EnChor will mark its 20th season in 2026–27 with two milestone programs plus a May 2 anniversary celebration featuring a new commissioned work.
The Story
EnChor, a Vancouver-based auditioned SATB choir for singers age 55 and older, has unveiled its 2026–27 season built around its 20th anniversary. Artistic Director Dr. Morna Edmundson, C.M., will lead the choir as it presents three concerts spanning works from the a cappella tradition to contemporary repertoire, collaborations with younger artists, and a new commission created specifically for the ensemble.
The season opens on November 15 with “Both Sides Now,” a program described as drawing on both classic a cappella repertoire and contemporary songs of reflection and connection. The announced repertoire includes Ubi Caritas by Maurice Duruflé and “If Ye Love Me” by Thomas Tallis, alongside Christine Donkin’s “Lookout.” A co-commissioned work, “Lookout” was created by EnChor together with 16 other Canadian choirs.
EnChor’s November program also includes an a cappella arrangement of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” For that concert, the choir will collaborate with the Nabi Vocal Ensemble, a 47-voice group of young adults conducted by Tyler Baek, who is identified as a former EnChor UBC Scholarship recipient. EnChor said the collaboration reflects its commitment to encouraging and supporting future generations of musicians.
A second major point in the season calendar comes with “An EnChor Christmas,” returning for a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon on December 12. The concert is described as part of an ongoing community tradition: admission is free and the choir suggests a donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The program is expected to feature familiar carols as well as new arrangements, with smaller vocal and instrumental groups drawn from within EnChor.
EnChor said that “An EnChor Christmas” will include special guests Sweet Scarlet, and that the choir’s approach will allow audience members to sing along. The concert will be followed by a reception, according to the announcement.
The season culminates on May 2 with “Joy,” which EnChor describes as its official celebration of the 20th anniversary. The centrepiece is a newly commissioned work by composer Stephen Smith, created for choir, piano and instruments, setting a new poem by Ontario poet Wendy Jean MacLean. EnChor said the text will reflect on life from the perspective of people who remain engaged, appreciative and joyful.
Alongside the commissioned work, the May 2 program will include music by Bob Chilcott, Gerald Finzi, Joan Szymko and “others.” EnChor said the broader programming explores joy in a variety of musical moods rather than treating the theme as a single stylistic or emotional register.
The announcement places EnChor’s 20th season within the choir’s longer history, stating that EnChor was founded in 2007 by Diane Loomer, C.M. It also positions the anniversary programming as a continuation of the choir’s stated goals: pursuing ambitious repertoire, fostering meaningful collaboration, and supporting artistic growth.
While the three concert dates are set—November 15, December 12 and May 2—the announcement provided does not name the concert venues for those performances. Additional venue details would be needed to help readers plan attendance accurately.
← More stories