Chor Leoni's 2016-17 annual report by Chor Leoni Men's Choir

2016-2017 CHOR LEONI Annual Report Our 25th Season

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

Chor Leoni Men’s Choir 949 West 49th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V5Z 2T1 www.chorleoni.org

2016-17 Board of Directors James Emery, Chair Ted Chiasson, Vice-Chair Rod Locke, Secretary Marni Johnson, Treasurer Rick Bennett, James Carter, Mike Cavaletto, Leanne Denis, Fred Lee, Peter Joosten, Masato Oki, Patricia Penner Staff Erick Lichte, Artistic Director Ken Cormier, Accompanist David Carpenter, Production Manager Stash Bylicki, General Manager Bruce Hoffman, Manager of Marketing Phil Jack, Digital Media Producer Eric Kristensen, Archivist Honorary Patrons Judith Forst, O.C., O.B.C. Martha Lou Henley, C.M. Brett Polegato Wayne Riddell, C.M. Robert Sund Bramwell Tovey, O.C. O.M. Patrick Wedd

founder Diane Loomer, C.M.

Members of Chor Leoni 2016 – 2017 FIRST TENORS Corey Hollett, Ken Hollet, Noel Hollet, Shaun Jackman, Derek Kief, Mark MacDonald*, Cliff Reinhardt, Hyo Shim, Bob Keyes, Gareth Simpson, Nick Sommer, Peter Spira, William Ting SECOND TENORS Jordan Back, Stephen Baker, Kevin Chiang, Byron Hanson*, Choji Hayashi, Kyle Harland, Bruce Hoffman, Ray Horst, Reid Howard, Liam Kearns, Jim Knight, Rod Locke, Marc Petrunia, Ben Scoten, James Vanderheide, John Wyness BARITONES Joseph Anthony, James Carter, Ken Cassidy, Mike Cavaletto, Nate Chan, Russell Cripps, Ian Farthing, Michael Fletcher, Conor Graham, Philip Jack, Mike Jackman, Peter Joosten, Tom Kidd, Paul Larocque, Douglas Leung, Greg Martin*, Rob McAllister, Greg Mohr, Daniel Sheinin, Ted Steiner BASSES Douglas Au-Lange, Rick Bennett, Paul Birch, Lucas Brown, Stash Bylicki, Ryan Cho, Garth Edwards, James Emery, Ed Friesen, Doug Graeb, Michael Hall, Barry Honda, Eric Kristensen, David Love, Chris Moore, Bob Rankin, Larry Smeets, Michael Soderling*, Nick van der Velden * = section leader

BC Society Incorporation #: S-32983 Charitable Registration #: 891227084 RR 0001

The Mission of Chor Leoni Chor Leoni is dedicated to the creation, promotion and presentation of male choral music. We have a passionate commitment to the development of repertoire, training of artists, and advancement of the choral art form. We are champions of Canadian culture at home and abroad. Sharing our music through live performances and recorded media, we create transformative experiences for our participants and our audiences.

Report from the Chair December 6, 2017 by James Emery

Chor Leoni continues to chart new waters. This year for the first time in our history we have created a new distinct General Manager position very ably filled by Stash Bylicki. With a dedicated General Manager position we saw positive effects in our administrative structure and development goals. Our audience attendance continues to grow setting a new record this year and our goal to support Canadian artists and the male vocal tradition saw significant success through our inaugural C4 competition. Chor Leoni rarely runs a deficit but this year we did due to a combination of planned and unplanned expenses above and beyond the approved budget. These were generally onetime items that we do not expect to occur again. Fortunately Chor Leoni has a healthy financial position to weather this kind of occurrences. A very fine member of the board, Ted Chiasson, is stepping down after about 10 years of exceptionally meritorious service to the choir. Ted and his wife Dorothy (past longtime co-chair of At Home) have had a significant impact on our choir. We wish them well and send Ted off with our heartfelt gratitude. Last year the Nominations Committee started to develop a roster of candidates that would be willing to fill a board position when one became available. We are bidding another dearly loved member of the board adieu. Michael Cavaletto was on the board as a singing member. Michael no longer is a member of the choir and as such has had to step down from that position. We only had him on the board for a short couple of years, but appreciated the thoughtful and considered approach he brought to our board discussions. I look forward to this next year with you, continuing to make beautiful music, sharing it on the other side of the world, and building on the foundation to make all of this happen.

Core Program Goals • Local Performances: To optimize and maximize Chor Leoni’s performance opportunities in order to create the largest and most diverse local audience possible within the limits of our schedule. • Touring: To be effective musical ambassadors for Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada. • Media: To make the best use of existing and emerging media for recording, broadcasting and promoting Chor Leoni and its repertoire to the broadest possible audience. • Youth: To build a sustained culture of male choral singing from an early age.

James Emery Board Chair

• Funding: To earn sustainable donation support from every subscriber, sponsorship support for every core program, and prominent public support from all levels of government.

Organizational Goals Governance: To be a model of organizational responsibility and good governance in Canada’s non-profit sector.

Planning: To create a comprehensive process for annual organizational review of both annual and long-term plans.

