2015-2016 CHOR LEONI Annual Report Our 24th Season
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
Chor Leoni Men’s Choir 949 West 49th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V5Z 2T1 www.chorleoni.org
2015-16 Board of Directors James Emery, President Ted Chiasson, Vice-President Rod Locke, Secretary Marni Johnson, Treasurer Bob Baker, Rick Bennett, James Carter, Mike Cavaletto, Pete Chamberlain, Paul Larocque, Fred Lee, Rob McAllister 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 2015 – 2016 First Tenors Corey Hollett, Ken Hollet, Noel Hollet, Shaun Jackman, Derek Kief, Mark MacDonald*, Cliff Reinhardt, Hyo Shim, Gareth Simpson, Nick Sommer, Peter Spira, William Ting Second Tenors Jordan Back, Stephen Baker, Kevin Chiang, Byron Hanson*, Kyle Harland, Bruce Hoffman, Ray Horst, Liam Kearns, Jim Knight, Rod Locke, Marc Petrunia, Ben Scoten, James Vanderheide, John Wyness Baritones Joseph Anthony, James Carter, Mike Cavaletto, Nate Chan, Ian Farthing, Michael Fletcher, Conor Graham, Philip Jack, Mike Jackman, Peter Joosten, Tom Kidd, Paul Larocque, 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, 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.
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Report from Chairman 15 November 2016 by James Emery
It truly is an exciting time for Chor Leoni. We experienced another successful year that saw continued growth, collaborations with other artists, significant new compositions written for the choir, and the production of the first CD under the leadership of our Artistic Director Erick Lichte. Administratively we continued to adjust how we run the organization. We revised the job description of the Director of Development to include administrative duties and renamed the position to Acting General Manager. Ultimately we intend to have a separate Executive Director and Artistic Director. We asked Stash Bylicki to step down from the board, where he was very effective and take on the Acting General Manager position. In a very short time he has had a significant positive impact on the organization. We are very pleased to present three new non-singing board members. I want to thank the members of the choir and the board who brought forth so many good quality nominees, and the Nominations Committee for their hard work determining the best fit for the board at this time. From our successful search for board members we are now able to meet one of our goals of creating a roster of future board candidates. I would like to thank the incredible input that non-singing members Bob Baker and Pete Chamberlain brought to the board. Pete, who has decided not to stand for re-election, was an exceptionally effective past president of the board and brought his encyclopedic knowledge of the organization to the board. Bob had to step down because of the demands of a new venture, but he brought significant insight into the running of arts organizations. Both will be very much missed. For the coming year we will continue to look for opportunities to grow and strengthen the organization. I look forward to working with some amazing new talent on our board, working toward a fully realized administrative structure and most of all continuing to make beautiful, inspiring music with all of you.
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. • Funding: To earn sustainable donation support from every subscriber, sponsorship support for every core program, and prominent public support from all levels of government.
James Emery President and Board Chair
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.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
Report from the Artistic Director by Erick Lichte There are no two ways about it – Chor Leoni Men’s Choir’s 2015-16 Season was extraordinary. It is almost incompressible that a once-a-week amateur male choir could have a season which would include a collaboration with one of Canada’s finest dance companies, perform a fully-staged theatrical work in one of the city’s largest concert venues, and host a huge male choral summit at the Chan Centre. On top of that, the choir gave brilliant performances for Remembrance Day, Christmas, our Sea to Sky spring concert and then a wonderful run of shows at Bard on the Beach. Oh, and they also ran out to White Rock for a concert, sang on air for CBC, hosted two amazing fundraisers and finished recording a new album full of world premiere music. How is this even possible? To put it simply, this is an amazing choir because it is made up of amazing men. Their dedication to their art, their internal brotherhood, and their community knows no bounds. In my experience it is unique that a group can work as hard as Chor Leoni does, achieve so much, and still love being together. While all of this may sound like hard work, as a choir we know that each and every performance is an opportunity to create transformative and connecting experiences for our audience and for our community. We have been granted a wonderful gift in our passionate patrons and loyal supporters who allow us to share the joy and beauty of singing with such a large number of people each year. So thank you to the men of Chor Leoni, our amazing staff, our incredible board and our fabulous community of music lovers. You allow Chor Leoni to be extraordinary.
