Chor Leoni's 2014-2015 Annual Report

2014-2015

CHOR LEONI Annual Report

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Our 23rd Season

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

Chor Leoni Men’s Choir 949 West 49th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V5Z 2T1 www.chorleoni.org BC Society Incorporation #: S-32983 Charitable Registration #: 891227084 RR 0001

2014-15 Board of Directors James Emery, President Ted Chiasson, Vice-President Marni Johnson, Treasurer Rod Locke, Secretary Bob Baker Lawrence Burr Stash Bylicki

James Carter Paul Larocque Rob McAllister

Artistic Staff Erick Lichte, Artistic Director Ken Cormier, Accompanist Phil Jack, Digital Media Producer Administrative Staff Erick Lichte, Executive Director Cynthia Loveman, Development Director David Carpenter, Production Manager Bruce Hoffman, Manager of Marketing, Publicity, & Patron Relations Derek Page, Accountant

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Members of Chor Leoni 2014 – 2015 First Tenors Corey Hollett, Ken Hollett, 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*, Bruce Hoffman, Ray Horst, Liam Kearns, Jim Knight, Rod Locke, Marc Petrunia, Keith Sinclair, John Wyness Baritones Joseph Anthony, James Carter, Mike Cavaletto, Nate Chan, Ryan Cho, Russell Cripps, Tyler Ferguson, Rob Foley, Noel Hollett, Philip Jack, Mike Jackman, Peter Joosten, Tom Kidd, Paul Larocque, David Love, Greg Martin*, Rob McAllister, Greg Mohr, Daniel Sheinin, Ted Steiner Basses Douglas Au-Lange, Rick Bennett, Paul Birch, Stash Bylicki, Steve Castle, Garth Edwards, James Emery, Ed Friesen, Doug Graeb, Michael Hall, Barry Honda, Eric Kristensen, Chris Moore, Bob Rankin, Michael Soderling*, Nick van der Velden * = section leader

President’s Summary Report 18 November 2015

by James Emery

Last year I reported that it had been a year of firsts. We decided to continue that trend. This year saw another first in the establishment of a new administrative position in charge of development. Cynthia Loveman joined Chor Leoni Men’s Choir as our first Development Director this summer. She has a wealth of experience in the field of development in a number of not-for-profit organizations and we are looking forward to what she will bring to this organization.

This year has been a time of dealing with some of the nuances of being a governance board. One of those nuances is captured in the special resolution that we will be asking the membership to vote on in this year’s AGM. Among some proposed adjustments to wording that better reflect the way the board is now operating, we are proposing changing the more administrative connotation of the titles President and Vice President to the more governance appropriate nomenclature of Chair and Vice Chair of the board.

On October 13, 2015, the board, Artistic Director/Executive Director and Development Director met for a day long retreat to review the implementation of the Strategic Plan to date and to gaze 5 to 10 years in the future. With our current financial health, dynamic programing, strong administrative and board support, we were able to look in confidence to an exciting and vibrant future.

This was an invigorating session for all of us and we look forward to sharing the results with you once they have been compiled.

The Mission of Chor Leoni Chor Leoni is dedicated to

In the coming year, the board is planning to implement a succession strategy for non-member board positions including the post of Board Chair. Our intention is to have a roster of potential candidates ready and waiting to fill vacated board seats. We also want to establish a rigorous process for choosing and transitioning to a new board Chair.

the creation, promotion and

Chor Leoni continues to build on its mission ‘dedicated to the creation, promotion and presentation of male choral music.’ I am honoured to be your Board Chair and look forward with anticipation to what this year will hold for the life of Chor Leoni.

training of artists, and advancement

presentation of male choral music.

We have a passionate commitment to the development of repertoire, 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

James Emery President and Board Chair

participants and our audiences.

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 | 2014-15 Annual Report

Report from the Artistic Director

by Erick Lichte As I think about the 2014-15 season, I reflect upon all of the magic moments these incredible men created. I think on the unison tenors floating over the sonorous organ in Ghendini’s ”Angus Dei” at our Remembrance Day concert. I remember the shiver that ran through my body on the final cadence of “Silent Night.” I think of the incredible sound of 375 men singing with joy at our first VanMan Male Choral Summit, and the young men of our MYVoice program taking their first steps in their singing futures. I reflect on the challenges and growth we had learning and presenting five new major works at our Dream We Carry concert, including the first work funded by the Chor Leoni Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund. Lastly I think about the hilarious times we had on and off stage at our Manely Canadian show last Summer. Two things, in equal measure, informed each of these experiences: the artistry of Chor Leoni and the community they have created out of this music making.

Our Vision

It is Chor Leoni’s care and delight to create, for the widest audience possible, transformative music experiences. And by this measure, the 2014-15 season was an unmitigated success. Not only did these fine men create moments of beauty time and time again, they sang to over 11,800 people. That is an impressive number for a professional ensemble but it is an unprecedented number for an amateur ensemble like Chor Leoni.