Capacity: To build and sustain the infrastructure necessary to fulfill Chor Leoni’s mission.

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

Report from the Artistic Director by Erick Lichte It takes my breath away each time I think of how many incredible moments of singing I have shared with the men of Chor Leoni, especially during the 2016-17 season. Not only that, the diversity of these musical connections is staggering. I think back to the raw emotion with which the men sang our War/Poet concerts. Life in the news had recently turned all of us a bit upside down and Canada mourned the loss of one of its greatest poets and musicians, Leonard Cohen. The world seemed to be standing in need of song to bring healing and understanding. I am still so proud of the men as they made a last minute change to our Remembrance Day performance and offered Cohen’s cold and broken Hallelujah as a tribute to our fallen soldiers and as a balm to a world in grief. I can also still see the men singing plainchant by candlelight at Saint Andrew’s Wesley church for our Christmas shows. I can still feel the sense of excitement and discovery we shared with our audience at our first C4 Canadian Choral Competition.

To be an

Our MYVoice and VanMan Summit hit new heights both in terms of numbers of young men involved in singing and the world of male singing we brought together for two days, highlighted by a remarkable collaboration with Chanticleer.

inspiring and

I think about the fun we had at our At Home fundraiser and, especially our Chor Leoni Idol night. I remember the challenge of our BC/Baltica concerts and the hair-raising performances the men gave of such virtuosic music. My mind also travels back to our Bard shows, and especially our time singing Corey Payettte’s Oji-Cree music and working with him to bring First Nations music into a choral setting in a way which was collaborative, respectful and powerful.

organization

The 2016-17 season was a year of memories and moments that have bolstered me and, hopefully, the men of this incredible choir and this community of Vancouver we call home.

Erick Lichte

Our Vision

engaging that enriches and transforms people’s lives through music.

Our Values We thrive on the joy of making and sharing music. We embrace courage and innovation. We believe in strong connections with our communities. We foster an environment of diversity, inclusiveness, excellence and respect.

Financial Report 2016-17 Season In 2016-17 Chor Leoni had record revenues, experiencing double-digit growth for the second year in a row. Total revenues increased $69,568 (11% vs. 2015-16). Performance revenue increased $22,324 (6.9%) and accounted for 48.5% of total revenue. Donations and proceeds from the “At Home” fundraising event were up by $45,522 (34%), representing 25.4% of revenue. This is remarkable especially given the similar-sized increase in the prior year. The remaining 26% of revenue came from: Canada Council and local government grants (11%); corporate and private foundation donations (5%); and endowment fund income (4.5%). Remaining revenues (5.5%) came from CD sales, member dues and other income. We received substantial value through in-kind sponsorships and we greatly appreciate this support. The majority of expenses (64%) relate to performance, education programs, and other artistic endeavours. Production and performance expenses increased $72,000 (17%) due to CD production costs, tour preparation, and items related to performance revenue such as ticketing fees. The Board created the position of Executive Director with responsibility for all non-artistic matters, including fundraising and development. This has already resulted in more efficient administrative oversight and strategic fundraising initiatives. The net cost of the new position, plus an adjustment due to foreign exchange, contributed to an increase in general and administrative expenses of $29,516 (13.8%). We incurred a net operating loss of $29,844, compared to a budgeted surplus of $4,486. The loss is primarily attributed to two items: • a Board-approved extra-budgetary expense for the Artistic Director’s and Production Manager’s reconnaissance trip to Bali in preparation for the upcoming Bali tour, and • matters relating to the recording and payment of foreign exchange amounts that were picked up in the audit after year-end, have now been corrected, and should not recur. While an unbudgeted loss is never good news, the Board is satisfied that the Choir’s financial position remains strong, and that the sources of the loss were either well justified, or were a one-time issue that has been identified and corrected. Although total net assets declined $29,844, the Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund grew by $7,954 to $46,411. The Choir drew down its MYVoice Fund to provide increased support to education programs. The diversity of types of income, especially healthy ticket sales, and the investments made in Chor Leoni’s future, indicate the organization is well positioned for continued progress toward its strategic goals.

Marni Johnson Treasurer

Chor Leoni Men’s Choir 2016-2017 Financials REVENUE Performance revenue $ 344,037 Donations $ 146,836 Government grants/gaming $ 78,000 Foundations $ 37,848 Endowment income $ 32,106 Raffles and auctions $ 33,163 Sales of merchandise $ 30,190 Membership dues/other $ 7,356 REVENUE TOTAL $ 709,536 EXPENSES Performance-related expenses $ 471,478 Office and administration $ 106,504 Administrative personnel $ 130,234 CDs and recordings $ 24,026 Depreciation $ 1,172 Other $ 5,966 Co-producer fees $ — EXPENSE TOTAL $ 739,380 NET INCOME (LOSS) $ (29,844) NET ASSETS – Beginning of year $ 151,059 NET ASSETS – End of year $ 121,216 Change in Net Assets $ (29,843) Net Assets: Operating Fund $ 14,837 Touring Fund $ 55,186 Donor Database Upgrade Fund $ 0 Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund $ 46,411 MYVoice Fund $ 0 Capital Assets $ 4,782 TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 121,216