Erick Lichte
Artist Tiko Kerr and Chor Leoni In collaboration with Chor Leoni, renowned artist Tiko Kerr created original artwork for our entire 2015/16 season. Inspired by our concert themes, Tiko used a process he call “the musicality of seeing” to envision these beautiful works of dynamic and colourful collage. Thank you, Tiko, for your artistry and unfailing enthusiasm for this project. TikoKerr.com
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Our Vision To be an inspiring and engaging organization that enriches and transforms people’s lives through music.
Financial Report 2015-16 Season Financially, Chor Leoni Men’s Choir had a very successful 2015-16 season. Total revenues increased $64,000 (11% vs. 2014-15). Due to changing the fiscal year end, 2014-15 year was only 11 months, compared to 12 months in 2015-16. The years’ revenues are comparable, as the vast majority of revenues occur September through June. Performance revenue increased $6,700 (1.6%) over 2014-15 and accounted for 50% of total revenue. This indicates the organization’s long-term health and sustainability. Donations and proceeds from the “At Home” fundraising event increased by $44,000 (50%), representing 21% of revenue. The remaining 30% of revenue came from: 15% Canada Council and local government grants; 6% corporate and private foundations; and 5% endowment funds where Chor Leoni receives interest only. We are extremely grateful for the generous support we received from these organizations and individuals. The Chor Leoni Men’s Choir remainder of revenue (3%) came from CD sales, member dues and other income. 2015-2016 Financials We also received substantial value through in-kind sponsorships and we greatly appreciate this support. The vast majority of expenses (66%) are related to performance, education programs and other artistic endeavours. Production and performance expenses increased $7,600 (2%). Part of the year-over-year increase is attributable to 2015-16 being one month longer than 2014-15 (monthly artistic salaries are paid year-round). The remaining increase ($80,000) came from general/administrative expenses. Part of the increase was attributable to expenses such as rent and staff salaries which were incurred for 12 months vs. 11 in 2014-15. Fundraising expenses increased $46,000 primarily due to the organization engaging a Development Director. Net income was $2,122, down $24,000 from 2014-15. Total net assets grew $2,122 or 1.4%. The Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund grew to $38,457. The Choir drew down its MYVoice Fund to provide increased support to education programs. The diversity of types of income, especially healthy ticket sales, indicate the organization is in strong financial shape and well positioned for continued progress toward its strategic goals.
Marni Johnson Treasurer
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.
REVENUE Performance revenue $ 321,713 Donations $ 113,006 Government grants/gaming $ 96,430 Foundations $ 35,503 Endowment income $ 35,110 Raffles and auctions $ 21,471 Sales of merchandise $ 11,016 Membership dues/other $ 5,719 REVENUE TOTAL $ 639,968 EXPENSES Performance-related expenses $ 421,320 Office and administration $ 127,852 Administrative personnel $ 84,477 CDs and recordings $ 2,086 Depreciation $ 1,480 Other $ 551 Co-producer fees $ 80 EXPENSE TOTAL $ 637,846 NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 2,122 NET ASSETS – Beginning of year $ 148,937 NET ASSETS – End of year $ 151,059 Change in Net Assets $ 2,122 Net Assets: Operating Fund $ 35,776 Touring Fund $ 55,186 Donor Database Upgrade Fund $ 6,416 Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund $ 38,457 MYVoice Fund $ 9,270 Capital Assets $ 5,954 TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 151,059
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
A Donor’s Perspective by Alix Brown I first met Diane Loomer in the 1980’s and was immediately captivated by her enthusiasm and joy. She was someone hard to resist because her whole being was filled with music and purpose and she always had grandiose plans for Chor Leoni, even in its infancy. And by force of personality and hard work, she probably exceeded her own initial expectations. I was definitely one of her fans. So when she first approached me to see if my husband and I could host an At Home party, the answer from us was an immediate yes. And that first event certainly didn’t disappoint. In those early days the singers did the cooking as well as all the serving. My kitchen was a total disaster but the energy and fun with the cooks made it all the more exciting. My friends who came to that first event still talk to me about it in glowing terms. So how could we resist having it the second year at our house? My husband said yes without even asking me – that’s how much he had enjoyed the entire process. We had always tried to support Chor Leoni in those earlier years, but when my husband died in 2009, I thought it would be fitting to endorse the new MYVoice program. My husband spent his life working with youth and teaching and in his memory I thought that this was the perfect vehicle to honour his lifelong work and also his commitment, with me, to Chor Leoni. Within a day or so of his death, Diane was at my door to express her condolences and offering Chor Leoni to sing at Alan’s funeral. I was so surprised and honoured that she would offer something so amazing, and of course they sang Danny Boy which my husband always tried to sing himself, although he was usually a little off-key. The first MYVoice concert I went to was in New Westminster at the Queens Avenue United Church. I sat amongst families from Vancouver and many suburbs including the Fraser Valley. It was such a moving experience to hear the families talk about their children singing in a choir for the first time, and having an extra-curricular event that had nothing to do with school and sharing it with such a disparate group of young boys. And I seem to remember treats, perhaps donuts and a drink, which I know the kids loved. The boys sang their hearts out and had a lot of us close to tears (and laughter at some of the spontaneous jokes). Just a little help with whatever can be spared goes such a long way to make life more uplifting for these potential choristers. There is nothing like the camaraderie of a boisterous singing group. Give what you can, it feels so good to be able to contribute to an organization as professional and uplifting as Chor Leoni Men’s Choir. It’s been a great pleasure for me to help this young MYVoice program blossom and now sing with the entire group at the Chan Centre.
