The Toronto Children’s Chorus has announced its 47th Anniversary concert season, led by Artistic Director Zimfira Poloz. Made up of a series of choirs that showcase young voices at different ages and abilities, the season’s programming will showcase the talents of each.
The Toronto Children’s Chorus was founded in 1978 by Jean Ashworth Bartle C.M., O.Ont. Dr. Zimfira Poloz has led the organization since 2022 as its third Artistic Director.
Throughout its history, TCC has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and The Dom in Salzburg, among others. They have represented Canada on 33 international, and seven national tours, and garnered acclaimed at competitions such as the International Eisteddfod in Wales, and the International Choral Kathaumixw.
Dr. Zimfira Poloz
A professor a the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music, Poloz is former Artistic Director of Young Voices Toronto and the award-winning Hamilton Children’s Choir for several years, prior to her taking on the role with the Toronto Children’s Chorus.
She first studied music in her native Kazakhstan, and founded the nation’s first choir school. Today the school has an enrolment of about 450 children, and Poloz received the the Honoured Representative of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Award. She has served as clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator at a wide range of choral events organized by choral associations and educational institutions worldwide, such as Europa-Cantat, America-Cantat, and Interekultur.
The recognition she has received throughout her career includes the city of Hamilton’s VIP Award, and the Leslie Bell Prize Award for Choral Conducting, OAC.
Slovenian Tour
In June, Poloz and TCC were invited to be the choir-in-residence at the Slovenian Children’s Choir Annual National Project. Only one such invitation is extended each year.
The choir performed four concerts, two of which were broadcast nationally, and led a workshop for educators and conductors. In addition, they worked the Slovenian Children’s Choir in joint rehearsals, and sang in historic venues such as The Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Gorica, The Slovenian Philharmonic in Ljubljana (founded in 1701), and others.
Karmina Šilec, Artistic Director of Carmina Slovenica, writes, “My recent experience with the Toronto Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Zimfira Poloz, was nothing short of exceptional. The Toronto Children’s Chorus brought an outstanding program to Slovenia, performed it in several historic and prestigious venues. TCC sounded beautifully, with clear intonation, great musical persuasion and with intense energetic voltage.”
The TCC 2024-25 Concert Series At A Glance
TCC’s eight choirs are: five Training Choirs ages 6-12 (Miro, Spirito, Pasio, Anima, and Coro), and three Main Choirs ages 12-18 (Cantare, Chorealis, and Chamber).
Can You See Me? (October 26, 2024)
The Toronto Children’s Chorus Training Choirs (Miro, Spirito, Pasio, Anima, Coro), take the stage, with special guests from the Main Choir. The theme of the concert reflects on the desire of every child to be seen. The diverse program features both traditional and contemporary works.
Find out more about the concert at the Metropolitan United Church here.
Songs of the Season with the Toronto Children’s Chorus ( December 15, 2024)
There’s nothing like celebrating the spirit of the season with the sound of children’s voices in harmony. Special performances by emerging bass-baritone Owen Phillipson and renowned percussionist Jaime Drake add to what has become a beloved city tradition co-produced by the Toronto Children’s Chorus and Roy Thomson Hall for over 30 years. All of the TCC choirs will be in performance. The program combines classic carols with Latvian works for treble choir by Ēriks Ešenvalds and Laura Jēkabsone.
Note that Lobby Carols start at 1:15 p.m., with the concert at 2:00 p.m.
Find out more about the concert at Roy Thomson Hall here.
Can You Hear Me? (May 4, 2025)
Music transcends sound itself in this concert that will spotlight all TCC choirs. Using both their voices and their hands, melodies and sign language will come togoether for a unique and inclusive musical experience. The program features new works by Cristian Grases (Venezuela/USA), Jude Roldan (Philippines), and Tracy Wong (Malaysia/Canada).
Tickets available early in 2025.
Can You Feel It? (June 21, 2025)
The Chamber Choir, the international touring ensemble of the Toronto Children’s Chorus, will be under the spotlight in a program that will showcase their talents.
Program and tickets to be announced in 2025.
More…
The Toronto Children’s Chorus will be busy spreading seasonal cheer at the Eaton Centre Tree Lighting on November 13, including a concert and holiday sing-along. They’ll also be participating in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s joint concert with the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra on November 24, titled High Spirits: Brahms, Borodin & Dvořǎk.
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