To be an

It is our hope that each one of these ticket purchasers was moved and made better in some way by having heard this music. It is the sharing of our music that binds and sustains us, and we cannot wait to continue to grow our sharing in years to come.

that enriches

inspiring and engaging organization and transforms people’s lives through music.

Erick Lichte Artistic Director

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.

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Financial Report 2014-15 Season (11 months) Financially, Chor Leoni Men’s Choir had a very successful 2014-15 season.

We changed our fiscal year end from August 31 to July 31, effective July 31, 2015, enabling yearend financials to be prepared during August, the Choir’s least busy month. The financial impact of this change was minimal, as most revenues and expenses occur September through June.

Performance revenue increased $64,000 (27%) vs. 2013-14 and represented more than half (52%) of total revenue; this is a strong indicator of the choir’s soundness and long-term sustainability. The increase was primarily driven by ticket sales for “All is Calm.”

The remainder of revenue came from the following: 16% from donations and proceeds from the “At Home” fundraising event; 19% from BC Gaming, Canada Council and local government grants; 6% from corporate and private foundations and sponsorships; and 3% from endowment funds where Chor Leoni receives the interest on contributions. We are extremely grateful for the generous support we received from these organizations and individuals. The remaining 4% of revenue came from CD sales, member dues and other income. Overall, revenue was up 12% over 2013-14.

We also received substantial value through in-kind sponsorships and we greatly appreciate this support.

Almost three-quarters of expenses (74%) were related to performance, education programs and other artistic endeavours. Expenses increased by 10% over 2013-14 primarily due to costs associated with “All is Calm” as well as a one-time expense to record a new CD, and a modest write-down of the value of the current CD inventory to reflect actual CDs on hand.

Net income was $26,319, an increase of $8,093 or 44% over 2013-14.

We earmarked $10,000 of these funds to upgrade to our donor database; and increased the Touring Fund by $15,186. Overall assets grew by 21.5%.

Chor Leoni Men’s Choir is in healthy financial shape and is well positioned to continue delivering on the organization’s 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.

Chor Leoni Men’s Choir 2014-2015 Financials (11 months to July 31, 2015) REVENUE Performance revenue Government grants/gaming Donations Foundations Endowment income Membership dues Raffles and auctions Sales of merchandise Other revenue

REVENUE TOTAL

EXPENSE Performance-related expenses Administrative personnel Office and administration CDs and recordings Co-producer fees Depreciation

EXPENSE TOTAL

NET INCOME (LOSS)

NET ASSETS – Beginning of year NET ASSETS – End of year Change in Net Assets

Net Assets: Operating Fund Touring Fund Donor Database Upgrade Fund Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund MYVoice Fund Capital Assets TOTAL NET ASSETS

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

301,870 109,355 77,885 32,964 19,842 5,590 12,065 11,255 5,213

$

576,039

$ $ $ $ $ $

405,574 61,755 70,457 5,938 4,379 1,617

$

549,720

$

26,319

$ $ $

122,618 148,936 18,226

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

22,807 55,186 10,000 30,989 22,521 7,434 148,937

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

A Donor’s Perspective

by Lorraine Bennett For most of us annual giving is a serious consideration. We consider our interests, our priorities, and our budget. We may also give thought to the benefits of donating, the reward. For my husband, a member of Chor Leoni, the reward is obvious; for me, it’s beyond that.

Chor Leoni thanks donors with tax receipts, name recognition, CDs, and more, for which I am grateful. But these are as nothing compared to the greater reward, shared by all who attend their concerts: joy. It is the joy of being held in Chor Leoni’s warm, bold embrace and transported to a place of musical wonder.

That embrace is, I believe, the great virtue that sets Chor Leoni apart from so many other major choral groups. This is not to diminish its extraordinary talent which sends us soaring above the mundane, leaving behind our daily distractions, enriched by the performance of yet another fabulous piece of music. The difference between Chor Leoni and other musically great choirs is its embrace of the audience in the spirit of giving – literally.

The men of Chor Leoni are united by their love of music, their love of performance, and their genuine love of each other, all of which is contagious. It unites them as a choir but it is, more importantly I believe, the spirit that imbues their concerts. It seems to flow from them and to permeate their audience.

To attend a Chor Leoni concert is not to watch it, not to be performed to, not to be on the far side of the divide between the risers and the seats. Rather, a Chor Leoni concert is to feel absorbed, rapt, and embraced by the choir. It is to feel no boundaries between music, musicians and audience. It is to experience a brilliant performance given not just for its own sake but generously shared.

So, how can I not give back? How can I not say “thank you”? How can I not do whatever I’m able to ensure an encore next season? After the applause, after the breathless accolades and after the risers are cleared, we donate. It is our thank you to Chor Leoni. I believe it sustains the Choir, it sustains us in their embrace, it sustains Vancouver as a premier choral destination, and it supports the arts generally. Maybe, just maybe, my donation is “the gift which keeps on giving”! And I feel pretty good about that!

