About King Edward Choir
The King Edward choir originated in 1952 at King Edward School. The founder, the late Jean Dobson, gathered together a small group of teachers and parents and formed the King Edward Ladies’ Choir. The group quickly increased in size and reputation. Some of Barrie’s best male singers were added to the ranks and, before long, both the choir and its audience had grown significantly.
We attribute the success and longevity of King Edward Choir for almost six decades to three ingredients. Firstly, the Choir has enjoyed excellent leadership for 30 years by Jean Dobson, then by Charles Woodrow, followed by the late Morley Calvert. Our current Director, Barbara McCann, has conducted the choir since 1987. She is a multi-talented musician with an impressive list of credentials as a pianist, music teacher and Music Consultant with the Simcoe County District School Board, founder of the Barrie Boys Choir and the Teachers Music Theatre Workshop which evolved into the Kempenfelt Community Players, and as an astute and widely respected conductor.
These fine conductors have attracted some of the area’s best choristers and accompanists to be a part of the choir. Susan Cowan, the choir’s vocal coach, is a graduate of the Opera School at the University of Toronto. We credit much of our fine choral sound to her coaching. Outstanding accompanists over the years have included Margie Padfield and Jim. Nena LaMarre, an accomplished pianist and music teacher in Barrie, is currently the principal accompanist for rehearsals and performance. Blair Bailey, organist and choir director at St. Paul’s United Church in Orillia, is now the concert organist.
The second ingredient is the varied and challenging repertoire offered to the choristers and their audiences. Over the years many major classical choral works have been presented including Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis and Mozart’s demanding Great Mass in C Minor with guest conductor, Robert Cooper. Among the contemporary works in our repertoire are Requiem by Steve Dobrogosz, Requiem by Eleanor Daley and The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins. The Armed Man is a choir and audience favourite that we intend to repeat in coming years.
We enjoy taking our show on the road and to share our programs with professional orchestral ensembles and renowned vocal and instrumental soloists from across Canada. Highlights over the years include participating in the Joy of Music Festival in Toronto, singing under the baton of Swedish conductor, Eric Ericson; singing at Festival 500 in Newfoundland; and traveling to Germany in 2003 to Barrie’s twin city Zweibrücken. The choir has appeared at Barrie’s Colours of Music in concert with the Elmer Iseler Singers and guest conductor Lydia Adams. We have also collaborated with many fine local musicians such as the Cantabile Chorale from Thornhill, the Cellar Singers from Orillia, Barrie’s Lyrica Chamber Choir and Bravado Show Choir, and the Huronia Symphony.
The third ingredient to the choir’s success is the dedication and enthusiasm of the talented choristers who have brought their diverse musical backgrounds to the creation of the choir’s signature rich and vibrant sound. To sing, to learn, to be challenged and to share live choral music with our community is our passion!