About the Choir

The choir's membership originally formed within the scope of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra in 1990 and was known as the "Peterborough Symphony Singers." However, in 1993, the Peterborough Singers (PS) was incorporated as a stand-alone entity. Under the direction of Sydney Birrell and a dedicated group of volunteers, the choir has grown into a highly regarded ensemble of some eighty to ninety members. In fact, its reputation is such that world-class, professional, Canadian soloists have come back time and again to perform with the choir. Within a radius of 160 km, the Peterborough Singers is the only choral organization to have introduced the arts community to figures such as Gary Relyea, Mark Dubois, Sally Dibblee, Measha Bruggersgosman, Brett Polegato, Curtis Sullivan and violinist, Martin Beaver. Guest conductors to the PS have included Srul Irving Glick, Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, Lee Willingham, Elmer Iseler, Eleanor Daley and Paul Halley.

For the last ten years, the choir presents four or five concerts per year, incorporating a blend of repertoire from gospel to sacred to pop to oratorio. Highlights include: St. Matthew Passion, Elijah, the annual Messiah, and Carmina Burana. Last season's oratorio, Bach's B Minor Mass was a crowning achievement for their 10th anniversary.

The Peterborough Singers have been deeply involved in a partnership for Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children initiative to raise awareness and funds with the 'James Birrell Fund for Neuroblastoma Research.'

They commissioned a work by Grammy award winning Canadian composer Paul Halley, "House in Heaven" for which actor Tom Hanks provided the endorsement on the CD jacket and also signed 100 copies. All proceeds from the 2500 CD's sold have gone to fighting childhood cancer. Through the sale of this CD and the "Gift of Song" CD (with soloist Measha Bruggergosman's recording debut) seven years ago, the choir has raised $25,000 for cancer research.

By way of commemorating it's tenth anniversary year, and as a tribute to founder and conductor Sydney Birrell, the Peterborough Singers commissioned a work by Canadian composer, Dr. Mark Sirett, "Where Charity and Love Dwell". The choir performed this commission at the first concert of the 2003-2004 season, and welcomed Dr. Sirett as guest conductor for this debut.