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

Early Chor Leoni Memories by MARTHA LOU HENLEY Thank heavens for long-term memory; it cements magical and happy times from long ago. I have so many of these when I recall my early association with Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, which, I believe, was in the early spring of 1995. These were hands-on, grassroots and fun-filled days when there was almost no job or task we wouldn’t take on with alacrity. Of course, living less than a five-minute drive from Dick and Diane Loomer helped enormously opening the door to lots of work parties. For the spring concert one year, I spent hours fastidiously filling tiny zip-lock bags with a mix of summer wild flower seeds taping each bag, complete with growing instructions, into the concert programme. For a short while, we were in the coffee business, weighing, bagging and selling a special whole-bean Chor Leoni blend. Then there were the inevitable season brochures and concert posters to be distributed throughout the Vancouver area. Believe it or not, in those early days I actually owned and operated a small-scale catering company … so small I only had one client — Chor Leoni Men’s Choir! I made and delivered dinner to the Loomer’s house for their monthly board meetings but ONLY until the board membership grew so much I no longer had dishes large enough! But the pinnacle of these memorable days is the tour to the Maritimes for Festival 500 in 1997. It was then when I truly bonded with the choir and formed what remain today many lasting friendships. I think I returned to Vancouver putting the right name to the right face of each choir member; how I wish I could do the same today! To this day, the first Canadian Safari CD remains my all-time favourite of the many Chor Leoni recordings. Diane’s arrangement of Ave Maris Stella still gives me goosebumps when I hear it. It simply doesn’t get better than that. It has been a joy to support Chor Leoni in its growth over the past 25 years and to see it become the powerhouse it is today. Here’s to many more years of glorious singing and friendship.

government sponsors

major sponsors

sustaining sponsors

Print & Media sponsors

It has been a joy to support Chor Leoni in its growth over the past 25 years and to see it become the powerhouse it is today.

Donors Chor Leoni names its giving levels after the stars of the constellation Leo, the lion. Thank you to all of our benefactors and friends. Your generosity helps us shine! This list acknowledges donations received from August 1, 2016 to July 31st, 2017. If you detect any errors or omissions, please call the choir office at 604.263.7061. Total gifts received:

$193,998

REGULUS ($10,000+) Alix Brown, RBC Foundation, Robert & Helen Watson, Peeter & Mary Wesik ADHAFERA ($5000 - $9,999) BlueShore Financial, Stephanie Carlson, James* & Leslie Carter, Bob & Judy Hager Family Fund, Gabryel Harrison, Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation, Paul & Darlene Howard, Erick* & Ashley Lichte NOVA ($2,000 - $4,999) Rick* & Lorraine Bennett, Joyce Campkin, Vincent Carey & Ed Friesen*, Pete Chamberlain, Richard & Valerie Dunsterville, Intuit Canada ULC, Kearns & Company Lawyers, Marni Johnson & Gordon Roberts, Douglas Lambert, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, Colleen & David Torrison, Eric & Beverly Watt

