VSO School of Music Welcomes Vancouver Chamber Choir as Artists in Residence
The VSO School of Music is thrilled to announce that the Vancouver Chamber Choir (VCC), one of Canada’s premier professional vocal ensembles, will join the School as Artists in Residence beginning in January 2026. This exciting development will establish a dedicated Choral Department at the School, led artistically by VCC Artistic Director Kari Turunen.
Several VCC singers will become members of the School’s faculty, offering students access to world-class choral instruction and mentorship. The residency will support innovative programming, curriculum development, and performance opportunities for students of all ages.
This initiative reflects the School’s strong belief in the pedagogical power of the performer-educator model—already exemplified by the many Vancouver Symphony Orchestra musicians who serve as faculty. Students benefit from learning directly with active professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
“This opportunity allows us to share the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s deep artistic experience with a new generation of singers,” says Kari Turunen. “We’re thrilled to help shape a vibrant choral community within the VSO School of Music.”
Maestro Otto Tausk, Music Director of the VSO and Artistic Advisor to the School, adds: “The integration of professional choral artists into the School’s teaching environment is a natural and exciting evolution. It strengthens our shared commitment to excellence in music education and performance.”
About this special collaboration, Maestro Tausk adds, “Singing is at the heart of every musician. It’s the most direct way to experience the transformative power of music. Learning to sing offers a solid fundament for learning any instrument and experiencing all kinds of music. It is perhaps the most direct way to connect to music, yourself and others.”
Angela Elster, President and CEO of the VSO and VSO School of Music, underscores the most important lesson students will take away by participating in this new course offering: that of joy. “Singing together with others develops a multitude of musical skills as well as important emotional and cognitive skills, and more than anything else, it brings joy.”
Enrolment is now open for initial course offerings, with more programs to be announced later in 2026. Visit www.vsoschoolofmusic.ca for more information.
About VSO School of Music
VSO School of Music, founded in 2010, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO School of Music develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 2,000 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.
About Vancouver Chamber Choir
Led by Artistic Director Kari Turunen, the Vancouver Chamber Choir is Canada’s longest running professional choir. Jon Washburn founded the choir in 1971 and it has become an amazing success story, ranking with a handful of North America’s best professional choruses and noted for its diverse repertoire and performing excellence. The choir has presented concerts to audiences at home in Vancouver, and on tour across Canada. International excursions have taken them to the USA, Mexico, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Finland, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine.
https://vancouverchamberchoir.com/
About the VSO
Founded in 1919, the Grammy and Juno Award-winning VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences — performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.
https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/
Media Availability
To arrange an interview with representatives from the VSO School of Music or Vancouver Chamber Choir artistic and administrative personnel, please contact:
Stephanie Yip, VSO School of Music, Marketing & Communications Senior Officer
Phone: 604-915-9300 x108
Email: stephanie.yip@vsoschoolofmusic.ca
Olivia Povarchook, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 604-738-6822
Email: olivia@vancouverchamberchoir.com