Press Releases: Amadeus Choir - toronto choir singing classical and choral music in a concert setting

Toronto's acclaimed Amadeus Choir, conducted by Artistic Director Lydia Adams, presents "Compliments of the Season!" with special guests The Bach Children's Chorus under their director Linda Beaupré, and organist Eleanor Daley, on Saturday, December 17th, 7:30 pm at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge Street, Toronto. The Choir will perform some of the beautiful new compositions from talented composers, known and unknown, from around the world - the world premières of this year's 11 winners of the Choir's 19th Annual Christmas Carol and Chanukah Song Writing Competition. This unique Competition infuses the Canadian choral repertoire with several new works each year.

This year, the Competition was open to composers of all ages, and there was a record number of submissions not only from Canada but also Britain, Japan and the USA. The 11 winners this year have composed 9 new Carols and 2 new Chanukah songs. The winners were notified in November, and many of them will be present at this concert to hear their compositions performed and to accept their prizes.

Winners of the 2005 Competition:

Youth/Child Category:

Vania Lizbeth Chan: (20 years old - from Richmond Hill, Ont.) "In Her Heart"
Laura Silberberg: (19 years old - from Toronto) "Hanukkah Blessings"
Kaitlin Martin: (14 years old - from Goderich, Ont.) "Christmas Jewel"
Jeffrey Cox: (15 years old - from Dewitt, New York State) "The Trees Do Moan"
Allison Winn: (6 years old! - from Scarborough) "Song of the Angels"

Adult Category:

Judith Snowdon: (from St. Joseph de Kent, New Brunswick) "Will We See Him When He Comes"
Brian Holmes: (from San José, California, USA) "Oh Man, Be Merry"
Mark Sirett: (from Kingston, Ontario) "Dormi, Jesu!"
Jason Jestadt: (from Toronto) "Iesous Ahatonnia"
Robin King: (from Edmonton, Alberta) "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" James Baldwin: (from Toronto) "Ashrei Hagafrur" [Chanuka Song]

In 1987, conductor Lydia Adams created the Choir¹s Annual Christmas Carol and Chanukah Song Writing Competition whch has grown to include submissions from around the world. It now serves as an inspiration to composers of all ages and experience to write new works, enriching Canada's outstanding choral tradition.

This festive concert also features traditional and seasonal music for choir, children's chorus and organ. The audience is invited to join in the heart-felt sing-alongs of many cherished Christmas carols, under the enthusiastic baton of Lydia Adams.

The Amadeus Choir expresses its thanks to DeBoer's for its continuing sponsorship of this special highlight in Toronto's festive season.

The Amadeus Choir also gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council.

Tickets: Adult $40   Senior/Student $35
Call The Amadues Choir: 416-446-0188

Visit the Choir's web site: www.amadeuschoir.com