Government
Foundations
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Corporate
Media
My husband spent his life working with youth and teaching and in his memory I thought that this was the perfect vehicle to honour his lifelong work and also his commitment, with me, to Chor Leoni.
Thank you to all of our benefactors and friends who made gifts between August 1, 2015 and July 31, 2016. Chor Leoni names its giving levels after the stars of the constellation Leo, the Lion. Your generosity helps us shine! Total amount of gifts received:
$154,436.49
REGULUS ($10,000+) Alix Brown, RBC Foundation Mary & Peeter Wesik ADHAFERA ($5000 - $9,999) Bob & Judy Hager Family Fund, Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation NOVA ($2,000 - $4,999) Rick* & Lorraine Bennett, Stephanie Carlson, James* & Leslie Carter, Pete Chamberlain, Richard & Valerie Dunsterville, Joan Henderson, Marni Johnson & Gordon Roberts, Erick* & Ashley Lichte, Dick & Linda Loomer, Margaret Mason, Ian & Jane Strang, Colleen & David Torrison, Eric & Beverley Watt
DENEBOLA ($500 - $1,999) Dennis & Holly Back, Jean & Walter Badun, Laura & Paul Baker, BC Choral Federation, Dianne Bentz, Jamesie Bower, Joyce Campkin, Charles & Lucile Flavelle Family Fund, Ted & Dorothy Chiasson, Nicole Copeman, Burke & Hanneke Corbet, Elizabeth Dean, Count Enrico & Countess Aline Dobrzensky, Shannon Dolphin, Garth Edwards*, James Emery* & Rob McAllister*, Mohammed Faris, Chris & Suzanne Finch, John & Glenna Geddes, Ellen Giesbrecht & Les Nerling, Doug Graeb*, Kathleen Hallam, Carol & Richard Henriquez, Patricia Hudson, Liam Kearns*, Bob & Deborah Keyes, Paul Larocque*, David Love* & Jim Harcott, Grace MacDonald, Brenda McAllister, Jeff Mooney & Suzanne Bolton, Liz & Bruce Muehlchen, Jean Oland, Derek Page, Marg & Bob Rankin*, Diane Ravelli, Muriel Richards, Don & Heather Risk, Clare Saadien, Barb & Lawrence Sauder, Scott Family Fund, Julie & Michael Seelig – Seelig Consultants, Marion & Andy Shaw, Mae Sherwood, Jim & Donna Simpson, Nancy Southam, Cecilia Warren, Jennifer Winsor ZOSMA ($200 - $499) Gary & Maria Anderson, Joan Anderson, Pablo Angulo, Joseph Anthony*, Joan Apel, Nina Bains Cassils, Beth Barkey, Kathleen Bartels, Brenda Benham, Bill & Patricia Bice, Paul Birch*, Noreen Boyer, Dick & Val Bradshaw, Stash Bylicki*, Jane Caddick, Hamish Cameron & Arlene Gladstone, Carlson Family Fund, Marnie Carter, Eva Christopher, Margaret Clyne, Ken Cormier*, Ellen De Man, Margaret & Elie Debbane, Bill Denault, Dorothy Dolphin, Gillian Elmitt, Ian Farthing*, Andrée Fleming, Cassandra Florio, Ed Friesen* & Vincent Carey, Sally & Michael Geller, Norma Gibson, Rusty & Lindy Goepel, Paula B Goldenberg, Douglas C Gordon, Conor Graham*, Jim Green & Vivian Thom, Michael Hall*, Wendy & Andy Hamilton, Sylvia Hart, Martha Hazevoet, Bruce Hoffman* & Dean Brown, Ken* & Rosalind Hollett, Barry Honda* & Valerie Weeks, James Hummelen, Olga Illich, Catherine Imrie, Heather Ireland, Mike* & Agnes Jackman, Jim & Ruth Jackson, Patti Janssen, Jennifer Jupp, Gary & Louise Kenwood, Larry & Sherry Killam, Linda King, Jim Knight*, Charlene & Terry Krepiakevich, Sandi Lee, Lynn & Russel Lichte, Rod Locke* & Quinn Crosina, Marion Loney , Cynthia Loveman, Greg Lypowy, Colin MacKenzie, Gregory Magirescu, Greg Martin*, Gerald & Sheahan McGavin, Susan & Don McIntyre, Joan McLeod, Nancy McLeod, Cindy McPherson, Peter Mercer & Ginger Shaw, Alan & Mary Lou Miles, David & Darrell Mindell, Alexander K Mitchell, Greg Mohr*, Dennis & Kathy Molnar, Gina Nichols, Christine Nicolas, Beth & Mike Noble, Heather C Notman, Katherine Paton, Jill Price, Richard & Agi Radcliff, Arthur Reber, Grant & Fran Riddell, Pat