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Delicia Raveenthrarajan. Photo by Danielle Sum
Our hearts are broken as we bid farewell to our cherished colleague and friend Delicia Raveenthrarajan. Her sudden departure has left us stunned and profoundly saddened. Delicia is well known, admired, and respected in many music education and choral communities in Toronto, in Ontario, and beyond.
Here at Choral Canada, Delicia was a beloved member and an indispensable contributor to who we are today, particularly for the PODIUM 2022 national choral conference and festival. She was on our National Planning Committee, advocating for and guiding the change in areas of equity and inclusion, and ensuring that intentional changes were made to create a welcoming space for curiosity, listening, and dialogue. She helped create new programs like the Connections Series, the digital Cameo Concerts playlist, and the scholarship program. These programs will continue and we thank her for all she did to make them happen.
Delicia was also hired as Podium’s Volunteer Coordinator and she ensured everything ran seamlessly, making everyone feel at ease and welcomed with her warm and kind-hearted personality.
Her legacy is woven into what we do and how we approach our work. We often find ourselves asking, "How would Delicia approach this?" when faced with decisions or challenges, as we know she would do so with compassion, thoughtfulness, and deep care. We have watched Delicia participate in so many ways in the music community, through her incredible work at Sistema Toronto, the Ontario Music Educators’ Association, Babεl Ensemble, Exultate Chamber Singers, Ellison Honour Choir, Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, the University of Toronto (Scarborough and St. George campus), and more. We are devastated that more people did not get the chance to have their lives changed by the immeasurable gifts Delicia had to share. Not only was she an immensely talented musician and educator, but she was also wicked smart, forward thinking, and wise beyond her years.
Delicia will never be forgotten, and in her honour, we commit to upholding her legacy of love, inclusivity, and positive change in the choral community. We also encourage you to consider donating to a GoFundMe campaign in support of Delicia’s family during this difficult time:
Delicia’s Celebration of Life will happen on Saturday, October 14, 11am - 3pm ET at the Kennedy Convention Centre, 1199 Kennedy Road. If you would like to attend the Celebration of Life and/or send photos and memories, please RSVP and send your materials no later than October 10 by emailing [email protected].
Our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Rest in peace, dear Delicia.