I encourage everyone to donate to Chor Leoni at whatever level is within your means, and feel the joy!

To attend a Chor Leoni concert is not to watch it, not to be performed to, not to be on the far side of the divide between the risers and the seats. Rather, a Chor Leoni concert is to feel absorbed, rapt, and embraced by the choir. It is to feel no boundaries between music, musicians and audience. It is to experience a brilliant performance given not just for its own sake but generously shared.

Peter & Joanne Brown Foundation

playboard



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Thank you to all of our benefactors and friends who made gifts between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015.

Chor Leoni names its giving levels after the stars of the constellation Leo, the Lion. Your generosity helps us shine! Total of gifts received:

$127,984.93

REGULUS ($5000+) Alix Brown, Hager (Bob & Judy) Family Fund, Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation, RBC Foundation, Peeter & Mary Wesik NOVA ($1750 - $4999) Stephanie Carlson, Pete Chamberlain, Ted & Dorothy Chiasson, Richard & Valerie Dunsterville, James Emery* & Rob McAllister*, Moh Faris, Joan Henderson, Marni Johnson & Gordon Roberts, Dick Loomer, Stage 49 Ltd, Ian & Jane Strang, Eric & Beverley Watt

DENEBOLA ($450 - $1749) Bob & Anne Andrew, Jean & Walter Badun, Rick* & Lorraine Bennett, Dick & Val Bradshaw, Joyce Campkin, James* & Leslie Carter, Beth Carter, Ryan & Jillian Christison, Rick Cluff & Cecila Walters, Paul Cobban & Kate Ker, Garth Edwards* & Jean Oland, Ellen Giesbrecht & Les Nerling, Doug Graeb*, Martha Lou Henley, Carol & Richard Henriquez, Patti & Dave Howard, Don & Pat Hudson, Jean Hurst, Gary & Louise Kenwood, Bill & Denny Lang, Paul Larocque*, Erick* & Ashley Lichte, Roderick Locke* & Quinn Crosina, David Love* & Jim Harcott, Gerald & Sheahan McGavin, John McNee, Provincial Employees Community Service Fund, Marg & Bob* Rankin, Marion & Andy Shaw, Jim & Donna Simpson RASALAS ($25 - $449) Sue Anderlini, Joan Anderson, Gary & Maria Anderson, Pablo Angulo, Joseph Anthony*, Joan Apel, Linda Ashton, Douglas Au-Lange*, Dennis & Holly Back, Jordan Back*, Julie Backer, Laura & Paul Baker, Sam & Mary Balden, Colleen Bell, Brenda Benham +, Ron Bergeron, Allan Best, Paul Birch*, Madelene Bird, Norman & Carolyn Bishop, BlueShore Financial, Shirley Borelli, Jamesie Bower, Noreen Boyer, Marilyn Bullock, Larry & Maggie Burr, Susan Butt, Stash Bylicki*, Vincent Carey & Ed Friesen*, Marnie Carter, Martha Carter, Christine Cassidy, Charles & Lucile Flavelle Family Fund, John & Kitty Chase, Jacqueline Christie, Marylin Clark, Missy Clarkson, Larry Clausen, Shirley Coolidge, Burke & Hanneke Corbet, Ken Cormier*, Sue Cox, Cynthia Crampton, John & Celine Cripps, Pat Cryder, Patricia Cumming, Judith Davis, Margaret & Elie Debanne, Rick Dehart, Bill Denault, Count Enrico & Countess Aline Dobrzensky, Moyra & Philip Dobson, Dorothy Dolphin, Jean Donaldson, Colin Dowson, Joel Dumaresq, Monika Forberger, Linda Yorke & Gordon Forbes, John Friswell, Christopher& Jennifer Gaze, Norma Gibson, Rusty & Lindy Goepel, Gillian Grassett, Judy Hager, Louise Hager, Susan Harman, Trevor & Linda Harris, Elizabeth Harrison, Martha Hazevoet, William Heese, Kathleen Hoem, Bruce Hoffman*+, Ken Hollett, Ashley Houlihan, Tina Hulbert, Judith Hutson, Phil Jack*, Agnes & Mike Jackman*, Shaun Jackman, Jim & Ruth Jackson, Joyce Jackson, Patti Janssen, Jacy Johnston, Peter Joosten*, Liam Kearns*, Bob & Deborah Keyes, George & Margaret Kidd, Derek Kief*, Larry & Sherry Killam, Len & Shauna Kirkham, Martin Klovan, Chris Koelbleitner, Vlad Krajina, Katerina Kwon, Teresa Lake, Doug & Beverly Lamber, Erica Leyland, Lynn & Russel Lichte, Marion Loney, Greg Lypowy, Mark Macdonald*, Sheila MacKay, Sheila Mannell, Greg Martin*, Anne Mathisen, Allison McCuster, Robert & Elizabeth Mclenehan, Joan McLeod, Nancy McLeod, Suzanne McMurray, Douglas Mcrae, Peter Mercer & Ginger Shaw, Alan & Mary Lou Miles, Joy Miller, Greg Mohr*, Clare Morgan, Christine Nicolas, John & Diane Norton, Michael O’Brian & Inna Vlassev, Trudy Pekarsky, Janie - Lee Peters, Nicholas & Sandra Phillips, Chris & Shelley Philps, Judith & Andrew Pike, Doug & Miriam Pratt, Jill Purdy, Heather Pynn, Diane Ravelli, Janine Reid, Laura Rhead, Grant & Fran Riddell, Don & Heather Risk+, Peggy Robertson, Peter Rohloff, John & Marilyn Ross, Peter Rothstein, Masako Ryan, Clare Saadien, Paul Sabourin-Hertzog, Bill & Patricia Sexsmith, Daniel Sheinin*, Anne Sheppard, Hyo Shim*, Luke Shwart, Janet Sieb, Jamie Sikorski, George & Frances Smith, David Smith, Helen Smith +, Michael Soderling, Peter Spira* & Val Duma, Elaine Stevens, Joan Stewart, Mary-Anne Stowe, Lesley Stowe & Geoffrey Scott, Anne Strickland, Susan Sutherland, Mary Thomas, Ken & Patsy Tolmie, Colleen & David Torrison, Susan & John Wade, Mavourneen Wadge, Bruno Wall, Michael & Charlene Wellings, Lorraine & Walter Welsford, Gwen Wick, K Wong, Sabine Wood, Catharine Wright, Jim Wright, Sue & John Wyness* * = choir members + = Sustaining Donors giving monthly