Robertson & Leigh Sauder, John & Marilyn Ross, Bill & Patricia Sexsmith, Daniel Sheinin*, Hyo Shim*, Tom Simms, Frances Smith, Michael Soderling*, Peter Spira*, Mary-Anne Stowe, Lesley Stowe & Geoffrey Scott, Barbara Sutherland, Marion & Craig Tennant, Nicholas Thornton, William Ting*, Donald Waldon, Susan Waller, Miriam & Philip Webber, Lorraine & Walter Welsford, Richard & Jennifer Wittall, John* & Sue Wyness RASALAS ($75 - $199) Douglas Au-Lange*, Jordan Back*, Julie Backer, Stephen Baker*, Donnae Bell, Ron Bergeron, BlueShore Financial, Norma Boutillier, Ruth Brodie, Lucas Brown*, Michael Cavaletto*, Ryan Cho*, Jacqueline Christie, Ray Clancy, Larry Clausen, John & Celine Cripps, Moyra Dobson, Mike Fletcher*, Karen Frazer, Gillian Grasset, Michael Greenhalgh, Judy Hager, Byron Hanson*, Kyle Harland*, William Heese, Corey Hollett*, Noel Hollett*, Ray Horst*, Louise Hutchinson, Isabeau Iqbal, Muhammad Iqbal, Phil Jack*, Shaun Jackman*, Peter Joosten*, Phyllis Kenney, Margaret Kidd, Tom Kidd*, Derek Kief*, Shauna & Len Kirkham, Eric Kristensen* & Geoff Reid, Delia Loucks, Gerald Lyseng, Catherine MacAulay, Mark MacDonald*, Sheila Mannell, Anne Mathisen, Rob Mayhew, Eilish McKendy, Lois Milsom, Jane Mitchell, Chris Moore*, Sheila O’Neill, Marc Petrunia*, Anne Porter, Heather Pynn, Cliff Reinhardt*, Leslie-Anne Rogers, Ben Scoten*, Gareth Simpson*, Linda Sinclair, Helen Smith, Ted Steiner*, Elaine Stevens, Joan Stewart, Susan Sutherland, Ken & Patsy Tolmie, Nicholas van der Velden, James Vanderheide*, Gabriel Wong, Jim Wright SUSTAINING DONORS GIVING BY RECURRING MONTHLY DONATION Brenda Benham, Roderick Locke* & Quinn Crosina, Don & Heather Risk, Helen Smith * Indicates choir members
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
Ballet BC Program 1 November 5 – 7 | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
State of Awe BY EMILY MOLNAR, C.M. Artistic Director, Ballet BC Recipient of 2015 YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Arts, Culture & Design For the World Premiere of Awe, Ballet BC had the pleasure and privilege to partner with Chor Leoni on a new work by internationally renowned Flemish choreographer Stijn Celis. For years I have admired Chor Leoni for the integrity and passion that the organization brings to its work and was thrilled when Erick showed interest in a creative exchange. This extraordinary collaboration brought together 14 dancers and 50 male singers accompanied by a world of sacred texts that journeyed the realms of human existence from darkness to light. The attention that Erick placed on curating the music was inspired and created an extraordinary dialogue for Stijn and the dancers to work with. Especially memorable was the commission of Wandering Heart by Eriks Esenvalds with text by Leonard Cohen. The work and the process was a celebration of life. I’ll never forget the day in the studio where we worked through the piece for the first time. The singers graced the room in a half moon shape, enveloping the dance with their song. Breathtaking! It was moving to witness the generosity of expression spoken between the two groups. After a successful run of performances in Vancouver, Ballet BC had the pleasure of taking Awe on tour to Nanaimo, Victoria, Banff and Portland, where we shared the work of Chor Leoni with a number of new audiences. I would like to thank Erick, the men, staff and members of Chor Leoni for sharing this opportunity with Ballet BC. As the title suggests, the collaboration created a state of awe throughout our organization and into performance with our audiences. It was unlike any others we have experienced. We are looking forward to the next!