DENEBOLA ($500 - $1,999) Bob & Sue Adams, Jordan Back*, Richard & Valerie Bradshaw, Nina Cassils, Charles and Lucile Flavelle Family Fund, Liz Chaston, Ted & Dorothy Chiasson, BC Choral Federation, Larry Clausen & Myron Story, Garth Edwards*, James Emery* & Rob McAllister*, John Esdaile, Chris & Suzanne Finch, Christopher Foundation, Evelyn Froese, Glenna Geddes, Colin Gibson, Ellen Giesbrecht & Les Nerling, Doug Graeb*, Judy Hager, Andrew & Nuala Harries, Joan Henderson, Bill & Heather Ireland, Peter Kains, Bob* & Deborah Keyes, Glenn Knowles, Paul Larocque*, Rod Locke* & Quinn Crosina, David Love* & Jim Harcott, Ryan McKinley, Mary Lou Miles, Nader Mirhady, Derek Page, Barb Graves, Patricia Penner, Bob* & Margaret Rankin, Diane Ravelli, Arthur Reber, Don & Heather Risk, Barb Sauder, Larry Smeets*, David & Suzanne Smith, Lesley Stowe & Geoffrey Scott, Mary-Anne Stowe ZOSMA ($200 - $499) Richard Anderson, Bob Andrew, Joan Apel, Laura & Paul Baker, Brenda Benham, Dianne Bentz, Patricia Bice, Stash Bylicki*, Beth Carter, John Christian, Ken Cormier*, Rick Dehart, Bill & Jeannie Denault, Deb (Pardeep) Dhaliwal, Joel & Marousa Dumaresq, Eleanor Elliott, Pez Ermes, John Geddes, Norma Goldie, Shirley Hebenton, Carol Henriquez, Bruce Hoffman* & Dean Brown, Ken* & Rosalind Hollett, Reid Howard*, Patricia Hudson, Jennifer Hungerford, Jean Hurst, Katherine Jackman, Mike* & Agnes Jackman, James & Ruth Jackson, Peter Joosten*, AnneMarie Kains, Jon Kennedy, Margaret Kidd, Tom Kidd*, Derek Kief*, Jim Knight*, Salsa Labs Inc, Leslie Langlois, Fred Lee, William S Leggat, Lynn & Russel Lichte, Marion Loney, Jill Lyall, Greg Lypowy, Greg Martin*, Kevin Mazzone, Joan McLeod, Nancy McLeod, Peter Mercer & Ginger Shaw, Vern Milani, Lois Milsom, Diane Norton, Jean Oland, Helen Overgaard, Katherine Paton & Jeff Beckman, Anne Piternick, Lynne Platt, Robert Poutt, Sherrill Purves, Leslie-Anne Rogers, Peter & Elfriede Rohloff, John & Marilyn Ross, Bill & Pat Sexsmith, Marion Shaw, Marilyn Slade, Lutheran Manor Society, Michael Soderling*, Ted Steiner*, Joan Stewart, Barbara Sutherland, Bronwen Thompson, Ken & Patsy Tolmie, Gwen Wick, Jennifer Winsor, Kate Wodzicki, William Worrall RASALAS ($75 - $199) Sue Anderlini, Joseph Anthony*, Dennis & Holly Back, Ron Bergeron, Norma Boutillier, Ruth Brodie, Charles Budd, Marilyn Bullock, Marnie Carter, Gene Cassidy, Rachel Caulfield, Michael Cavaletto*, Kevin Chiang*, Judith Coffin, Burke & Hanneke Corbet, Sarah Daigle, Elie & Margaret Debbane, Leanne Denis, Moyra Dobson, Dailey Doss, Mike Fletcher*, Conor Graham*, Michael Greenhalgh, Stephanie Hardman, Sylvia Hart, Choji Hayashi*, Martha Hazevoet, William Heese, James Hummelen, Judith Hutson, Julia Hydes, Muhammad Iqbal, Govan Keng, Phyllis Kenney, Michael Lee, Li Lin, Cynthia Loveman, Gerald Lyseng, Mark MacDonald*, Rob Mayhew, Lesley McGibbon, Eilish McKendy, Robyn McLean, Robert & Elisabeth McLenehan, Margaret McNeil, Doug McRae, Greg Mohr*, Christine Nicolas, Naz Pahani, Barb Pearce, Greg Rasmussen, Catherine Rickey & Ross Ramsey, Carolyn Robertson, Masako Ryan, Mike & Val Seager, Daniel Sheinin*, Hyo Shim*, Rnold Smith, Helen Smith, Peter Spira* & Valerie Duma, Yifan (Grace) Tang, Mary Thomas, Rob Thomson, William Ting*, Tabitha Toy, Cathy Tuckwell, John* & Sue Wyness SUSTAINING DONORS GIVING BY RECURRING MONTHLY DONATION Brenda Benham, Roderick Locke & Quinn Crosina, Patricia Penner, Don & Heather Risk, Helen Smith * Indicates choir members

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

WAR/POET November 11 | 1pm | West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver November 11 | 8pm | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver

Compelled to Try BY REID HOWARD Every year on Remembrance Day, Canadians are asked to remember those who have died in times of war, and to reflect upon their sacrifices. We observe traditions - the poppies, the poems, the plaintive bugles - many of which came about after World War I, now nearly a century ago. Though war rages on today in many parts of the world, we as Canadians have enjoyed relative peace in our lifetimes, thanks in part to those very sacrifices. I have never witnessed the horrors of war in my homeland, or anywhere I have traveled. How could I possibly relate to a dying soldier or a mourning widow?

In the act of telling these stories, we start to inhabit them.

In Chor Leoni, we are compelled to try. Our annual Remembrance Day concerts are, of course, the culmination of several weeks of rehearsal. In that time, we don’t just learn these words but we internalize them. We come to know the characters in the songs. Choral singing is a wonderful art form, because to do it well requires total engagement of one’s physical, mental, and spiritual energies, surrounded by other humans who are equally engaged. In the act of telling these stories, we start to inhabit them. The poems and music speak better for themselves than I can here, but a common thread is the basic humanity and frailty of those people who are assigned the most inhuman tasks. It allows us to see ourselves in them, and reminds us how fortunate we are to enjoy the pleasures of life, free of the misery that others endured.

“With the tumultuous events of recent days and the world situation, it was wonderful that for a moment every heart in that room was at peace, and in a way healed and emboldened to move forward, fight for liberty, justice, freedom, and remember the human values that tie us all together...” — Geoff Trimpol, audience member

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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2014-15 2016-17 Annual Report

