support Us’ page on our website or email Charlotte Burrage, Executive Director.

www.torontochildrenschorus.com/ways-to-help charlotte@torontochildrenschorus.com

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DONORS WITH HEARTFELT GRATITUDE We are deeply grateful to all the individuals who support the Toronto Children’s Chorus. This list recognizes the generous donors of the Continuo Circle, who sustain our artistic and organizational excellence, as well as contributors to our Sing Loo Peer-to-Peer Campaign, whose support helps inspire young singers and nurture a lifelong love of music.

Your generosity ensures that the TCC continues to thrive and share the transformative power of music with our community and beyond.

To join our donor family, please scan the QR code to make a donation and become a member of the TCC’s Continuo Circle.

The list reflects donations from July 1, 2024 to December 5, 2024.

We work hard to keep this list accurate, but if you spot any errors or omissions, we apologize and encourage you to contact Charlotte Burrage, at charlotte@torontochildrenschorus.com.

Founding Endowment Contributor Jean Ashworth Bartle

Andrew Duncanson Nadine Orr Hui Wang

Gold Circle ($5,000+) Jean Ashworth Bartle

Chorus Patron ($250+) Alexander Annosantini Susan Astington Alice Atell Charlotte Burrage Hin Chan Robert Cooper Teresa Derosa Brian De Wolfe Dr. J Ma Dentistry Dominic Eboña Jimmy Frejd Bruce Fullerton Neil Goldenberg

Conductor’s Circle ($1,000+) Dawn Britton Kirstin Grant Salesforce Inc., on behalf of the Hishon family Chorister’s Circle ($500+) Nadya Byelova Jeff, Julia, & Zitong Chen

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Geoffrey Ho Elton Leung Qian Liu Yayi Liu Connie Mackenzie Andrew & Maria McDonald Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers, in memory of Mike Silver & Otilia Neacsu Thao Nguyen James Pond Kin Wo Poon Tim Rutledge Jodie Sargent Jordan Shapiro Leeanne Smart

Li Song Jackie Stothers Man Tao Nancy Wang Alan Yin Dania Zajc Qiaoyi Zeng Woodbridge Investments Corporation Chorus Supporter ($100+) Jing Ai Patricia Ball Rafik Bechbache Jennifer Boyd Jess C Kathleen Caughey Fred Cheng Jing Zi Cheng Bradley Christensen Sarah Corman Catherine D’Angelo Joanne Daurio-Wojs Shalini Enoch Jun Fan Yi Feng Kathy Fok Mary Fullerton Sari Goldenberg Gordon Gregoire Zhao Hui Guo Matthew Gwak Peter Ho Michael Jara David Johnson Mala Joshi Dibo Ju Nancy, Pascal, E & A Kam Nadia Keung-Henry

Alena Kharkavets Alex Kharkavets Maryna Kharkavets Shirley Kwok Tracey Landry Helen H Lee Lu Liu Lynda Lord Peter Mabee Marie & Risto Madzunkov Alycia Mark Paul Matheson Lyne & Peter Monkhouse Sophie Naidoo Liza Nassim Heather Newsome Betty Ngan Lois Nield Maureen Panchuk Barbara Perttula Yekaterina Poloz Zimfira Poloz Saif ur Rahman Home Peter & Andrea Read Christina Sjoberg Carol Stairs Astra Teo Angelina Thanjaratnam Wing Seung To Hans Varghese Kiro Velkov Yexin Wang Denis Watson Linda Wong Qian Xiang Ying Xu Martin Xue Jue Yao Xiaoyu Yao Queenie Yuen

Marissa Zhang Jie Zhao Zhi Zhao

Chorus Friend (<$100) Alexandra Airhart Bahareh Ameri Joanna Anderson Amy Au Charissa Bagan John Barbour Linda Beatty Destiny Best Gord & Andrea Brandt Jeri Cartwright Chung-Yeol Choi Sue Choi Elaine Chu Sally Cleland Kristen Collins Aiello Carolyn Crum Qi Cui Maria Davidson Rosemarie De Leon Teodora De Leon August Di Liello Emma Doyle E&G Idea Lab Gina Eom Lan Fang Anna Feng Stella Fong Leslie Fradkin Susan & Robert Franceschini Donnie Friedman Helen Gao Ann Gargul Elzy George

