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.
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
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
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
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
The Polar Bear
Donna Rhodenizer*
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
PROGRAMME
PASIO & ANIMA TRAINING CHOIRS
Winter-Time
Cold Snap
W. H. Belyea
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”
MAIN CHOIR
Nutcracker Jingles
Paul Dukas
Members of the TSYO
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
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
CAROL FOR ALL: AUDIENCE SING-ALONG
Joy to the World
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)
arr. John Rutter
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Annika Maja Kho
Merdeka Korunovski
Richard Xiong
Zoe Laiyi Clarke
Violas
Daniel Hughes
Sam Talebi
Violins
Austin Dong
Matthew Ng
Double Bass
Emma Chen
Percussion
Elyssa Arde
Thomas Zhang
TREVOR WILSON
Horn
Kaitlyn Yen
Trumpets
Grace Locker
Kevin Hayward
Trombone
Constance Prost
Tuba
Elizabeth Fair
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.
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
TSYO Conductor & RBC Resident Conductor
Shane Kim
Violin Coach, TSO Violin
Peter Seminovs
Violin Coach, TSO Violin
Ivan Ivanovich
Viola Coach, TSO Viola
Lucia Ticho
Interim Cello Coach, TSO Cello
Christopher Laven
Double Bass Coach, TSO Double Bass
Miles Haskins
Woodwind Coach, TSO Acting Associate
Principal Clarinet
Nicholas Hartman Brass Coach, TSO Horn
Joseph Kelly
Percussion Coach, TSO Percussion/ Assistant, Principal Timpani
Matthew Robertson
TSYO Manager & Community Assistant
Nicole Balm
TSO Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement
Pierre Rivard
TSO Family & School Programs Manager
Angela Maria Sanchez
TSO Education & Community Engagement Coordinator
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 Ḵ athaumixw. 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
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.
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.
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
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
Eden Obaid
Hanni Pollak
Yinuo Sun
Barlow Vitiello
Matthew Wang
Spencer Yin
James Zhang
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
ANIMA TRAINING CHOIR
Charissa Bagan, Conductor
Claire Elise Harris, Collaborative Pianist
Lillian Vas
Ivanka Wang
Joyce Wang
Matthew Wei
Walter Wisniewski
Daniel Yan
Amanda Yang
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
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
MAIN CHOIR - CANTARE
Charissa Bagan, Conductor
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
Gold Circle ($5,000+)
Jean Ashworth Bartle
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
Andrew Duncanson
Nadine Orr
Hui Wang
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
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
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
SEASON SPONSOR
CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
SUPPORTERS
COLLABORATORS
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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
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
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
COLLABORATIVE PIANISTS
Dr. Grace Ha , Miro & Spirito
Claire Elise Harris , Anima
CHORAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Yuan Chan , Assistant Conductor Mentorship
Monday Earle , Choral Apprentice
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
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
Monique de Margerie , Cantare & Chorealis
Sheldon Rose , Coro
Dakota Scott-Digout , Chamber
Gergely Szokolay , Pasio
Sarah Workman , Conductor’s Intern (OISE)
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