Choral Canada congratulates the winners of the 2015 National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs! The Healey Willan Grand Prize was awarded to Chronos Vocal Ensemble from Edmonton, Alberta.
CLICK HERE to see the full list of winners.
A treasured Canadian choral tradition, the National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs inspires choirs to strive for excellence, provides visibility for amateur choirs of all ages, and encourages the creation and performance of Canadian works. The Competition is open to all Canadian amateur choirs and attracts diverse participants from coast to coast. The 2015 Competition winners were selected by a national jury of esteemed Canadian choral conductors, consisting of Douglas Dunsmore, Christopher Jackson, Marta McCarthy, Morna Edmundson, and Elroy Friesen.
The prestigious Canada Council for the Arts Healey Willan Grand Prize, for the finest overall performance in musicianship, technique, and program, was awarded to the Chronos Chamber Ensemble, from Edmonton, AB, conducted by Jordan van Biert. Chronos Vocal Ensemble also took first prize in Category 6 (Mixed-Voice Adult Choir).
Each choir that enters the Competition must perform an original Canadian piece. The prize for the Best Performance of a Canadian Work in any category was awarded to Phoenix Chamber Choir, from Vancouver, BC conducted by Graeme Langager, for their performance of Gaudium vestrum sit plenum, by Graeme Langager. Phoenix Chamber Choir was also awarded first prize in Category 11 (Contemporary Music).
Cash prizes were also awarded for the top performances in each category.