The Winnipeg Boys' Choir is an auditioned group dedicated to quality music making and vocal training in a convivial atmosphere.
The Winnipeg Boys' Choir is an auditioned group, ages 6 to 21, dedicated to high-quality music making and vocal training in a convivial atmosphere. Under the direction of Carolyn Boyes (Treble Chorus) and Spencer Duncanson (Senior Chorus), young singers learn the deep enjoyment that comes from working hard and achieving excellence as they rehearse and perform music of all types, in many languages, with a wide range of expression. Founded in 1925, the Winnipeg Boys' Choir is the second oldest choral ensemble in Winnipeg, and probably the oldest freestanding boys' choir in Canada.
From the start, the choir began to disprove the odd notion that for "some unexplained reason, climatic or otherwise, boys' voices could not be properly developed in the west." (The Winnipeg Tribune, 6 October 1934). It remains an ideal place to nurture young male voices as they sing their way from developing treble through the voice change and beyond, to become strong tenors and basses ready to move on to adult choirs.
The choir performs regularly with the city's finest professional and amateur ensembles, including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Camerata Nova.
The choir rehearses and performs in several configurations. The Treble Chorus (all unchanged voices) may sing on its own or with the Senior Chorus (changed voices). In addition, a treble Chamber Chorus takes on particularly challenging repertoire.
The Senior Chorus provides an opportunity for young men with changing or changed voices to develop their adult voices as they continue singing challenging music, while widening the choir's repertoire by providing a deep note for ensemble pieces with the trebles. The choir performs regularly with many of the city's fine professional and amateur ensembles, including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and various local choirs.
The Winnipeg Boys' Choir is open to boys and young men ranging in ages from eight to eighteen, from across the City of Winnipeg and the surrounding area. Musical boys who love to sing are encouraged to audition; extensive experience coming in is not necessary, and scholarships are available to families with limited financial resources, because no boy should be prevented by financial hardship from singing.
Auditions are generally held in June and late summer.
Registration is online on our Registration Page
If you have questions please contact us.
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