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

A Great Service November 8 | Queens Avenue United Church, New Westminster November 11 | West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver November 11 | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver

Harmony of Music and Spirit

by Paul Birch No matter how well-intentioned we are, each of us at some time is frightened by the presence of emotions within us that we would like to suppress. Prejudice, anger, jealousy, and bitterness remind us that the seeds of war are not just external. These negative aspects of humanity are shared by everyone.

However, the longings for peace and harmony are also universal and they are often fostered by products of human creativity. Poetry speaks to the inner self in ways that are deeper than logic. When wise and moving words are combined with music there is a power that can lift us beyond the moil and muck of mundane life.

This longing for beauty and inspiration is what inspires us to share our presence with audiences in presentations such as “A Great Service.” Although we represent a variety of backgrounds, interests, and ages, we come together as ‘a band of brothers’ to offer to listeners and to ourselves the spiritual lift that we all so need in the face of continuing misery in our world. Rather than glorifying war, we recall conflicts of the past only in that they have often called forth the noble responses of self-sacrifice and generosity of spirit.

We share with renewed commitment the prayers that we sing. “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.” “Give rest unto your servants with your saints, O God.” “Grant them eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine on them.”

We experience the catharsis of sorrow expressed and soothed. “We call thee back to dwell with us again.” “We will remember them.” “I must be gone and leave you for a while.”

“My heart, O my soldiers, my veterans, My heart gives you love.”

Which of us can sing these words and not be moved? Who can share in this vicarious grief and not be elevated and inspired? Along with the fun and fellowship of shared music we all need the encouragement of times of reflection, the prompting to aspire to what we know is our better potential. What a privilege we have to be included in this harmony of music and of spirit which makes us more than we could otherwise be!

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Rather than glorifying war, we recall conflicts of the past only in that they have often called forth the noble responses of self-sacrifice and generosity of spirit.

Christopher Gaze, OBC Chor Leoni was delighted to have Christopher Gaze join us as our guest reader for A Great Service.

Christopher is best known as the Founding Artistic Director of Vancouver’s iconic Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. In addition to performing and directing for Bard, he has appeared in dozens of film, TV and theatre productions during his multidecade career in Great Britain and North America. He hosts the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s popular Tea & Trumpets series and their annual Christmas concerts and is an in-demand MC for community and fundraising events. His many honours include Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal, Honorary Doctorates from UBC & SFU, the Mayor’s Arts Award for Theatre and the Order of British Columbia. Christopher’s history with Chor Leoni is long and varied. He has hosted concerts, sung in the baritone section, performed with us, and served as a Board member for many years. In recognition of his generosity of time and talent towards Chor Leoni, Christopher was made an Honorary Lifetime Member of the choir in 2013.

A Great Service

22nd annual Remembran ce Day conc erts

with guest reader Chris toph

November 8 | 7:30pm

Queens Av enue

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United Churc h, New Westm inster

November 11 | 1pm

West Vancou ver United Church,

West Vancou ver November 11 | 7:30pm

St. Andrew’ s-Wesley Un ited Church, Vancouver

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ca 604.684.27 87 ext 2

Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation

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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2014-15 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 19 | 8pm December 20 | 3pm & 8pm December 21 | 3pm & 5pm & 8pm.

