Our holiday concert is a highlight of the year! On the eve of December, Spiritus Chamber Choir and Spirit Vocal Ensemble illuminate magnificent carols heralding the return of the light. Their performances have been described as “ethereal” and “transportingly sublime” by the Calgary Herald.
Now in its 30th season, the choir is celebrating a distinctive history that includes international awards and five recordings to date, the most recent being James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross and the album All the Stars Looked Down. Awards and recognitions include:
- the Healey Willan Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts at the National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs (2017, 2013)
- Second Prize and the Heinrich Schütz Perpetual Trophy at the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition in Cork, Ireland (2014)
- Ministry of Culture Prize at the Florilège Vocal de Tours International Choral Competition in Tours, France (2011)
- International Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (1999)
Join us to usher in the season with songs of majesty, wonder and delight.
Please join us!
Andrea Ciona
Conductor
Andrea Ciona is a distinguished conductor and performer with a dynamic international career. She has conducted across the globe, with notable highlights including conducting on the Great Wall of China, adjudicating in Indonesia, and leading over 1000 musicians at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Currently, Andrea is on faculty at Mount Royal University Conservatory of Music, where she directs the Advanced Performance Program in Choral Conducting. Since 2010, she has also served as Director of Choirs at Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary, Alberta, where her ensembles have earned both national and international acclaim. Andrea is the founding director of the Rocky Mountain Symphony Chorus and frequently collaborates with the Symphony.
Andrea holds degrees in Music Performance and Choral Conducting from the University of British Columbia (B.Mus., M.Mus.) and a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Music from the University of Calgary.
Spirit Chamber Choir
An internationally award-winning amateur choir founded in 1995, Spiritus has been recognized both nationally and internationally for its high-quality performances, musicianship and unique collaborations. Spiritus is committed to excellence in choral music, performing for music lovers in Calgary and surrounding areas. In addition to performing choral classics, the choir has commissioned works by Canadian composers Allan Bevan, Georgina Craig, Quenten Doolittle, Jeff Enns, George Fenwick and Zachary Wadsworth. Spiritus also collaborates regularly with orchestras, theatre groups and local choirs
Learn more
www.spirituschamberchoir.ca
Spirit Vocal Ensemble
The Spirit Vocal Ensemble is a branch of the award-winning Spiritus Chamber Choir which is under the artistic direction of Andrea Ciona. The Spirit Vocal Ensemble is comprised of a small number of auditioned emerging singers from ages 18-30 directed by Amanda Hillestad.
The Spirit Vocal Ensemble prides itself on tight harmonies, driving rhythmic energy, and storytelling through song.