From Observer to Lion by Bob Keyes Christmas and the holiday season is a time for reflection about family and friends. This year I am now able to reflect on new family and friends. I want to tell you about my experiences singing with Chor Leoni. I auditioned for, and was accepted to Chor Leoni prior to the 2016/2017 season, and have now completed my first year as a Chor Leoni member. Therefore, I am one the youngest members of the choir, in Chor Leoni years if not in chronological years. However, I followed the development and evolution of Chor Leoni Men’s Choir over a period of many years as a regular audience member. There is no doubt that being “inside” the choir is a very different experience when compared to being “outside” the choir. I knew intellectually prior to joining the group that the work required would be extensive, but it was not until I was actually participating in the rehearsals, concerts, and fund raising events, that I came to understand exactly what a large amount of work the members and staff put towards the performances of which I am now a part. My own singing abilities have been challenged and consequently significantly improved since I became a lion. Most importantly to me, my own confidence in my singing abilities has increased. This has happened not only because of the choir’s musical direction but also because of the support and encouragement of other choir members both inside and outside my home section. Everyone associated with Chor Leoni is part of a large family. The support not only exists with respect to the music but also to our personal lives as well. The connection that exists between Chor Leoni members; their commitment to bring their best singing to each and every performance; and their belief that men singing together provides a positive example that others can follow are the core reasons that have led to its success. I have wholly embraced being a member of the Chor Leoni family and can honestly say that one of the best decisions that I have ever made was to move from an “outside” observer to an “inside” member of Vancouver’s singing lions.

There is no doubt that being “inside” the choir is a very different experience when compared to being “outside” the choir.

“Our first Choir Leoni concert — a truly wonderful experience! The harmonies were nuanced and deeply satisfying. So enjoyable to experience old Christmas carols — such familiar music — crafted into new and creative choral works. St Andrew Wesley is the perfect venue. Thank you!” — Tim Bartoo, audience member

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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

“This was an amazing evening. Myself and my guests loved the format and the opportunity to be closer to the creative process. We are already looking forward to C/4 for 2018 — this promises to be one of the HOT tickets of the year.” — John Geddes, audience member

C/4 Canadian Choral Composition Competition February 17 | 8pm | The Annex, Vancouver

A Composer’s View of C/4 by Frances Farrell In February 2017, I along with two other composers, Nicholas Ryan Kelly and Bonnie Penfound, had the opportunity to participate as finalists in Chor Leoni’s inaugural C4 Canadian Choral Composition Competition. While it was certainly an honour to have Winter Proverbs selected as first prize, as Erick Lichte pointed out, all of the finalists were winners, composing choral works that were evocative and sensitive to the extraordinary capabilities of Chor Leoni. One of the highlights of the experience for me was hearing Chor Leoni sing my composition for the first time. To have one’s work realized by a choir of Chor Leoni’s calibre was, simply put, thrilling. After the first iteration, composers were invited to talk about their pieces. The compositions were subsequently performed again. This innovative presentation format allowed performers, audience members, and composers to connect, understand, and learn from each other. As a musician who came to composition relatively late in life, I am very grateful that this competition was open to composers of all ages. Buoyed by the success of this competition, I am encouraged to continue composing choral works. To that end, I was able to use the prize money awarded to me to upgrade computer software that I use to compose and notate music. One of the benefits of being a finalist in this competition was receiving a live recording of Chor Leoni performing Winter Proverbs. This is worthy of consideration because without a quality recording, the chances that a piece will even be considered for publication are greatly reduced. The University of Toronto Men’s Chorus will be performing Winter Proverbs in December 2017 and Nova Scotia’s Nova Voce is planning to program it in 2018. This competition exemplifies Chor Leoni’s continuing efforts to advance choral art in Canada by championing Canadian choral composers, by adding to the body of TTBB choral literature, and by providing great opportunities to experience Canadian choral music. I suspect that C4 will most likely be emulated by choral organizations throughout Canada in the years to come.

Generously supported by

Accommodation generously supplied by

To have one’s work realized by a choir of Chor Leoni’s calibre was, simply put, thrilling.

New CD Release My cycle of three songs to words of Leonard Cohen has become, in the voices of Chor Leoni and through the hands of Erick Lichte, like a symphony with a true orchestral, multi-dimensional depth. Wandering Heart is a symphony where the instruments — the real Canadian singing men — have opened the books of their life-stories. We can hear pages from their childhoods, sweet memories, their firstlove stories, their life-long dreams and their destinies. — riks Ešenvalds, 2016

Choir & Organ – March/April 2017 WANDERING HEART (works by riks Ešenvalds, Paul Mealor, Mendelssohn, Kim André Arnesen, Morten Lauridsen, Robert Moran) Chor Leoni / Erick Lichte (dir) Chor Leoni Records CLR 1611 [67:17] HHHHH

This choir of male voice lions from Vancouver makes a glorious sound which is warm, rich, lush, and perfectly blended. The theme of the programming is the cosmos and the featured composer is Ēriks Ešenvalds. The CD starts with his atmospheric Stars, accompanied by water-tuned glasses, which not only captures the night sky buy makes you feel you can reach out and touch the unknown. Other Ešenvalds works on the CD are his commissioned cycle of three evocative songs for Chor Leoni setting words of Canadian poet and singersongwriter Leonard Cohen, and Long Road, in which he paints a soundscape with the help of bass recorder and wooden flute.