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Joanne Greer Xin Gu Qian Hao Rachel Harris Sarah Harrison Caroline Harvey Ian Hewetson Rhonda Hoffman Maya Jeyathas Wenwei Jiang Chen Jingzi Robin Joly Tharaneeyan Kamalaharan K Kanasupramaniam Helen Keyes Liju Kurian Moses Lau Hubert Lee Ginger Lerner Deb Leung Ellen Li Tina Liang Charles Lin Jaden Liu Molly Liu

Kevin Lowe Nancy Lowe Felice & Sheldon Luftspring Eric Mark Kathryn Matheson Jordan Mcneil Alexandra Monkhouse Pierre Pagnoux Junhee Park Ellen Pond Elsa Quevedo Vijay Raj Alex Ristic Angela Ryan Allen Scobie Kim Smith Paul Smith Ashif Tam Daisy Tam Po-Fun Tam Eric Tang Alexandra Tegopoulos Winston Teo Joshua Thanjaratnam Mini Thomas

Tania Thompson Yelena Tishina Harry Tonogai Alan Tu Saranya Vallarasu Jithun Varghese Camille Ventura Salopan Vimalaruban Gertrude Wang Leo Wang Leah Wannamaker Elizabeth Wanstall Meredith Wanstall Fanqin Wei Rajitha Wilson Julie Winn Cassandra Woloschuk Bernard Woo Dazi Xu Ling Xu Tinna Xu Annie Yan Lan Yao Amy Zhao William Zheng Hui Zhong

Jean Ashworth Bartle Bursary Donors Sari Goldenberg Tim McNab Jodie Sargent & Trent Haggard Please click here to see our generous supporters from the 2023-2024 season: www.torontochildrenschorus.com/collaborators-supporters

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS SEASON SPONSOR

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS

SUPPORTERS

COLLABORATORS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank all Chorus families, who give their time, expertise, and outstanding support to the Toronto Children’s Chorus. We also recognize the staff of Calvin Presbyterian Church and Christ Church Deer Park for their collaboration and partnership, as well as the Toronto Children’s Chorus Board of Directors for their dedicated support and governance of the organization.

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make this concert a resounding success. A special thank you goes to the staff of Roy Thomson Hall for their support. Our events would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible volunteers and staff, whose time and talents ensure everything comes together seamlessly.

A special thank you to our incredible concert supporters and talented professionals: Lisa Bordan, concert assistant Yuan Chan, TSYO liaison Matthew Dennis, stage management Stuart Lowe, photographer Annick Read, alumni coordinator and stage management Jodie Sargent, volunteer coordinator Jackie Stothers, uniform coordinator Jordan Shapiro, stage management

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VOLUNTEERS Many thanks to all of our wonderful parent volunteers who have helped us this season!

Naomi Angelo Bhuvan Bhushan Susan Bodolay Lisa Bordan Jennifer Boyd Jiexia Cen Nalini Chandra Catherine Chen Cynthia Chen Faye Chen Pola Cheong Chia-Nan Chien Teresa Derosa Liesha Earle Zoë Earle Jun Fan Leslie Fradkin Clare Frejd Mary Fullerton Yilin Guo Kirubel Girma Kirstin Grant William Guo Valerie Hawke David Huang Eber Hucalinas Shirley Jin Jessie Jing Mala Joshi-Lomaga Xingyu Ju Alicia Kalman Tharani Kamal Juliana Klein Yulia Kolomiyets Ella Korets-Smith Anirban Kundu Christy Lau Marianne Lau Eva Lee Cheryl Leung Caiyan Li Johnny Li

