Whistler Choral Information

Whistler Choir and Vocal Jazz Information

Venue

  • Choir and Vocal Jazz performances and workshops will be in the Maury Young Performing Arts Centre.

Performances and Workshops

  • Choir performances and workshops happen on the same day.
    • Performances are 30 minutes
      • Come at least 45 minutes before your PERFORMANCE time, as you will need to check in and you will have a 30 minute warmup.
    • Workshops are 50 minutes directly after your performance.
  • The Vocal Jazz performances and workshops take place in the 50 minute slot on stage.
  • Feel free free to stay and watch other ensembles perform. We love a good audience!

Scores

  • All conductors must bring copies of scores for the adjudicators. Please note the number required below, in addition to the score you will be using yourself:
    • You will need to bring 3 scores – 2 for the adjudicators and 1 for yourself.

The Cantando Festival Mass Choir

The mass choir is one of the highlights of the Cantando Festival. Our choir is usually in the range of 700 participants.

  • The repertoire is decided in February and is both posted on the website and emailed to choral directors.
  • Directors need to order the piece and rehearse with their ensemble prior to the festival. It does not need to be memorized, but it is helpful.
  • Choristers are expected to attend the rehearsals on Friday and Saturday from 12:00PM-12:50PM
  • Register for the rehearsals on the Whistler Clinics and Concerts page – accessible from the Director Dashboard.
  • The Mass Choir performs on Saturday night at BOTH concerts. They perform in the last few minutes of the first concert and the first few minutes of the second concert.

Mass Choir 2026 (this year’s selection will be decided in February 2027)

  • Conductor: Rachel Rensink-Hoff
    The Gift To Sing by Marianne Forman
    Published by beckenhorstpress.com
  • Please order the music as soon as possible and prepare your choir.
  • Mass choir REHEARSALS will be in the Sea to Sky Ballroom in the Conference Centre on Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 12:50.
  • Mass choir PERFORMANCE will take place on Saturday evening in the Sea to Sky Ballroom in the Whistler Convention Centre.
    • The mass choir will perform last in the first concert and first in the second concert.
    • Choristers not attending the first concert should be at the Conference Centre for 7:40PM (this may be changed by Scott during the rehearsal).

Bring a Friend!

Do you have a choir director friend who is looking for a festival this year? Log into the Director Dashboard and see how you can save some money on your final balance of fees!