Vancouver Playhouse

The Vancouver Premiere of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

by Peter Rothstein Collaborating with Chor Leoni on All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 was a fantastic artistic endeavor from the start to the final curtain. When Erick Lichte and I first began to conceive the show back in 2006 we wanted to capture both the personal and the epic dynamics of the incredible Christmas Truce of 1914. Having fifty-plus male voices to realize this docu-musical was thrilling. Of course, the chorus sounded fantastic, mastering not only the score’s sophisticated harmonies but also the multiple language and dialects asked of them. All Is Calm is both a choral work and a theatrical event. The relatively small staff was more than willing to work outside of their norm to create a fully-realized piece of theater, complete with scenery, props, costumes and lighting.

For numerous reasons, World War I has a much stronger presence in Canada than it has in the United States. The cast and creative team brought to the process their knowledge and understanding of the Great War and its devastating toll. That investment made for a visceral performance that audiences responded to with profound enthusiasm.

I also want to give kudos to all of the marketing efforts. The show was intelligently covered by a wide range of media, all of which clearly paid off at the box office. It was humbling to see the long lines outside of the Playhouse Theater, with patrons standing in the rain hoping to get a ticket to the sold-out run. Needless to say, I am delighted to be returning to Vancouver this season to once again to collaborate with the incredible Chor Leoni.

For numerous reasons, World War I has a much stronger presence in Canada than it has in the United States. The cast and creative team brought to the process their knowledge and understanding of the Great War and its devastating toll.

That investment made for a visceral performance that audiences responded to with profound enthusiasm.

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

Unchanged boy’s voices soar above the sound of their changed voice counterparts, each reminding the other

VanMan Male Summit March 7 | Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC Supported by

with additional support from

of where they are on their lifelong journey as singers. It is gratifying to see a program in action that so affirmatively addresses the unstated challenge of the male voice change.

VanMan’s Potent Energy

by Willi Zwozdesky The inevitability of the VanMan Summit — a full choral day of men and boys singing together and for each other — is immediately apparent, admirable, and palpable. Its potent energy is contagious, drawing all participants into its sphere. It is the natural next step in Chor Leoni Men’s Choir’s MYVoice (Mobilizing Young Men’s Voices) program, which is offered cost-free to young men regardless of musical experience. Reaching far beyond the day itself with aspects akin to the arena of sport, the Summit includes anticipating and preparing for the event, spending the day working out with your voice, performing your material, listening to other’s material, singing together en masse, and aspiring to the next level going forward. As the name suggests, the Summit’s aims are high: a top-drawer performance experience in an excellent acoustic designed for choirs. The impact is tremendous on young and old alike.

Unchanged boy’s voices soar above the sound of their changed voice counterparts, each reminding the other of where they are on their lifelong journey as singers. It is gratifying to see a program in action that so affirmatively addresses the unstated challenge of the male voice change. That boys often drop out of singing at puberty is a known but sad fact that needs constant attention. Keeping young men singing is critical and the MYVoice program addresses this problem head on in an open, spirited and professional manner. Having the program culminate at the Summit is an experience that will positively influence the singers for life. Kudos to Chor Leoni for their leadership! Long may this program flourish.

Willi Zwozdesky Executive Director, BC Choral Federation

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Vanman Choral Summit participating choirs Chor Leoni Men’s Choir | Chor Leoni’s MYVoice choirs | British Columbia Boys Choir | UBC Men’s Choir | Vancouver Men’s Chorus | Illumni Men’s Chorale (Seattle)

Vanman individual participants With the support of the British Columbia Choral Federation, we were pleased to welcome the following individual singers who joined us for the day, rehearsing and performing the massed choir numbers and enjoying the camaraderie of the event.

James Beckner Pete Chamberlain Ted Chiasson Len Christiansen Doug Colwell Stuart Donn

Dale Gamble Brad Gamble Paul Grindlay Dennis Hartman Gil Jaysmith Jean MacLennan

Don Marshall Brian Mills Peter Seto Barry Rector Roger Soderling Johann Krebb

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

Educational Outreach

Chor Leoni’s 2015 MYVoice free choral program for high school-aged guys drew 95 participants from all over the Lower Mainland, with rehearsal choirs in Burnaby (Carrie Taylor, director), on the North Shore (Frank Lee, director), and in Vancouver (Les Nerling, director). The program culminated in the free MYVoice at the Chan concert as part of the inaugural VanMan Choral Summit Concert on March 7, 2015. MYVoice also sang as part of the evening massed choir, where the voices of over 350 men and made the Chan Centre ring and brought the audience to their feet. That Saturday morning, MYVoice guys filled the Chan, with rehearsals rotating between the lobby, TELUS Theatre, and the concert stage in preparation for the afternoon and evening performances, singing for a combined audience of 1902 people. [l to r:] MYVoice conductors Carrie Taylor, Les Nerling, and Frank Lee.

