{"id":125042,"date":"2026-06-10T14:49:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T18:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/?p=125042"},"modified":"2026-06-10T14:49:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T18:49:26","slug":"feature-hamilton-childrens-choir-sets-off-macau-concert-june","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2026\/06\/10\/feature-hamilton-childrens-choir-sets-off-macau-concert-june\/","title":{"rendered":"FEATURE | The Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir Sets Off For Macau, With A Concert In June"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_125044\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-125044\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-125044\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Copy-of-Copy-of-REVIEW-4.jpg\" alt=\"Members of Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir (HCC) (Photo courtesy of Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir)\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Copy-of-Copy-of-REVIEW-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Copy-of-Copy-of-REVIEW-4-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Copy-of-Copy-of-REVIEW-4-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Copy-of-Copy-of-REVIEW-4-768x402.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-125044\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Members of Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir (HCC) (Photo courtesy of Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir (HCC) has been selected as one of only 11 choirs worldwide to perform at the World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM) 2026 in Macau, China. It\u2019s also the only choir from either North or South America to take part in the international event.<\/p>\n<p>The WSCM is often dubbed the \u201cOlympics of choral music\u201d, and features a range of the world\u2019s best choral ensembles. It takes place from August 23 to 28, 2026 in Macau, China.<\/p>\n<p>There, the HCC will be performing in front of some of the world&#8217;s leading conductors and educators.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis invitation is an extraordinary distinction,\u201d says Artistic Director <strong>Melanie Tellez<\/strong> in a statement. \u201cThat a choir from Hamilton, Ontario, stands as the sole representative of the Americas makes this moment all the more powerful. We are incredibly proud to bring the voices of our young singers to this global stage.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Over its half century of history, HCC has toured across North America, Europe, and Asia, and taken home top prizes at international competitions.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond performance, Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir offers musical education and opportunities for children and youth. Over 51 seasons, HCC has worked with more than 3,000 young singers. HCC offers a Financial Award Program to make sure than young voices can participate regardless of their financial circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>LV spoke to HCC Artistic Director <strong>Melanie Tellez<\/strong> about the upcoming trip.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_125045\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-125045\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-125045\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HamiltonChildrensChoir_EnsemblePhoto.jpg\" alt=\"Members of Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir (HCC) (Photo courtesy of Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir)\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HamiltonChildrensChoir_EnsemblePhoto.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HamiltonChildrensChoir_EnsemblePhoto-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HamiltonChildrensChoir_EnsemblePhoto-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/HamiltonChildrensChoir_EnsemblePhoto-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-125045\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Members of Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir (HCC) (Photo courtesy of Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>HCC In June 2026<\/h2>\n<p>There will also be a chances to hear the HCC, and for young singers to get a taste of the fun and musical friendship of choral singing, in June before they set out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>June 13: How To Build A Tree (llumini Choir)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On June 13, Ilumini (HCC\u2019s more advanced choir, and primary performing ensemble) presents How To Build A Tree. The musical journey of tradition and discovery takes place across Turtle Island, Europe, and Asia, and includes in story and singing. The choir will be joined by <strong>Jamie Drake<\/strong> (percussion), <strong>Laura Pin<\/strong> (piano), <strong>Phillip Darley<\/strong> (cello), <strong>Brent Fifield<\/strong> (organ), and conductor <strong>Melanie Tellez<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think \u2018How To Build a Tree\u2019 is ultimately a call to presence,\u201d said Tellez. \u201cYoung people \u2014 really, all of us \u2014 spend so much time trying to construct a future that we forget everything meaningful begins in the present moment. The music in this program reflects that idea in many different ways.\u201d<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Find tickets and concert details [<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.ca\/e\/how-to-build-a-tree-tickets-1988935691193\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/strong>].<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>June 27: Sing As You Are, Guest Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The HCC will be singing at the Discovery Centre at Hamilton\u2019s West Harbour for an afternoon of fun that starts at 1 p.m. Sing As You Are is a pop-up program for children. The free event invites kids to attend and explore sounds while they learn about their vocal instruments. An instant choir will be built through easy to learn and catchy songs. Even if you can\u2019t read music, and don\u2019t think you can carry a tune\u2026 you\u2019re welcome to take part.<\/p>\n<p>Hamilton Children&#8217;s Choir&#8217;s Ilumini performs Dr. Shireen Abu-Khader&#8217;s arrangement of &#8220;Lao Rahal Soti&#8221; \u064a\u062a\u0648\u0635 \u0644\u062d\u0631 \u0648\u0644 (If My Voice Departs), Lyrics and Music by Samih Choukeir:<\/p>\n<div class=\"jetpack-video-wrapper\"><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tICiZ8EaLTI?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<h2>Melanie Tellez: The Interview<\/h2>\n<p>The theme for the World Symposium on Choral Music (WSCM) 2026 is Reimagining the Future, with a focus on highlighting diverse musical traditions from across the globe. Conversations, innovation, and shared artistic growth are the goals.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe theme for this choral symposium has to do with the future,\u201d says Tellez.<\/p>\n<p>She, as well as the Symposium organizers, felt that a young choir like HCC, which incorporates a solid percentage of music by living composers in their repertoire, would make an ideal addition to their lineup. Tellez also acknowledges that, with the rising expense of travel, there were probably fewer application than in some other recent years.<\/p>\n<p>For HCC, the time was also right.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are years when a children&#8217;s choir is very strong, and there are years where there&#8217;s a strong turnover,\u201d she points out.