Our Story
A Living Legacy of Musical Excellence
Etobicoke Centennial Choir approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027 as a vibrant, evolving ensemble that honors its classical roots while embracing the diverse musical traditions of contemporary Toronto. What began in 1967 as a massed choir celebrating Canada's Centennial has grown into a semi-professional community chorus recognized for artistic excellence, creative programming, and deep community engagement.
Artistic Vision and Programming
Under the artistic direction of Henry Renglich since 2008, ECC has expanded its repertoire beyond traditional classical choral works to reflect the multicultural fabric of our community. Recent seasons have showcased jazz and blues-influenced choral masses, Nordic compositions, Latin American works, and South Asian classical music. In June 2025, we premiered three original choral compositions by Renglich with lyrics by Governor General's Award-winning author and ECC chorister Sarah Henstra—a collaboration that continued with the December 2025 premiere of Winter's Peak. We also featured a new Ave Maria for tenor and bass choir by section lead David Finneran, demonstrating our commitment to nurturing talent within our own ranks.
This programming diversity extends to our collaborations with guest artists. Recent partnerships include performances with celebrated jazz saxophonist Kelly Jefferson (2019), guitarist and composer Anton Apostolov with his Balkania Ensemble (2019), and renowned Indian classical flautist Hasheel Lodhia (2025) and his ensemble, who brought South Asian classical and contemporary traditions to our stage.
Community Impact and Collaboration
ECC performs three concerts annually for audiences in Toronto, with a growing reach into diverse communities. Our participation in the Ontario charitable gaming program, supported by dedicated choir volunteers, has transformed our artistic capacity by funding more ambitious performances, featuring guest instrumentalists, significantly enriching both performer and audience experiences.
Throughout our history, we have built meaningful partnerships with local arts organizations including Arts Etobicoke, Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra, Etobicoke Community Concert Band, Humber College's Jazz Program, Holy Blossom Synagogue Choir, Lachan Toronto Jewish Chamber Choir, and the Etobicoke School of the Arts Chamber Choir. We have also collaborated with culturally diverse ensembles such as the Orchestra of Krishna Sangeet Mandir and the Nutifafa Afrikan Performance Ensemble, reflecting our commitment to cross-cultural artistic exchange.
Supporting Canadian Artists
ECC has a proud tradition of championing Canadian musical talent at every career stage. We provided early performance opportunities to artists who became national treasures, including guitarist Liona Boyd and tenor Ben Heppner. We welcomed legendary contralto Maureen Forrester for our 25th anniversary (1987) and rising star Measha Brueggergosman (1998), shortly before her international breakthrough. In 2017, we reunited with Liona Boyd for a concert marking her return to her hometown.
Today, we continue this tradition by employing a professional collaborative pianist and a full complement of vocal section leads who support the choir and regularly perform as concert soloists—investing in the next generation of Toronto's musical talent.
Commissioning New Works
ECC has commissioned and premièred numerous Canadian compositions. Our first conductor, Barry Gosse, created many original works for the choir. We commissioned Triptych by Toronto composer George Bassingthwaite (premièred 1993) and presented the inaugural performances of Niagara composer Peter Landey's Magnificat (2003) and Gloria, both written specifically for ECC. Our recent performances of new works by Renglich and Henstra, including their Night Songs song cycle, along with Finneran's Ave Maria, demonstrate our ongoing commitment to creating new Canadian choral repertoire.
Resilience and Renewal
The COVID-19 pandemic tested our community in unprecedented ways. When in-person rehearsals halted in March 2020, we adapted with determination and creativity. Our professional section leads guided Zoom rehearsals where choristers learned new repertoire from home. By Fall 2021, we returned to masked, physically distanced in-person rehearsals. We recorded a concert without an audience in December 2021 for a YouTube release, and in April 2022 sang for a live audience once again in a concert fittingly titled With Heart, In Hope.
Rather than merely surviving, ECC emerged from the pandemic revitalized. We attracted numerous new members drawn to our resilient community spirit and diverse programming. This period reinforced what has always driven us: the passion and dedication of our members.
Our Foundation
ECC makes its home in Etobicoke, on the west side of Toronto, but our reach extends far beyond. We have performed at Roy Thompson Hall and throughout the Toronto region, as well as in Niagara, Stratford, Ottawa, and Montreal. Our 25th anniversary tour (1992) took us to France and Great Britain, with memorable performances at Les Invalides in Paris, Canterbury Cathedral, and the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London.
Our 50th anniversary celebration in June 2017 brought together current and former choristers, supporters, and local dignitaries who testified to the choir's impact on the community and individual lives. An Alumni Concert featured works conducted by Henry Renglich and five former music directors—a joyful acknowledgment of our past and launch into our next chapter.
The choir has flourished under exceptional musical leadership throughout its history. Founding conductor Barry Gosse (1967-1988) established our foundation of choral excellence. Ian Sadler led us from 1988-1994, followed by Dr. Harris Loewen, Professor of Music at Brock University (1994-2008). We are also grateful to Dale Wood, John Ford, Clement Carelse, Matthew Jaskiewicz, and Kelly Janzen-Zinck, who provided exemplary leadership during transitional periods.
Looking Ahead
As we approach our 60th anniversary, ECC stands as a testament to the power of community-based arts to build connections, celebrate diversity, and create lasting cultural value. We are grateful to the countless musicians, singers, supporters, and audience members who have made this journey possible—and excited to welcome new voices to our ongoing story.
