Chapter one: the foundations
The foundations: the church (the Anglican, Catholic, Protestant sacred music traditions), the community (the ethnic and multicultural community choirs — Ukrainian, Welsh, African, the Toronto multicultural), and the school (the school and university training grounds). The tradition built communities, skills, and audiences on the participation — the collective voice.
Chapter two: the golden age (1950–2000)
The mid-century renaissance: Elmer Iseler and the professionalization of Canadian choral music — the chamber choir movement (the Iseler Singers' world-class innovation), the regional powerhouses (the Vancouver Chamber Choir, the provincial ensembles), and the festival culture (the competitions and international gatherings). The tradition reached world acclaim — the Canadian choir becoming renowned, exported.
Chapter three: the living tradition
The current scene: the professional ensembles (the Elmer Iseler Singers, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale's Black classical tradition), the community (ethnic, LGBTQ+, and contemporary community choirs), and the Indigenous vocal traditions and their revival. The choral tradition endures — the collective voice still raised in every province, every community. The oldest tradition sings on — renewed, young, proud.
Why it matters
It matters because participation, community, and continuity make choral tradition the foundation and the living musical life of the country — and the world-class choirs prove the excellence. The voice together is the oldest and youngest music in the land. Sing.
Frequently asked questions
What are Canada’s best choirs?
The Elmer Iseler Singers, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and the Vancouver Chamber Choir among the professional ensembles; countless community and ethnic choirs nationwide.
Who founded the modern Canadian choral tradition?
Elmer Iseler — the mid-century professionalization's central figure.
Is choral music still popular in Canada?
Yes — professional ensembles thrive and community/school choirs remain the largest participatory music activity.