About UsThe Victoria Choral Society is Victoria, BC 's leading symphonic chorus. The choir was created after a group of 200 singers, representing most of the church choirs of the day in Victoria, assembled in 1934 for the purpose of singing Messiah. They agreed to continue singing together to promote choral music, and the Victoria Choral Society, at that time named The Victoria Choral Union, was formed. The instrumentalists later formed the Victoria Symphony Orchestra. Over the past seventy-five years, this vibrant ensemble has
flourished under the capable leadership of several well-known music
directors, including Michael Gormley, Brian Jackson and Bruce More. In
2005, the VCS was delighted to welcome Giuseppe Pietraroia as our Music
Director. He also holds appointments as conductor-in-residence of both
the Victoria Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and Pacific Opera Victoria (POV).
Master Pietraroia engages the choir technically, musically and
emotionally, and brings out the highest quality of performance in every
presentation. Our choir has sung with such renowned artists as Susan Platts and Richard Margison. Recent collaborations include concerts with the Victoria Symphony, Ballet Victoria, Victoria Philharmonic Choir, Elmer Iseler Singers (Toronto), CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble, and the Victoria Children's Choir. We offer an ever-expanding repertoire of choral music to Victoria audiences. Recent highlights include: J.S. Bach St. Matthew PassionJ.S. Bach Magnificat L. Bernstein Chichester Psalms J. Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem A. Dvorak Stabat Mater E. Elgar Dream of Gerontius D. Fanshawe African Sanctus G.F. Handel Messiah F.J. Haydn The Creation F. Mendelssohn Elijah W.A. Mozart Requiem W.A. Mozart Great Mass in C minor, K427 C.Orff Carmina Burana G. Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle G. Verdi Requiem A. Vivaldi Gloria RV589 W. Walton Belshazzar's Feast See our concert history for a complete listing of our programs since our inception. |