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I’ll never forget the day in the studio where we worked through the piece for the first time. The singers graced the room in a half moon shape, enveloping the dance with their song. Breathtaking! It was moving to witness the generosity of expression spoken between the two groups.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 2014-15 Annual Report
Brothers in Arms November 11 | West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver November 11 | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver
First Concert As A Lion by Lucas Brown Around my 14th birthday, my entire world collapsed. I learned I had a brain tumour in a language area that would, at best, forever alter my ability to learn. I was also forced out of the closet prematurely and rejected by my conservative family. My world quickly darkened and I descended into a pit of mental illness with little support. On the verge of something drastic, the choir kids’ warmth drew me in. They were different than the rest – rejects in their own right. But they were happy, they were kind, and they were a team. I longed for what they had and slowly got to know their ways. Reluctant as I was, the choir room seemed like a place I might actually be able to call home. There was one snag, however: I wasn’t the greatest singer. I was welcomed with open arms anyway. Lisa Fielder (now Lisa Ward) believed all men should be singing and taught anyone willing to learn. It’s a philosophy that saved my life, turning my destructive path into one of beautiful self-discovery. Under Lisa, I learned life’s most important lesson: when you’re completely lost and in over your head, a little direction goes a very long way. Lisa absolutely idolized Diane Loomer and singing in a choir like Chor Leoni quickly became a dream of mine that would persist for well over a decade. Imagine my excitement to be debuting as a Lion in Chor Leoni’s 2015 Remembrance Day concert. (Well, sort of. Only with a group like Chor Leoni can one’s “official” debut be the 6th performance of a season. Apparently gala performances and collaborations with other artistic organizations – even powerhouses like Ballet BC – don’t count!) But more important than the excitement of the day was what it symbolized. As Chor Leoni’s longest running event, the Remembrance Day concert is in many ways the flagship of the organization – and for good reason. Conflict is the birthplace of most – if not all – art. But we all know the dark side to conflict as well, and war doesn’t have to be between countries in order to claim lives. Especially when the war is as small as one person, casualties of war are unnecessary and preventable. Unfortunately, we’re quick as a society to forget how, exactly, we cut down on casualty. We therefore need reminders, and on that beautiful day in November I was given the most powerful reminder of all. Against all odds, I wasn’t a casualty. I was a part of a strong community of loving brothers collectively working towards something beautiful and much bigger than ourselves. I was home.