The Choir’s performances are excellent, especially their breathtaking crescendos and diminuendos. Other highlights on the disc are Paul Mealor’s celestial I Saw Eternity, with wind chimes and soprano saxophone, and Morton Lauridsen’s Sure on This Shining Night, which creates the composer’s usual magic mix of harmonic invention. There is so much to enjoy here. SHIRLEY RATCLIFFE

http://www.choirandorgan.com 13

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

BC/BALTICA April 7 | 8pm | Ryerson United Church, Vancouver April 8 | 4:30pm | West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver

Internalizing the intangible by KATRIN LOHUARU What do sledding, witchcraft, and flax have in common? Just ask Vancouver’s Chor Leoni, who offer a spellbinding interpretation of Veljo Tormis’ Vastlalaulud. They might even help you sing your way to a good harvest! This past spring I was asked to help the choir with Estonian text as they prepared these and other works for their BC/BALTICA program. Choral singers are used to singing in a multitude of languages but Estonian is not an easy one. It’s in the Uralic family and bears no resemblance to the Latin, French, or German of classical repertoire. Thankfully it does use the Roman alphabet. However, it’s also said to be the most difficult Roman-alphabet-based language for English speakers to learn! As an Estonian-Canadian, a choral singer, and a language instructor I was happy to assist.

Standing before the choir, their passion, diligence and camaraderie were obvious and electric, and it was

Estonians are proud of their choral heritage and genuinely open-minded about sharing it. Yet tribalism and identity politics can still apply. Will other singers understand how it feels when “we” sing it? The oldest themes derive from ancient shamanic tradition, while more modern pieces might express national identity in the wake of Soviet occupation. Music offers the power to communicate viscerally across cultures, but those intangibles can also be lost in translation.

exhilarating to be a part of the

I was truly impressed with how whole-heartedly The Lions internalized not just the pronunciation, but also the core spirit of these works. Kudos are also due to Erick’s artistic vision and focussed rehearsal technique. Standing before the choir, their passion, diligence and camaraderie were obvious and electric, and it was exhilarating to be a part of the experience. Thank you, Chor Leoni and Erick Lichte, for making magic!

“The concert was beautiful. Certainly a different choice of compositions which in itself is a delight to the ear. Twelve O’clock Chant leaves me speechless.” — Jaqui Joys, audience member

experience.

CHANTICLEER in Concert April 21 | 8pm Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

Full Circle: Chanticleer & Chor Leoni by erick lichte I must have been a sophomore in High School when my choir director, Jim Heiks called to me from his office. “You gotta get in here! You gotta hear this recording!” Jim is one of the most energetic people I know, but his voice told me I was really in a treat. From the speakers came perfectly unison voices in plainchant, and then the most gorgeous seven-part male harmony rushed into my ears and my soul. It was Chanticleer singing Franz Biebl’s Ave Maria. My life would never be the same again.

And yet, there was one other element of this performance I did not anticipate. Jim Heiks made the trip from Wisconsin to Vancouver to attend both nights of VanMan. Not only was I able to conduct the ensemble that sent me on my own musical journey, with the very piece that served as my inspiration, but I was able to include my favourite people in the world, Chor Leoni, and have my most important mentor there to experience the whole thing.

This ensemble and this piece of music literally launched my own professional music career. In college, I wanted to sing the Biebl so much, and to be in a group like Chanticleer, that I started my own group and recruited enough men sing it. That group was Cantus and for 13 years I sang in it and served as its Artistic Director. Cantus would become, alongside Chanticleer, one of only two full-time professional vocal ensembles in the United States. We would simply not have existed without Chanticleer and Biebl’s Ave Maria.

It just doesn’t get better, or more meaningful than this. It is my hope that Chor Leoni’s bringing in groups like Chanticleer will inspire another generation of young musicians and conductors. I am proud to have been a part of bringing Chanticleer to the VanMan.

That made the choice for VanMan’s first headliner easy, and booking Chanticleer brought full-circle so many dreams and aspirations. It was agreed that their encore would be the Biebl … but with a twist. Chor Leoni would join them and I would conduct. I was pumped.

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

A Place to Belong by KEN CASSIDY Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a five-tiered system, often depicted in a pyramid shape. The first two needs are basic; food and shelter, and safety. The next need that is inherent within all humans is a sense of belonging – wanting to feel loved and included. Family and friends typically satisfy this need within us, but there are times when life takes us away from both and puts us in a new environment. In 2013 I was someone who left behind family and friends in Ontario to take a job in Vancouver, a city that had only a handful of people I knew. That third hierarchy, the sense of belonging, has been something I’ve sought ever since moving here. It took me until April 22, 2017 at the VAN/MAN Male Choral Summit to find that sense of belonging and love that we all need. Chor Leoni, this group of magical, talented and outgoing gentlemen, has provided me with a community that I’ve never found before in all my years of choral singing and musical theatre experience. It is this sense of community that VAN/MAN seeks to build with all of our participants, from the youngest treble to the most seasoned singers among us. I am honoured to be a Lion and look forward to continuing this legacy for future generations who want to fall in love with singing.

It is this sense of community that VAN/MAN seeks to build with all of our participants, from the youngest treble to the most seasoned singers among us.