<\/p>\n<p>With the host country able to emphasize their own choral ensembles, the Symposium offers the opportunity for a greater exposure to Asian choral music and practice. \u201cI think it&#8217;s wonderful that they&#8217;re highlighting a series of Asian choirs,\u201d Melanie says.<\/p>\n<h3>The Choir(s)<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve worked with HCC since 2010,\u201d says Tellez. It\u2019s her fourth season as the organization\u2019s Artistic Director.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe whole organization has a very similar scheme to thriving children&#8217;s choirs across Canada,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n<p>It incorporates a large group of kindergarten age children in multiple groups. The numbers get smaller as the choristers age, develop, and become part of other groups, and culminates in Ilumini, which includes singers aged about 13 in grade seven, up to university age. It numbers about 40 singers in 2026. \u201cThey&#8217;ve been a strong cohort. Many of them have been there for four years,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Ilumini tackles challenging repertoire, and also add other dimensions to performance. \u201cThere&#8217;s a lot of movement,\u201d Melanie says. They work with Choreography and Movement Specialist Joanne Chow, a graduate of the Juilliard School. \u201cShe&#8217;s designed a lot of unique theatrical productions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Adding movement creates a more dynamic concert experience. Part of that is the expectations of modern audiences. \u201cAudiences are more and more stimulated visually,\u201d Tellez points out. \u201cWe include and consider what the full human body is doing. I think it&#8217;s more meaningful for audiences.\u201d It\u2019s also about how the young choristers learn. \u201cThey&#8217;re really not [typically] being asked to embody things,\u201d Melanie adds. Learning in a strictly receptive mode, they\u2019re only asked to respond cognitively. But, that\u2019s now how music works.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour body is your instrument. The brain actually can&#8217;t sing,\u201d she points out.<\/p>\n<p>A focus on what is happening within the body is a facet that is brought into rehearsals. How do the singers impact the space around them?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat is the format within they spend most of their day,\u201d she says of rehearsals. \u201cWe still touch on the basics, articulation, pitch and all that,\u201d she continues. But, it begins with a question. \u201cHave you been paying attention to your body today? It&#8217;s sort of the invisible foundation which can impact making art with your voice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir &#8211; Ilumini &#8211; sing La Belle Se Prom\u00e8ne Arr. by HCC alumna Meghan Quinlan<\/p>\n<div class=\"jetpack-video-wrapper\"><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_0hmX_sKv0c?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<h3>To Macau<\/h3>\n<p>Just as the host country will highlight Asian choral music, HCC will be showcasing its own ground base.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have a program with a good amount of Canadian music,\u201d Tellez says.<\/p>\n<p>The music will include selections from composers across the country, including a piece by Newfoundland based <strong>The Ennis Sisters<\/strong>, arranged by Leslee Heys, and a song by <strong>Marie-Claire Saindon<\/strong>, a Franco-Ontarian composer now based in Montr\u00e9al.<\/p>\n<p>Another piece is by Canadian composer <strong>Meghan Quinlan<\/strong>, who began her musical journey as a singer in the Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir. \u201cThat&#8217;s become a bit of a signature piece for the choir,\u201d Melanie says. \u201cThey love it.\u201d HCC has competed with the piece on several occasions.<\/p>\n<p>When The Earth Stands Still by British Columbia composer <strong>Don MacDonald<\/strong> is also on the program.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;re singing treble music,\u201d she explains. \u201cWe&#8217;ve programmed a lot of music that has two alto parts,\u201d she adds. MacDonald was flexible in how his work was arranged. \u201cHe freely sanctioned us to play with the voicings.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Boys and their changing voices can become part of the equation, depending on timing. One of the alto parts is generally deeper, to accommodate those singers.<\/p>\n<p>Two pieces by Malaysian-Canadian choral conductor <strong>Dr. Tracy Wong<\/strong> have also made it to the list for Macau. Other Canadian repertoire includes music by Palestinian-Jordanian-Canadian composer, conductor, and music educator <strong>Dr. Shireen Abu-Khader<\/strong>, and Cree-Dene composer <strong>Sherryl Sewepagaham<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Along with the Canadian works, there are pieces from Iceland and Latvia, and Finland.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cQuite a few of them are children&#8217;s folk songs, but arranged with a lot of complexity,\u201d she says. \u201cIt&#8217;s in six and eight parts now, and they\u2019re also creating the rhythmic ostenati.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, the members of the Ilumini choir are excited about the upcoming trip. \u201cThey were thrilled because they knew it was not a given,\u201d Melanie says. But, the choir was already planning for international tours. \u201cIt&#8217;s also the World Choir Games this summer in Sweden.\u201d That also takes place in August, an alternative option if Macau hadn\u2019t turned out.<\/p>\n<p>Travel to Macau is expensive, but Tellez reports that there is a subsidy available for lodging and food while they\u2019re there. \u201cA lot of our families participate in the choir via financial support,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter having done the competition in Wales a few years ago, they&#8217;re happy to do something that&#8217;s not a competition,\u201d Tellez adds. The Symposium offers the opportunity to create the kind of program that they want to sing, rather than according to competition requirements. \u201cI think that&#8217;s a more interesting way to make music and present music,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>It puts the focus on the music, and the possibilities, rather than constant vigilance against making errors.<\/p>\n<h3>Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re really grateful to bring a big team [to Macau],\u201d Tellez says. That includes a pianist, percussion, and cellist.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You can support the Hamilton Children\u2019s Choir tour fund [<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamiltonchildrenschoir.com\/donate-to-touring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/strong>].<\/li>\n<li>Find out more about their June 13 Build A Tree concert [<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamiltonchildrenschoir.com\/ilumini-embarks-on-a-15-language-musical-journey\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/strong>].<\/li>\n<li>Young singers can find out more about how to take part in HCC\u2019s programs [<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamiltonchildrenschoir.com\/sing-with-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/strong>].<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>Are you looking to promote an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/advertising\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #0e101a;\"><u>event<\/u><\/span><\/a>? 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