The Regina Philharmonic Chorus (RPC) performs a wide range of music including choral works and oratorio by the great composers. The RPC frequently presents concerts at Knox-Metropolitan United Church, often accompanied by members of the Regina Symphony Orchestra. We also enjoy welcoming guest community and youth choirs and emerging Canadian soloists. Many of these young talents go on to attain international acclaim like Lynn Channing, Jane Leibel, Kathleen Porter, Renée Brad and Ben Heppner.
Our History
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHORUS
The Regina Philharmonic Chorus started in 1972 when an ad hoc community chorus was put together to perform Handel’s Messiah in a Christmas program by the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO). Following that performance, the Regina Symphony Philharmonic Chorus was formed as an extension of the orchestra. In 1984, the chorus split from the RSO and was incorporated under its present name as the Regina Philharmonic Chorus.
The chorus has grown since its inception under music directors commencing, after Mel Hurst, with Theodor Kardash in 1973. Other directors followed including Vern Saunders, Timothy Vernon, Robert Hall and Douglas Dunsmore. From 1984 until 2002, the chorus flourished under the direction of Kathryn Laurin from the University of Regina’s music department. Kathryn guided the chorus through many great works. RPC celebrated its 25th anniversary season in 1996-97 with a spectacular performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. In 2002, Kathryn handed over her baton to Ian Charter of the Canadian Bible College and Theological Seminary, but his enthusiastic leadership was overtaken by the Bible College’s move to Calgary.
In 2003, Hart Godden took over as our Artistic Director. Under his inspiring leadership the chorus’ repertoire expanded with more participation in the RSO’s concert programs including Handel’s Messiah. RPC also began holding popular fundraising brunches. Other highlights under Hart’s direction have included the Rutter Magnificat and the tremendously successful performance of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins.
Most recently, the 2016-2017 season was capped off with a powerfully patriotic performance in celebration of Canada’s confederation: Canada 150 – A Musical Celebration. Stirring renditions of O Canada and The Maple Leaf Forever opened and closed the concert which included Canadian folk songs, Raminsh’s Magnificat and Somers’ Gloria. The RPC was joined by the Cantate Senior Youth Choir and the Luther College Girls Choir and our special guest was Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield.
Rehearsal Location
Regina
Why You Should Join
If singing is your passion, and you wish to join a major choir of over one hundred voices, contact:
Hart Godden is the Artistic Director of the Regina Philharmonic Chorus (RPC). Under his direction, the RPC has developed into one of the major choruses in Canada with over 100 singers and a repertoire which includes Orff’s Carmina Burana, Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Magnificat, Duruflé’s Requiem and Jenkins’ The Armed Man.
Hart Godden is also the founder and Artistic Director of the Halcyon Chamber Choir. This award-winning youth choir is known for its exquisite choral sound, dramatic presentations, and sheer on-stage energy. Halcyon has regularly appeared with the RSO and the RPC.
Mr. Godden also holds the position of Director of Music and Organist of Knox-Metropolitan United Church, where he conducts the Senior and Junior Choirs.
As a performer, he is often heard in concert with Tara Semple, flute, as the duo High F’lutin’. He also performs with the Regina Symphony Orchestra as organist and keyboardist. As well, he now appears regularly with the baroque ensemble, Per Sonatori, as harpsichordist and organist.
Mr. Godden has also trained as a pipe organ technician, and works for Pipework, the Western Canadian representative for Casavant Frères Limitée. He has worked on numerous instruments in Canada and the U.S. As well, he maintains a music studio, where he teaches piano, organ, theory and harmony, and coaches vocal students in musical theatre.
Hart grew up in Saskatoon and completed an ARCT and LTCL in piano as well as a B. Mus. degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He then completed a Master of Music in conducting and a B.Ed. at the University of Regina. He also received an ARCCO from the Royal Canadian College of Organists.
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