PROMYS —“an experience of a lifetime”

By Oliver Dalton Oliver was 15 at the time of his participation in PROMYS PROMYS is a fantastic program. I joined for the first time this past season and I immediately felt like a part of something big, and really fun. There are not a lot of young male singers around, so PROMYS was great for meeting a bunch of them all at once! Singers tend to be pretty good people to have as friends, and there is no better way of building friendships and connections with other people than by singing together. That’s one of the reasons I love choral music so much.

Apart from making friends in the youth program, having the opportunity to sing with one of the best male choirs around was such a valuable opportunity. As a young singer, it’s so rare to get a chance to make music at the highest level.

Most of us aren’t at that skill level yet, so the best way to get there is to learn directly from the experts. It was the experience of a lifetime to work with riks Ešenvalds and Erick Lichte, who are both such inspiring and important figures in the choral world. I would absolutely recommend the PROMYS program to any young male singers interested in building their skills and connections in the choral world. The friendships and experience of making music at the highest level add so much to your musicality and your life.

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It was the experience of a lifetime to work with riks Ešenvalds and Erick Lichte, who are both such inspiring and important figures in the choral world.

PROMYS brought together 18 of the Lower Mainland’s best young male singers and the 32 young men of Tsunami Men from Portland, Oregon’s Pacific Youth Choir. Featured at The Dream We Carry, they combined with Chor Leoni to present

the North American premiere of the men’s version of riks Ešenvalds’ beloved Stars (under the composer’s direction), then joined with the British Columbia Girls Choir to premiere Rodney Sharman’s song about forgetfulness.

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

The Dream We Carry April 18 | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver April 19 | West Vancouver United Church, West Vancouver

The Dream We Carry

by Jocelyn Morlock This past year I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Erick Lichte and Chor Leoni. I was given the fascinating, if slightly daunting, task of setting Franz von Schober’s poem An Die Musik (made famous by the Schubert Lied of the same name) for male choir and piano.

Erick was a great source of inspiration for the piece. We discussed various strategies that I might take with the text, and any time I had questions — which I must say was relatively often — he answered them with insight and enthusiasm.

While the biggest focal point of the concert would logically be the large-scale, brilliant world premiere by renowned Latvian composer riks Ešenvalds, each new work was given a great deal of care and attention. I attended a number of rehearsals and at all times Erick Lichte and the men of Chor Leoni were extremely focused, diligent, and ardent. With regard to An Die Musik, I was able to experiment with the choir and to learn from them, and thus improve my piece before we got to the premiere. It felt like a joyous collaboration – the suggestions that Erick and the choir members made were very helpful, and the end result, both in terms of the piece itself and their performance, benefited from their care and dedication during the rehearsal process.

The concert itself, The Dream We Carry, was a record-setter for me – it was an entire concert of modern choral music, featuring numerous world premieres, and there was a packed, sold-out, engaged and enthusiastic audience. I was delighted to be there, and clearly the Chor Leoni audience was too!

It was a joy to write for and work with this polished, professional, enthusiastic ensemble, and I sincerely hope to collaborate with Chor Leoni and Erick Lichte again in the future.

The Dream We Carry, was a record-setter for me — it was an entire concert of modern choral music, featuring numerous world premieres, and there was a packed, sold-out, engaged and enthusiastic audience.

Yours truly,

Jocelyn Morlock B. Mus., M.Mus., D.M.A. Composer-in-Residence of the Vancouver Symphony

Bob Rankin, Jocelyn Morlock, and Erick

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BC Girls Choir director Fiona Blackburn with composer Rodney Sharman and Erick

Renowned Canadian choral composer Imant Raminsh and Erick

The Dream We Carry Special guests:

riks Ešenvalds British Columbia Girls Choir Chor Leoni’s PROMYS Honour Choir

The Dream We Carry

With special gue st Eriks Ešenva lds, the British Colum bia Girls Choir, and the young men of Chor Leoni’s PROMYS Honou r Choir

Saturday April 18 | 7:30pm

St. Andrew's-Wesl ey United Church, Vancouver

Sunday April 19 | 2pm

West Vancouver Un

ited Church

The Latvian connection: Composer riks Ešenvalds (centre), with Canadian-Latvian composer Imant Raminsh (right), with Erick.

TicketsTonight .ca 604.684.2787

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ARTISTIC D IRECTOR

Works Premiered at The Dream We Carry An die Musik Jocelyn Morlock The Dream We Carry Imant Raminsh song about forgetfulness Rodney Sharman Wandering Heart riks Ešenvalds Sleep Rhythm Bruce Sled Stars riks Ešenvalds World Premiere

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Canadian Premiere

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Martha Lou Henley Charitable Founda tion

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(for SATB youth choir)

Canadian Composer

The Chor Leoni Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund From the very first downbeat, one of Diane Loomer’s goals as founder of Chor Leoni was the commissioning of new works for men’s choirs and the encouragement of Canadian composers. This drive was so central to the ensemble that it was enshrined in the choir’s mission statement, and when it became apparent that many young Canadian composers’ works weren’t being published, Diane and Dick Loomer founded Cypress Choral Music expressly for that purpose.