Rachel Li Rubin Li Tiffany Li Vivian Li Rebecca Li Priscilla Liang Chia-Ni Lin Huan Liu Lisa Liu Shuang Liu Wen Liu Wendy Liu Tess Liu Zhen Liu Gloriann lobo Hasina Lookman May Mark Amy Mcrae Fabiana Moreno Bernie Mu Nevetheka Mugunthan Mariangela Murano Haruko Nishimura Dinesh Naidoo Liza Nassim Thao Nguyen Xin Nie Michelle Park Gary Pirtam Tanya Poon Regnard Raquedan Antara Ray Karen Reyes Tam Christina Sjoberg Hyemin Son Carolyn Stroz Thompson Ying Sun Megan Tao Astra Teo Julia Thomas Bahar Vas Evan Wang

Hui Wang Jen Wang Nancy Wang Cathy Wei Patsy Wisniewski Sean Xiao Joyce Xu Juan Xu Martin Xue Cynthia Yu Jasmine Zhang Marissa Zhang Ran Zhang Jane Zhao Helen Zhong Riser Squad: Peter Read Andrew Fisher Craig Fisher Trent Haggard Mala Joshi-Lomaga Chorister Volunteers: Lincoln Bradley Mia Chan Scarlett Coelho Gloria Ding Brynnie Ddungu Elizabeth Fullerton Josephine Lazarus Alycia Mark Petra Matheson Lilysa Pirtam Isla Shapiro Liepa Spakauskas Victoria Smith Jarvis Tomassini Caitlynn Woo Olivia Xiong Cynthia Zhang

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THE TORONTO CHILDREN’S CHORUS ORGANIZATION

ARTISTIC STAFF Zimfira Poloz, Artistic Director Charissa Bagan, Associate Artistic Director Bahareh Ameri, Miro Conductor Judith Bean, Pasio Conductor Michael Denomme, Main Choir Assistant Conductor Meredith Wanstall, Spirito Conductor & Training Choir Theory Coordinator

Saloomeh Fassaie, KinderNotes Instructors Ewa Slomowicz, KinderNotes Instructors Joanne Chow, Movement & Staging Consultant Dr. Darryl Edwards, Vocal Coach & Consultant Jodie Sargent, Main Choir Theory Coordinator

COLLABORATIVE PIANISTS Dr. Grace Ha, Miro & Spirito Claire Elise Harris, Anima

Monique de Margerie, Cantare & Chorealis Sheldon Rose, Coro Dakota Scott-Digout, Chamber Gergely Szokolay, Pasio

CHORAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM Yuan Chan, Assistant Conductor Mentorship Monday Earle, Choral Apprentice

Sarah Workman, Conductor’s Intern (OISE)

REHEARSAL ASSISTANTS Jamie Brown-Hart, Coro Hazel Gaudette, Spirito Dimitra Kahrimanidis, KinderNotes Cassandra King, Cantare & Chorealis Mirabella Kolodkin, Miro Ana Sofia Laroche-Guerrero, Pasio Lily Littlefield Buschlen, Anima

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Andrew Lowe, Spirito Ellie MacKinnon, Chamber Sofia Radenko, Coro Forouhar Rezvani Baghae, Miro Alexandra Skira, Anima Amanda Won, Pasio

ADMINISTRATION Charlotte Burrage, Executive Director Dominic Eboña, Director of Operations Cindy Maingot, Finance Officer Anne Longmore, Communications Strategist Aynur Shaikh, Graphic Design and Website Editor DISTINGUISHED HONORARY PATRON The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario HONORARY PATRONS Bob Chilcott Elfrieda Heinrichs Vern Heinrichs

Ben Heppner Catherine Robbin Krisztina Szabó

In Memory of Sir Andrew Davis, longtime Honorary Patron and supporter of the Toronto Children’s Chorus.

FOUNDER/CONDUCTOR LAUREATE Jean Ashworth Bartle, C.M., O.Ont. CONDUCTOR EMERITA Elise Bradley, MNZM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Shelly Lowe, Board Chair Maria McDonald, Secretary Judith Ma, Treasurer Nina Angelo, Director Pam Greenstein, Director

Alexandra Koch, Director Jordan Shapiro, Director Leeanne Smart, Director Leslie Stewart-Rose, Director Eve Wiggins, Director

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