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Especially when the war is as small as one person, casualties of war are unnecessary and preventable. Unfortunately, we’re quick as a society to forget how, exactly, we cut down on casualty. We therefore need reminders, and on that beautiful day in November I was given the most powerful reminder of all.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Written and directed by Peter Rothstein Musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach
December 5 | 3pm & 8pm Queen Elizabeth Theatre
All is Calm on the Big Stage by BYRON HANSON In 2014 I had the pleasure of being in the audience for Chor Leoni’s first staging of All Is Calm. I thought it was the most professional performance we’d done until that point: the staging, costuming, sound design, memorization, lighting, every element had a spit shine polish! I thoroughly enjoyed the intimate nature of the show as well, it being at the Vancouver Playhouse, and I felt some trepidation when I heard we would be giving an encore performance in 2015, but this time at the much larger Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The size of that space was daunting to say the least, and I was worried that it would lose some of its emotional impact if we didn’t have that close proximity to the audience. Due in large part to the amount of work that went into the production the preceding year, the process for staging and tech once we got into the Queen Elizabeth Theatre went fairly quickly. Thanks to Peter Rothstein’s clear direction and Erick Lichte’s keen ear, and with the attention to details we don’t often consider for other performances, by the dress rehearsal I felt very confident in my role, and the choir and actors as a company. Bringing the show to a much larger stage actually gave it space to breathe. It allowed the company to have more command of the stage and thus to have a stronger look visually. If there was anything lost as far as intimacy is concerned – and looking back the stage at the Playhouse looked pretty cramped in comparison – I don’t believe any of the emotional or human impact was lost as we were still able to convey this amazing story through the music and text. If possible, I feel it carried more gravitas. I consider myself very lucky to be a member of an ensemble that can perform and operate at this high level, and I am proud that this organization strongly believes in art that promotes peace in times of war. This was definitely one of the highlights for me in my time with this choir.
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Bringing the show to a much larger stage actually gave it space to breathe. It allowed the company to have more command of the stage and thus to have a stronger look visually.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
Christmas with Chor Leoni December 18 | 4:30pm & 8pm St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver
YouTube & Facebook Spark Collaboration by TERRE ROCHE Three years ago someone posted a video on my Facebook page of a men’s choir in Vancouver singing my Christmas song Star of Wonder. Over the years I’ve heard many recordings of the song from people around the world who’d performed it. I’m always honored and thrilled to hear someone’s interpretation, especially because the song was my song for a dear friend Joanna Walton who was killed in the plane that blew up over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988. I clicked on the YouTube video and saw it was a rehearsal because the choir was casually dressed. Next came my familiar harmonies as the men’s voices began singing. But something was different from any other version I’d heard. The singing men took their time with each line, lingering at the end of phrases, creating space for the listener to experience a moment in time. At the bridge they hovered on the word “still” beyond the point many people would think to stop. And in the gap that followed I found myself crying. This was Chor Leoni, conducted by Erick Lichte. Though I wrote Star of Wonder, this version caused me to hear it as if for the first time. I posted Chor Leoni’s Star of Wonder on my Facebook page and sent a message to Erick telling him his version of the song was my favorite. He wrote back, and said Star of Wonder had been particularly significant because the choir had lost their beloved founder Diane Loomer that year and the song somehow spoke to them of her. Erick asked me if he could commission a song for Chor Leoni’s next holiday presentation. I was honored. Almost immediately I began to hear a melody, which would become The Breath of Winter. I sent a first draft to Erick in the dead of a brutal winter here in New York – but I was thinking about the Pacific Northwest, where Douglas firs stand tall pointing at the sky. Indeed the breath of winter found itself whistling through pine trees in the new song. I had never met Erick, nor seen Chor Leoni in the flesh. This was truly a Youtube/Facebook creation; our coming together to collaborate on something new for the choir. And the distance between us became for me a soulful part of the haunting quality of what was emerging. I’d never been commissioned to write a choral piece before. Erick’s first comments to me were focused and helpful. We went on to communicate through emails, sending the song back and forth throughout the Spring and into the Summer, and The Breath of Winter began to take its shape in this process. Erick has a nice way of guiding things without killing the bird. At one point he told me someone referred to him as the “composer-whisperer”. I thought that was a perfect description of how he was interacting with me. The Breath of Winter had it’s maiden voyage Chor Leoni’s holiday concert in December. On his way to the concert Erick called and left a voicemail on my machine saying how much he appreciated the song and the experience of working together. I was sad to miss his call, but felt happy he thought to include me in what must have been a very busy day for him and the birthday of The Breath of Winter.
