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Oakham House Choir

A proud member of the Ryerson community

About Our Choir

The Oakham House Choir is a proud member of the Ryerson community. The choir is currently made up of Ryerson undergraduates and alumni, current and retired faculty members, university staff, and people of all ages and from all walks of life in the larger community. Accompanied by the Toronto Sinfonietta, we produce two major concerts every year. We enjoy performing at a wide range of events, with a particular emphasis on events associated with Ryerson University.

Our History

The Oakham House Choir was established in 1984 by Professor Marie Dowler of the Ryerson English department and Matthew Jaskiewicz, a former conductor with the Warsaw Chamber Opera, who had just arrived in Canada as a political refugee.

 

In those early days, many of the members lacked extensive choral experience, though they made up for it with their enthusiasm. Mr. Jaskiewicz, who spoke no English, gave his instructions in French or Polish ? several other Polish immigrants had joined the choir ? and relied on someone to translate for him.

 

Despite those tentative beginnings, the choir grew steadily under Mr. Jaskiewicz?s direction. As its musical standards rose, its repertoire expanded to include many of the best-known choral masterpieces. Today the Oakham House Choir is a respected ensemble and an integral part of Toronto?s music scene.

 

Oakham House Choir regularly performs on the Ryerson campus and at many downtown churches, and has appeared at other Greater Toronto Area venues, including Mississauga?s Living Arts Centre and the Toronto Centre for the Arts. The choir has also sung at Ryerson graduation ceremonies and has competed in the Kiwanis Festival.

 

For many years the choir has been presenting two concerts a year with the Toronto Sinfonietta chamber orchestra, which is also directed, and was founded by, Mr. Jaskiewicz. We take pride in being one of the few amateur choirs in Toronto that perform regularly with a professional orchestra.

Rehearsal Location
  • Oakham House
  • 63 Gould St. (2nd Floor)
Mailing Address

Oakham House, 63 Gould St.Toronto, ON, Canada, M5B 1E9

Why You Should Join

Interested in joining the choir? Our members include active students and alumni, faculty and others from the Ryerson community as well as community members. The choir is divided into soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections.

Additional Info for Choristers

Do I need to have a trained voice?

 

Although experience reading music and singing in a choir is a major asset, Ryerson students, alumni, and current and retired staff and faculty are welcome as long as they can sing in tune and hold the tune against other harmonizing voices. Regular attendance at rehearsals is necessary. We promise you that your voice will improve.

We expect that we will have some space for new members in January 2018. Preference will be given to experienced choristers who can read music. New members will be asked to sing for the Director.

 

Do I need to be associated with Ryerson?

 

No. Many members of the choir are Ryerson students, alumni or faculty members, but community members are also very welcome in the choir. New community members interested in joining the choir should contact us ([email protected]) to make sure that we have room.

 

Do I have to audition?

 

The Director will want to hear you sing some simple exercises to place you as a soprano, an alto, a tenor or a bass. Non-Ryerson community members will be asked to audition.

 

Does it cost anything to join?

 

No, not if you are a registered Ryerson student ? you have contributed to Oakham House through your fees and there is no charge. Ryerson Alumni, Faculty and staff pay a fee of $10/season and persons from outside Ryerson community, however, pay a fee of about $70 per semester, which goes towards concert costs. Music costs are an extra $10 to $30 per term, depending on the repertoire. Music is sold at rehearsals.

Promotional Video
Our Mission

Oakham House Choir of Ryerson University excels in the artistic and expressive performance of classical music. Our musical community offers Ryerson students an opportunity to further realize their potential. We are recognized for our commitment to accessibility and lifelong learning and for our involvement in the wider community.

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