In 2011 the choir established the Chor Leoni Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund (CLDLCF) to support the creation of major new works for men’s choirs that would go on to be sung by male choirs around the world. The premiere of riks Ešenvalds’ Wandering Heart at The Dream We Carry marked the initial work funded through the CLDLCF, and will be a focal point of the choir’s new CD, due to be released in 2017.

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

At Home

| September 23

TOTAL RAISED: $ 26,273 Chor Leoni began hosting an annual formal fundraiser over a decade ago, and over the years it has become one of the hottest tickets on Vancouver’s social calendar. Held each year in the fall, just as the choir is beginning its season, At Home is known for its sparkling repartee, delicious food paired with carefully chosen wine – and a stunning new venue each year. Our 2014 event was no exception. Held in a spectacular home in Vancouver’s bucolic Southlands area, At Home 2014 featured CBC’s Gloria Macarenko as celebrity Master of Ceremonies, performances by soprano Laura Widgett, and the men of Chor Leoni not only performing amongst our guests, but also acting as hosts and servers. Chor Leoni members also underwrote 90% of the overhead to ensure the maximum amount raised would go to support the choir’s mission.

Chor Leoni is extremely grateful to the At Home committee and long-term co-chairs Dorothy Chiasson and Jennifer Gaze, for all of their hard work in organizing the event, and to friends such as renowned artist Gordon Smith for donating auction items. This was Dorothy and Jennifer’s last At Home as co-chairs, having led the initiative since its very inception.

We salute their outstanding service and offer our heartfelt thanks.

Chor Leoni Idol

| May 11 | Lamplighter Public House

by Jordan Back TOTAL RAISED: $ 13,075 I am truly honoured to have been crowned this year’s Chor Leoni Idol! This event has really taken on a life of its own and, I believe accomplishes several objectives for this organization. In addition to becoming an important new source of fundraising, it exposes our brand to new audience members and also allows longtime supporters the opportunity to get to know us better by showcasing individual singers and interacting on a more personal level. The casual, fun nature of the evening is also a nice opportunity for singers and guests to let loose a little and have fun with the Chor Leoni family. These sorts of opportunities are important for building community, something we are long known for doing. I know these sorts of events are a lot of work to put together, so I greatly appreciate the work of our staff that put this evening together. I am already looking forward to next year!

Chor Leoni Idol Contestants Jordan Back Stash Bylicki James Carter

Ryan Cho Russell Cripps Byron Hanson

Noel & Corey Hollett Peter Joosten Nick Sommer

Celebrity Judges Gloria Macarenko, Rick Cluff, Bill Richardson 18

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

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Recording Sessions with GRAMMY Award-winning producer, Steve Barnett I have known and admired Erick Lichte for a very long time, since his earliest days as the founder and music director of Cantus. When he moved to Portland, Oregon, to complete his Masters degree with Dr. Ethan Sperry at Portland State University, we lost touch with one another for a time. We reconnected when Erick was kind enough to suggest to Dr. Sperry to bring me out to Portland to produce a CD with the Portland Chamber Singers.

As a multi-Grammy Award winning recording producer who specializes in choral and vocal CDs, I was very well aware of the superb men’s chorus based here in Vancouver: Chor Leoni, and of course its inspirational music director for many years, Diane Loomer. When I heard of her untimely passing much too soon, I wondered who they would find to be her successor.

It would have to be someone very special. When I heard that Erick was chosen to be Chor Leoni’s new music director, I thought: “They absolutely made the right choice!”

Over a year ago, Erick got back in contact with me and told me of his recording plans for the very first Chor Leoni CD under his leadership, and asked me if I would produce the CD. Of course, I jumped at the chance to work with Erick and Chor Leoni.

I flew into Vancouver (my first visit to your beautiful city) at the beginning of May 2015, and over a very concentrated two days of sessions, we put the first half of the CD “in the can” (actually “on computer” these days). My admiration for the men of Chor Leoni ascended greatly over those two days. They attacked the challenging literature with gusto and sang consistently beautifully from take to take. I told Erick following the sessions that the hardest part of preparing the CD will be for him to choose the best takes for each piece we recorded – there were so many good ones for each piece, it would be hard to choose. And the music Erick has chosen for the recording is extraordinarily beautiful. I cannot wait for you to hear their marvelous performances.

And now I have May 2016 to look forward to, when I get to return to Vancouver to work again with Erick and Chor Leoni, and produce the remaining pieces for the CD. I can’t wait!

