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 have 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 includes partnership 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.
He has toured in Europe with his choir including a return invitation to perform in the Salzburg Cathedral during the 2000 Salzburg Festival. His operatic experience includes performances at the Stratford Festival and Winnipeg. In addition, he has conducted many concerts of opera, operetta and Broadway musical excerpts.