Elektra Women's Choir rebrands as Elektra
The new name reflects the ensemble’s commitment to inclusion and embraces gender neutrality
ELEKTRA WOMEN’S CHOIR is now being referred to simply as Elektra. The rebranding, which embraces gender neutrality, reflects the ensemble’s commitment to inclusion and diversity while acknowledging its history of leadership in celebrating music for adult treble voices.
Since its founding in 1987 by co-conductors Morna Edmundson and Diane Loomer, Elektra has championed the works of women composers and provided a platform for underrepresented voices in the classical music world. This step explicitly names Elektra as a choir of adult treble voices.
As part of the change, Elektra’s website has been rebranded and relaunched, now being more accessible and user-friendly.
Elektra is also encouraging new adult soprano and alto singers to join them. The ensemble’s first performance of its 2024-25 season is The Light of Hope Returning on November 30 and December 1. Read Stir’s feature on the work, which includes a storybook-like video projection of visual artist Kevork Mourad’s hand-drawn animation, here.
Earlier this year, Elektra announced that Edmundson will be stepping down as artistic director after 38 years with the organization following this season. The search is on for a new leader.
Gail Johnson is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.
Related Articles
Other members of the local arts community to be named include Emily Carr University president emeritus Ron Burnett and guitarist-educator Donald Alder
Event designed specifically for youth features hands-on activities, surprise performances, and mini concerts by local and international artists
Christmas tunes translated by elders into the endangered Haida language to be performed at December 21 concert
Audiences can watch the beloved Christmas film on the big screen while musicians perform John Debney’s original score live
The powerhouse mezzo-soprano sings a program that includes Gloria in excelsis Deo, BWV 191 by J.S. Bach and Czech composer Jan Dismas Zelenka’s Missa Nativitatis Domini, ZWV 8
Lineup includes German string virtuoso Lulo Reinhardt, along with Alexandra Whittingham, Niwel Tsumbu, and Sönke Meinen
Riveting French Romantic production stars internationally acclaimed soprano Emily Pogorelc in the titular role
The composer is an advocate for diversity and inclusion within the choral and classical-music realms
New choir member Jayson Cervantes has found a home with the renowned ensemble about to mount its seasonal concert
Alongside new work by Torontonian Linda Catlin Smith, the program included works by American new-music legends John Adams, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass
The renowned musician performs the classic piece with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on December 14 and 15
The December 13 concert features 13 acts, all of whom were inspired by Hoang’s musicality and personality
Tenor Spencer Britten, alto Nicholas Burns, soprano Caitlin Wood, and bass Jonathon Adams perform with members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra
The concert by Sound of Dragon Society and Crossbridge Strings features the Indonesian rebab, Chinese erhu, Persian kamancheh, and the European violin and upright bass
“Jingle Bell Rock”, “Holly Jolly Christmas”, and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” are among the festive tunes the crooners crank out
Music director Paula DeWit leads newly rebranded ensemble and vocalists of Belle Voci in an intimate take on holiday mainstay
Friends of Chamber Music hosts the accomplished group at the Vancouver Playhouse
The theatre artist and singer-songwriter joins pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa, violinist Karen Gerbrecht, and cellist Olivia Blander in the beloved annual seasonal concert
Helmed by Cory Weeds, the quartet characterized by the Hammond B3 organ has been hosting holiday shows since 2002
December 6 concert features pieces by Philip Glass, Steve Reich, John Adams, and a world premiere by Linda Catlin Smith
The Juno-winning singer-songwriter brings her most ambitious project yet to BlueShore at CapU on December 5