The Bach Elgar Choir was first established in 1905 as the Elgar Choir. In 1910, the choir attained international recognition by giving the North American premiere performance of Verdi's Requiem with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Then, in 1932, a new choir, the Bach Choir was formed in Hamilton. During World War II, however, both choirs had to temporarily suspend operations because of the lack of men, most of whom were serving in the armed forces. Following the war, the choirs resumed activity, but again due to a shortage of choristers, they amalgamated as the Bach Elgar Choir and have performed for Hamilton and Canadian audiences ever since.

During the 1969-1970 season, the Bach Elgar Singers, a 36-voice chamber ensemble was formed. For several years, the Bach Elgar Singers performed throughout Southern Ontario in their own concert series. The Bach Elgar Choir is now the premiere symphonic, oratorio chorus in the Hamilton Region and is the second oldest choral organization in Canada. Our repertoire spans an eclectic mix of music, which ranges from classics to Broadway, Pops, and Gilbert and Sullivan.

We represented our city at the visit of Prince Charles to Hamilton in 1996, and in 1997 were the CBC National Choir on Canada Day in Ottawa for HRH Queen Elizabeth II. We have been regularly featured on programmes of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and for a number of years sang with them in the Ontario Place Forum to huge appreciative audiences. Our outreach to the community has included partnerships with the Hamilton Spectator for Summer Camps for Kids and with the McMaster Children's Hospital.

Several years ago, we produced a video in cooperation with the City of Hamilton entitled "Voice of the City" and appeared in a number of live performances of this City of Hamilton showpiece for the city's guests and VIPs.

The Bach Elgar Choir sponsored and supported the Hamilton Children's Choir and the Vox Nouveau during their formative years. Graduates from both choirs have joined the ranks of the Bach Elgar Choir over the years. In our 2004 - 2005 Season, the Bach Elgar Choir celebrated its 100th year of choral singing with a performance of Verdi's Requiem and J. S. Bach's masterpiece, St. Matthew Passion.

Our Conductor, Alexander Cann

Our Accompanist, Krista Rhodes