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I had never met Erick, nor seen Chor Leoni in the flesh. This was truly a Youtube/ Facebook creation; our coming together to collaborate on something new for the choir. And the distance between us became for me a soulful part of the haunting quality of what was emerging.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
VanMan Male Choral Summit Featuring Chor Leoni Men’s Choir | Chor Leoni’s MYVoice Choirs | British Columbia Boys Choir UBC Men’s Choir | Vancouver Men’s Chorus December 18 | 4:30pm & 8pm Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC
MYVoice Begins a Life-Long Choral Journey by CARRIE TAYLOR As a public school music educator in British Columbia I can easily say that the MyVoice program for young men, sponsored by Chor Leoni, is the finest outreach program I have seen. Because the entire 10-week progam is completely free of charge, it is absurdly difficult to have first-time parents understand what a first-class project this really is. The Chor Leoni organization sets us up for success: The rehearsal venues are excellent and are spread throughout the city, making it easier for members from all parts of the lower mainland to commit; there is excellent literature; there are snacks and meals (they are teenage males after all!); and great accompanists. There is transportation to the massed rehearsal, the experience of singing with a Chor Leoni member standing right beside them and, of course, swag – the MyVoice T-shirt. But best of all, they get the chance to work with Erick in rehearsal and performance. Many of these young guys are one of two or three males in their own school choirs. When they come to MyVoice, they realize just how much more is possible. This feeling is magnified at the massed rehearsal when all the MyVoice chapters get together to practice the massed choir music. Add to that the feeling of entering the Chan and hearing hundreds of other men all singing wonderful choral literature, and you have an inkling of why this program is so powerfully important. At its best, these young men begin to realize that choral music is a life-long journey and they are taking the exciting first steps. The parents know that their children have received the highest quality experience on every level and have been grateful for it. There is no question that when my students have taken part, they feel like they have been valued, taught some very important skills, and are now part of a community of like-minded young men from around the city – all while having a huge amount of fun.
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At its best, these young men begin to realize that choral music is a life-long journey and they are taking the exciting first steps.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
Sea To Sky April 8 | Ryerson United Church April 9 | West Vancouver United Church April 9 | Ryerson United Church
Where the city meets the water and the mountains meet the sky by Conor Graham, baritone As the rain slows and the weather warms, spring always brings a welcome relief from the darkness of the winter months. The essence of this seasonal rebirth was captured in the flowing, diverse repertoire of our spring concert, Sea to Sky. I was fortunate enough to have a solo in that concert, in the song Long Road. It was a challenge because of the piece’s strong emotion as Paulina Barda wrote it on the occasion of her husband’s untimely death. Through it, she expresses the joyful passion of their relationship and also the painful sorrow of its premature end. “I love you night and day,” she wrote, “as a star in the distant sky.” I sing it and can’t but help think of my own love. Her words are concise, poetic, and beautiful, and yet surpassed in lyricism by Ešenvalds’ musical arrangement. As a new lion, this concert was toward the end of my first year with the choir, and it has been quite the learning experience. I’ve mastered new repertoire and worked with all my wonderful co-lions, but most importantly, have also become reacquainted with music’s special ability to evoke and inspire. Music has a certain magic to it: it is open to many different, all uniquely valid, interpretations, and can communicate in ways that words alone simply can not. I had lost this connection over the last several years in this city; I have Chor Leoni to thank for introducing it back into my life.
Music has a certain magic to it: it is open to many different, all uniquely valid interpretations, and can communicate in ways that words alone simply can not. I had lost this connection over the last several years in this city; I have Chor Leoni to thank for introducing it back into my life.
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
Fundraising Events
At Home
Chor Leoni Idol
September 30 | Casa Mia
May 15 | Lamplighter Public House
Total raised: $82,606
Total raised $15,664
Chor Leoni’s 13th annual fundraising gala was held at the spectacular Casa Mia, the historic 1930s Spanish Revival mansion in Southlands. One of Vancouver’s most storied homes, Casa Mia was built by George Reifel and hosted the likes of Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and Dizzy Gillespie. Close to two hundred guests enjoyed catering by the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts paired with carefully selected BC wines, performances by the choir and soprano Laura Widgett, and an art auction featuring works by Gabryel Harrison and Tiko Kerr.
The choir’s second annual Chor Leoni Idol drew a capacity crowd to Gastown’s Lamplighter Public House for an evening of fiercely contested karaoke performances from some of the choir’s best entertainers. Contestants pulled out all the stops, incorporating unforgettable costuming, circus elements, choreography, and audience participation into an evening that had the audience shouting their approval. In the end only one may be crowned the champion, and Keith Sinclair eventually claimed the prize. The real winner was the choir, which raised over $15,000 in an evening heavy with fun, friendly rivalry, and musicianship.
