Mailing Address
383 Huron Street, Toronto, ON M4E 1K2
About Our Choir
About Exultate Chamber Singers
Exultate Chamber Singers is an adult, mixed-voice chamber choir located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The ensemble is enriched not only by the strong musicianship of its members but also by their varied ages, cultural backgrounds, and academic and professional credentials. Together they form a passionate, committed ensemble with a wide-ranging repertoire.
The choir is a three-time winner of the Healey Willan Grand Prize in the CBC National Radio Competition and was awarded first place in the chamber choir category of Choral Canada’s 2019 National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs.
In addition to presenting its annual concert series, Exultate has made regular appearances around Ontario, toured in Canada, collaborated with dozens of artists, released six albums, and enjoyed airplay on CBC Radio. Exultate's most recent album showcases new Canadian choral music commissioned by the choir in recent years.
Conductor(s)
Our History
History of Exultate Chamber Singers
Exultate Chamber Singers was founded and led for 30 years by conductor and organist John Tuttle and has since been under the direction of Dr. Karen Grylls (2011–2012), Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt (2013–2018), and its current artistic director, Dr. Mark Ramsay.
The choir has released five albums to date, been featured on CBC Radio, and has recently been invited to perform at PODIUM 2022: Canada’s National Choral Conference and Festival, where it will launch its sixth album.
In its early years, Exultate established a strong reputation for success through its participation in the CBC National Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs. In 1988, 2000, and again in 2004, Exultate won both first prize in the chamber choir category and the Healey-Willan Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Exultate was again awarded first place in the chamber choir division of the 2019 National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs, solidifying the choir’s nationwide reputation for excellence. Jurors from the competition praised the choir for its “beautifully refined performances” describing the sound as “detailed and clean” as well as “musically convincing in all sections.”
In addition to presenting its annual concert series, Exultate has made special appearances at a variety of events and festivals including the Colours of Music Festival and Georgian Music Series in Barrie, Guelph Spring Festival, Elora Festival, Luminato Festival in Toronto, and Indian River Festival in Prince Edward Island. Exultate has collaborated in performance with numerous artists including The Tenors, Measha Brueggergosman, Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir, Toronto poet Emily Sanford, Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre Chamber Choir, The Toronto Winds, and Toronto Children’s Chorus.
Over Exultate’s history, the organization has committed itself to commissioning and premiering new works by Canadian composers. Some of these composers include Toronto-based Stephanie Martin, Steven Webb, Matthew Emery, Katharine Petkovski, and EKR Hammell. To help celebrate the choir’s 40th anniversary, four commissions were awarded to Canadian composers, with works by Virginia Kilbertus, Sami Anguaya, Mari Alice Conrad, and Tracy Wong.
Exultate recently created an Apprentice Conductor Program, aimed at supporting the growth of emerging choral conductors at the high school and undergraduate levels. Drawing on the expertise of the choir’s leadership and membership, the unique program is designed to provide participants with authentic rehearsal and performance opportunities with the ensemble and ongoing support from experienced choral professionals.
Repertoire
Rehearsal Location
- St. Thomas's Anglican Church, 383 Huron Street, Toronto, ON M4E 1K2
- 383 Huron Street