MYVoice: A Parenting Win by Fernanda Gimenez Parenting involves a lot of research and guess work. And once in a while, one nails it on the head: That was Gaston’s experience his first time at MYVoice. It took a lot of convincing – although Gaston was in the school band and taking piano lessons, the idea of joining a choir was not quite the synonym of “fun” for this 12-year old. We agreed on “giving it a try,” and after the first session with Les Nerling as his conductor, Gaston was hooked. “This is beyond fun: this is amazing! Did you know I am a treble?” was his first comment, beaming with excitement. At MYVoice, Gaston learned a lot more than singing: He learned discipline, commitment to oneself and others – it turns out, trebles are important and have to work together – and attention to detail. From getting the right note, breathing correctly, and to holding the music binder on the correct side, Gaston was introduced to a world completely new to him: Singing as a group of young men, with passion and dedication. The VanMan Summit Concert at the Chan Center was an experience we will never forget. My child was singing amongst the best, 400 voices enveloping us with a sense of both wonder and amazement. He was being part of something that words can’t describe. After the long day was over and we were heading home, Gaston’s comment was honest and simple: “I can’t stop smiling”. I want to take this opportunity to thank Chor Leoni for this amazing program. Gaston will be back next year, although he hopes he will make it to tenor next time around.

The Value of MYVoice BY KAREN LEUNG Five years ago, when my son Douglas was in grade ten, he was unable to take choir because of course conflicts. His school’s choir teacher suggested he join MYVoice and the result was remarkable. Douglas was not having a particularly good year, but the opportunity to pursue his passion with a group of like-minded young men gave the rest of his academic year focus and purpose. The following year Douglas sang in three school choirs; however, he rejoined MYVoice as much for the camaraderie and culture as for the singing. He continued with MYVoice and, later, the PROMYS honour choirs, until last year when he successfully auditioned for the Chor Leoni Men’s Choir. He has just completed his first season with the Lions and looks forward to many more. If you ever wonder about the value of MYVoice, please know that for one young man it has made a life-altering difference.

“Wonderful concert! What a thrill to see Chanticleer — I have been a fan since they started, and this is the first time I have seen them live. Erick was on form, and so were our beloved Lions. Thank you all.” — Irene Slater, audience member

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

“It was wonderful – from cheeky to reverent. I was pleased that the piece representing Canada’s 150 was from Children of God.

MANELY/FUN June 19 | 2pm & 7:30pm June 26 | 2pm & 7:30pm BMO Main Stage Tent at Bard on the Beach Vanier Park, Vancouver

It was so appropriate to use a piece about First Nations, and the voices, harmonies, arrangement were moving.” — Cole Dudley, audience member

Providing a New Perspective BY COREY PAYETTE I have often said that for true reconciliation it can’t just be Indigenous peoples who bear the burden of this healing. It needs to be everyone, in every community, actively participating in this process, and beginning the road forward together. This road forward is through understanding the history of residential schools and acknowledging its impacts. By positioning this work at the centre of our cultural conversations we can have a new understanding of who we are as Canadians. Chor Leoni, through their inclusion of Gimikwenden Ina (Do you remember?), brought Ojibwe language and drumming to a new audience, provided a new perspective, and made a lasting impact and contribution to the efforts of the revitalization of Indigenous languages. Languages hold so much of our culture and I was truly honoured to have Chor Leoni be the first choir to sing music from Children of God.

Languages hold so much of our culture and I was truly honoured to have Chor Leoni be the first choir to sing music from Children of God.

Manely/Fun

Erick Lichte

artistic directOr

Chor leoni/Men ’s

June 19 & 26 | 2p m

BMO Mainstage tent Vanier Park, VancO at Bard On the Beach uVer

Choir

& 7:30pm

Fabulous tunes, a top-notch ban d, and surprises as the lions pull out all the stops to ensure a fun time is had by all!

604.739.0559 | bard onthebeach.org

chorleoni.org

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

Portland Tour May 5 | 7:30pm | First United Methodist Church Portland, Oregon

Singing and Camaraderie by Kevin Chang Chor Leoni’s tour of Erick’s hometown was a welcome change amidst a busy choir season. For two nights, lions were able to explore the town, sing for a full house, and of course, drink lots of beer! The tour started bright and early on the Friday, with a bus ride down to Portland. It was nice to be able to empathize with Erick’s weekly grind, and I’m sure a lot of us have a new found appreciation! Our first event was our Manlandia Concert. Male Choruses from all over Oregon came to sing with us. It was amazing to see so many young men look to us for inspiration, and to know that we left a mark on their lives and their singing. For me, the greatest part of the Portland Tour was the camaraderie between Chor Leoni brothers. During a long season, often times our weekly rehearsals can feel like a routine. To be able to laugh, drink, and share deeply with my fellow lions from all different walks of life was so fulfilling. It is so rare in life to bring together such unique individuals in such a real way. I mean, what better way to bring people together than a “craft beer crawl” led by our very own Artistic Director? Touring is by far the best way to bring together a choir, and that reflects clearly not only in the friendships created, but in our musicality as well. Cheers to that, Lions!

It was amazing to see so many young men look to us for inspiration, and to know that we left a mark on their lives and their singing.

Erick Lichte

Artistic Director

Chor Leoni /men ’s

Choir

Canada’s vanguard male in Portland for one choir performs night only!