Chor Leoni thanks the At Home co-chairs, Lesley Stowe and Carol Henriquez, and their hardworking committee for spearheading this successful event. We also thank Mary & Peeter Wesik for their generous lead gift in support of At Home. At Home Committee Lesley Stowe & Carol Henriquez, Co-Chairs Dorothy Chiasson, Larry Burr, David Carpenter, Rob McAllister, Paul Larocque, Erick Lichte, James Emery
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Chor Leoni Idol Contestants James Carter, Barry Honda, Keith Sinclair, Byron Hanson, Corey & Noel Hollett, Ben Scoten, Kyle Harland Celebrity Judges Gloria Macarenko, Rick Cluff, Bill Richardson
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
Chor Leoni Mane Stage June 20 & 27 BMO Main Stage Tent at Bard on the Beach
The Bard is Back! by IAN FARTHING Although I’ve been a member of the choir since 2007, I’d never had the chance to be a part of the Bard show before, as my work in the world of professional theatre had kept me otherwise engaged in the summer months. So when Erick asked me if I was interested in taking the helm this year, and my schedule was open, of course I said “yes!” It’s perhaps a sad reflection of the arts in the current economic climate, but as a theatre director it’s rare to work with a cast of more than 6 or 8 – maybe 14 if you’re lucky enough to work on a Shakespeare or a musical. But here in Chor Leoni, suddenly I was looking at staging a show with a cast of almost 50. An exciting, yet daunting prospect. Erick had never enjoyed the split focus of worrying about entrances and exits, lighting or mic stands. By including a director on the artistic team, he was freed up to focus on the quality of the music in the concert. Highlights for me included True Colors, Nick Sommer’s Last Call, the excitingly masculine choreography of 500 Miles and a moving slideshow of the Choir’s history to tie in with the posthumous induction of Diane Loomer to the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. By introducing the option of “Core Leoni” – a group of singers who were released from any obligation to dance or dress up in what turned out to be increasingly revealing costumes – we gained a solid base of sound to support the crazy antics of those who threw themselves into the revelry. By doing so, we saw the largest participation of Lions in the Bard show in many years. The general feeling amongst the choir and audience alike seemed to be “The Bard is Back!”
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As a theatre director it’s rare to work with a cast of more than 6 or 8 – maybe 14 if you’re lucky enough to work on a Shakespeare or a musical. But here in Chor Leoni, suddenly I was looking at staging a show with a cast of almost 50. An exciting, yet daunting prospect.
CHOR LEO NI Erick Lichte
Artistic Dire
cto r
Hijinks, great tunes, an d choreograp hic capers!
Monday Ju ne 20 &
27
Mainstag e tent at Bard on th Vanier Park e Beach | , Vancouve 2 pm & 7: r 30 pm
bardonthe beach.org
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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2015-16 Annual Report
Number of
PERFORMANCES:
10
9 8
6
7
Total AUDIENCE:
1
24
MOST
HITS:
5
10,000
12 11
Number of ARTISTS we worked with:
62
CANADIAN WORKS:
4
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
VOLUNTEER HOURS:
3
Erick Lichte
PERFORMED:
2
CHOR LEONI
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Number of WORKS
NOBODY KNOWS THE TROUBLE I’VE SEEN
25 36,460 16,857 VANMAN MALE CHORAL SUMMIT 1,445 152 337 108 39 19 3364 65
Number of tickets SOLD
ON SUBSCRIPTION:
MYVoice SINGERS:
Total number of
28% increase from previous year
21%
PERFORMERS:
increase from previous year
Total number of
SUBSCRIBERS:
VanMan Festival Singer
CL Revenue 2015-16
Performance revenue 50% Donations 18% Government grants / gaming 15% Foundations 6% Endowment income 5% Raffles and auctions 3% Sales of merchandise 2% Membership dues/other 1%
Performance-related expenses 66% Office and administration 20% CL Expenses 2015-16
Administration personnel 13% CDs and recordings 0.3% Depreciation 0.2% Other 0.1%
ENROLMENT:
TRAVELLED TO SING:
KM (Toronto)
Number of PIZZAS consumed during the day:
CHOR LEONI MANE STAGE COSTUMING Number of
Number of
Net Assets 2015-16
CHOIRS:
FURTHEST DISTANCE
12,300 6* 645
SEQUINS:
Co-producer fees 0.0%
Operating fund 24% Touring fund 37% Donor Database Upgrade fund 4% Diane Loomer Commissioning fund 25% MYVoice fund 6% Capital assets 4%
Representing
STUFFED PARROTS:
FABULOUS QUOTIENT:
Number of
FEATHERS:
(see below)
off the charts
* End of the run: five full parrots, plus one body and one loose head.
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