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.

Featured

Gail Johnson

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.

Articles

Stir ’Splainer: 4 artists performing at Vancouver New Music’s 50th-anniversary party

Matthew Ariaratnam, Andromeda Monk, Sapphire Haze, and Anju Singh celebrate the organization’s history of sound innovation

Christmas with Chor Leoni returns to Vancouver in winter tradition, December 19 to 21

Annual concert at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church features such seasonal staples as “Silent Night” and “Maybe This Christmas”, plus two new arrangements

Holiday shows 2024: Stir’s ultimate guide to festive fare, from musical theatre to classical ballet

Seasonal standouts include a massive choral Messiah, and different takes on A Christmas Carol—including one with 10-foot-high puppets

Vancouver Chamber Choir presents Christmas by Candlelight, December 12 and 13

Seasonal favourite sets timeless classics by Robert Pearsall and Morten Lauridsen, plus new works by B.C. composers, to the gentle glow of candles

Vancouver Bach Choir performs Handel's Messiah with members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, December 14

Annual performance of beloved oratorio features soprano Caitlin Wood, alto Nicholas Burns, tenor Spencer Britten, and bass Jonathon Adams

Sloan’s Chris Murphy gets set to play a “pretty killer” mixtape with the Trans-Canada Highwaymen

Canadian alt-pop icon admits the supergroup with Steven Page, Chris Murphy, Moe Berg, and Craig Northey would have seemed unthinkable back in the day

Rudra veena master Bahauddin Dagar performs on stunning Indian classical instrument at the Chan Centre, November 23

Respected musician plays two shows devoted to India’s oldest-surviving classical genre alongside pakhavaj artist Tejas Tope

The CSO brings Handel's Messiah to the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver on December 7

Led by Paula DeWit, early-music ensemble Cantare Super Orchestram and a cappella group Belle Voci give the 1742 oratorio fresh style

Daniel Levitin speaks at a special Vancouver Writers Fest post-festival event, November 19

The neuroscientist, writer, and musician’s conversation with André Picard has musical interludes by Chor Leoni

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra premieres Philip Glass’ Eleventh Symphony in B.C., December 6

Program also features Steve Reich’s Jacob’s Ladder with the U.K.’s Synergy Vocals, a Linda Catlin Smith premiere, and John Adams’ Gnarly Buttons

Vicky Chow returns with more Philip Glass Piano Études at the Anvil Theatre on November 23

Pianist’s performances of the works have received high praise, including from the composer himself

Raphaël Feuillâtre makes the guitar sing

Presented by Vancouver Recital Society, the Djibouti-born musician brings tremendous vocal feeling to his instrument

Jazz trumpeter Feven Kidane plays music inspired by Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat at VIFF Centre, November 16

New documentary from Belgian filmmaker Johan Grimonprez, a look at the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, screens directly afterward

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra announces 2025 national tour

More than 100 musicians will be making the journey to Ontario in March 2025

Music on Main hosts beloved annual concert Music for the Winter Solstice, December 11 and 12

Winter tradition at the Heritage Hall promises enchanting music by pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa and vocalist Amanda Sum

Josefowicz Plays Stravinsky at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, November 29 to December 1

Award-winning violinist to enchant audiences with Stravinsky’s stunning Violin Concerto and two Prokofiev symphonies

Saltwater Hank Trio performs rocking Sm’algya̱x songs at the Anvil Theatre, December 7

Led by Ts’msyen musician Saltwater Hank (aka Jeremy Pahl), group blends rock ’n’ roll elements with ancestral traditions

Clara Shandler the Sidewalk Cellist releases evocative new album Pacific Rain

Twelve-song record layers compelling lyricism with heartfelt harmonies and poignant dissonances

Laila Biali tours Wintersongs & Holiday Classics to the BlueShore at CapU, December 5

Artist performs tracks from new album alongside Jane Bunnett, Dan Fortin, and Rebekah Wolkstein, with First Nations dancer Sarah Prosper and the NiteCap choir