Friday May 5 | 7:30 pm

“Chor Leoni sang with great vigor, excellent intonation, and a wide

First United Meth odist ChUrCh 1838 sW JeFFerso n st, Portland,

oregon

palette of colors, flattering the demands of their chosen scores.” — Bruce Brown, Oregon Artswatch | orartswatch.org general admissi on | adults

$25, students with tickets: chorleonipo id $10 rtland.bpt.me | 1.800.838.3006

info: chorleoni.org | a benefit

concert for First

United Methodist

Friends of Music

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

Fundraising Events

At Home

Chor Leoni Idol

October 5 | Casa Mia

May 28 | The Blackbird Public House

Total raised: $92,400

Total raised $28,979

Chor Leoni’s 14th annual fundraising gala, held at Casa Mia on Vancouver’s Southwest Marine Drive, featured tail-coated singers hosting 150 guests to an evening of epicurean delights paired with fine wines, the auctioning of a major work by artist Gabryel Harrison, the launch of the official Diane Loomer Rose, and the choir’s first-ever noise complaint. As Vancouver Sun columnist Malcolm Parry reported, “It’s odd that Ubi Caritas, which means Where Charity Is, should have contributed to city coppers calling for hush at an event where charitable work was actually taking place. Even odder that the nameless complainer was disturbed by a famed choir singing inside a solid, 21,000-square-foot house standing in a 1.5-acre estate.”

A new venue with increased capacity and the use of live video technology helped make the choir’s third annual Chor Leoni Idol a fun and successful evening. Ten of Chor Leoni’s top entertainers vied for karaoke supremacy while the audience screamed their approval. Silver-voiced baritone Ken Cassidy was eventually crowned the victor and hoisted the coveted trophy. The choir would like to thank all of the contestants who worked so hard to benefit Chor Leoni. Your commitment helped us raise almost $29,000 and set a new Chor Leoni Idol record.

Chor Leoni thanks At Home Chair Lesley Stowe and the hardworking At Home committee for leading this very successful event. We also thank Mary and Peeter Wesik and BlueShore Financial for their generous and leading support of At Home. AT HOME COMMITTEE Lesley Stowe, Chair Larry Burr, Stash Bylicki, David Carpenter, James Emery, Noel Hollett, Fred Lee, Rob McAllister, Paul Larocque, Erick Lichte

CHOR LEONI IDOL CONTESTANTS Jordan Back, James Carter, Ken Cassidy, Byron Hanson, Corey Hollett, Noel Hollett, Reid Howard, Greg Martin, Marc Petrunia, Ben Scoten, CELEBRITY JUDGES Vicki Gabereau, Karen Khunkhun, Fred Lee

Committee chair Lesley Stowe and Erick beside Gabryel Harrison’s stunning painting “The Diane Loomer Chorus” of the official Diane Loomer Rose.

Chor Leoni in the Community In addition to Chor Leoni’s regular concert series, the choir also sang at: • • • • • • • •

Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2016-17 Annual Report

Number of

PERFORMANCES:

CHOR LEONI Erick Lichte Artistic Director

Number of

PERFORMED:

CANADIAN WORKS:

WANDERING HEART CDS SOLD:

Total AUDIENCE:

Number of WORKS

1,695 Facebook LIKES

TOP 10

VIDEOS:

16,345 3,232 209,158 1,945 186

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening (RANDALL THOMPSON) Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen (trad.) Wedding Qawwali (A.R. RAHMAN) Turtle Dove (R VAUGHAN WILLIAMS) Spaséñiye sodélal (CHESNOKOV) Ain’t Goin’ Down (’Til the Sun Comes Up) (BROOKS/BLAZY/WILLIAMS) Star of Wonder (TERRE ROCHE) Stars (ĒRIKS EŠENVALDS) Five Ways to Kill a Man (BOB CHILCOTT) Cantique de Jean Racine (GABRIEL FAURÉ)

Number of tickets SOLD

ON SUBSCRIPTION: 35% increase from previous year

22%

increase from previous year

Total number of SUBSCRIBERS:

TOTAL VIEWS

VANMAN MALE CHORAL SUMMIT

Representing

ENROLMENT:

9,460 1

12 11 9

3 4

Co-producer fees 0.0%

VanMan Festival Singer

Administration personnel 17.6% CDs and recordings 3.2% Depreciation 0.2% Other 0.8%

MYVoice SINGERS:

441 170 45 16 8

CL Expenses 2016-17

PERFORMERS:

Performance-related expenses 63.8% Office and administration 14.4%

Total number of

CL Revenue 2016-17

Performance revenue 48.5% Donations 20.7% Government grants / gaming 11% Foundations 5.3% Endowment income 4.5% Raffles and auctions 4.7% Sales of merchandise 4.3% Membership dues/other 1%

CHOIRS:

LION HOURS

(55 choir members) x (172 rehearsal hours)

Tenor II Tenor I

2,012,400

Net Assets 2016-17

Baritone Bass

(singers in section) x (rehearsal hours) x (breaths per hour: 900)

R IN A R OW YEA

Breaths

BREATHS BY SECTION Operating fund 12.2% Touring fund 45.5% Donor Database Upgrade fund 0% Diane Loomer Commissioning fund 38.3% MYVoice fund 0% Capital assets 3.9%

2,322,000

2,941,200 Breaths

3,096,000 Breaths