Best wishes,

Steve Barnett

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

Manely Canadian June 22 & 29 BMO Mainstage Tent at Bard on the Beach

Production Manager David Carpenter

Ain’t Nobody Here

by Greg Martin It’s hard to say what was more surprising: that I didn’t sing a note during the first five songs but felt like a featured performer anyway, or that the full-body chicken costume was not the silliest thing I wore for Manely Canadian.

When it comes to our Bard on the Beach performances, I guess we’ve all learned to expect the unexpected!

This past June, Chor Leoni’s season-ending concert had “Manely Canadian” as its theme; as usual for our summer spectacle, as many great songs by Canadian writers and artists had to be left off of the final draft as actually made it onto the set list. And, also as usual, the inclusion of costumes and choreography and microphone-movingaround made for some necessary compromises. I was elated from day one to be cast as a tap-dancing banana (for Raffi’s Bananaphone, naturally); but the bright yellow body suit meant that I couldn’t come on stage for the first two songs of the show—nor did I actually sing during the Bananaphone tapping—nor could I stay on for the next song, thanks to the required costume peeling. (That yellow body suit, as well as the orange tights from the chicken costumes featured in the second half opener Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens (written by Alex and Joan Kramer), made for some ... interesting half-dressed choices backstage on the hot June days.)

And then I needed to miss yet another number, because my new costume couldn’t be seen before its time ... and that was for the Quebecois patter song La Ziguezon Zinzon (with fellow joual-maître Byron). Seeing as how I was completely unable to do the singing and the dancing together as late as one week before opening day, this was a pretty daunting way for me to finally hit the stage.

(And don’t get me started on what happens when you’re standing in the vom and then realize, twenty seconds before you’re supposed to land the first dance step, that you haven’t yet put on your suspenders...!)

But when dozens of masterful lions have your back, somehow it all works out. I was proud to be a part of the dramatic dance that was set to the equally gorgeous Intervention (Arcade Fire), and delighted to be an on-stage spectator for the out-of-this-world (truly!) alien costumes creatively hand-crafted for Calling Occupants (written by Klaatu). And with all the zaniness and sweat and hitting of marks checked off the list: ultimately, standing tall with the men and delivering Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, straight from the heart to an amazingly receptive audience, was the perfect ending. If there’s anything I know about this season’s upcoming summer show “Chor Leoni Mane Stage”, it’s that it will be epically entertaining and fantastic ... and surprising!

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And with all the zaniness and sweat and hitting of marks checked off the list: ultimately, standing tall with the men and delivering Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, straight from the heart to an amazingly receptive audience, was the perfect ending. If there’s anything I know about this season’s upcoming summer show “Chor Leoni Mane Stage”, it’s that it will be epically entertaining and fantastic ... and surprising!

Manely Canadian surprises, Canadian hits, unexpected & fun! choreographic capers

June 22 | 3pm & 8pm June 29 | 3pm & 8pm

BMO MainStage Tent Park, Vancouver Bard on the Beach, Vanier

604.739.0559

Box Office

bardonthebeach.org $ Matinées 40 adults $

15 youth

$ tickets Evening shows 40 all

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ERICK LICHT E

CTOR ARTISTIC DIRE

Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation

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Choir Leoni Men’s Choir | 2014-15 Annual ReportNumber

of

PERFORMANCES:

4

NEW ARRANGEMENTS

4

13

LARGEST PRODUCTION: ALL IS CALM: The Christmas Truce of 1914

11,887 4,004 1,125 126

TOTAL AUDIENCE

6

Number of tickets SOLD

ON SUBSCRIPTION:

Increased from 108 previous year

Total number of

SUBSCRIBERS:

SOLD OUT SHOWS

95

PPARTICIPANTS PA RTICIPANTS

GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY Burnaby Choir: Carrie Taylor, director Vancouver Choir: Les Nerling, director North Shore Choir: Frank Lee, director

2015

Total ATTENDANCE:

83

Canadian:

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

International:

Erick Lichte

PERFORMED:

COMMISSIONS & PREMIERES Canadian:

CHOR LEONI

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Number of WORKS

Performance revenue 52% Government grants / gaming 19% CL Revenue 2014-15 (11 months)

CL Expenses 2014-15 (11 months)

Donations 14% Foundations 6% Endowment income 3% Membership dues 1% Raffles and auctions 2% Sales of merchandise 2% Other revenue 1%

Performance-related expenses 74% Administrative personnel 11% Office and administration 13% CDs and recordings 1% Co-producer fees 1% Depreciation 0%

PARTICIPANTS

Number of ARTISTS

WE WORKED WITH: Number of WINE

Net Assets 2014-15 (11 months)

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Operating fund 15% MY Voice fund 15% Touring fund 37% Donor Database Upgrade fund 7% Diane Loomer Commissioning fund 21% Capital assets 5%

49 32 28

GLASSES WE PLAYED WITH:

RANGE of Chor Leoni Men's Choir