Exultate Chamber Singers

Over a 29-year history, the Exultate Chamber Singers have garnered praise from all quarters for sensitive, precise and seamless performances. Led by conductor John Tuttle, the choir is enriched not only by the excellent musicianship of its members but also by their varied academic and professional backgrounds. Together, they form a passionate, committed ensemble with a wide-ranging repertoire.

The Exultate Chamber Singers are a mixed-voice chamber choir, composed of 21 singers. Though relatively small in size, the choir often tackles works with eight or more parts. Solo and semichorus parts are usually assigned to members of the choir, though guest soloists do join the choir once or twice a year for featured works. In addition, the choir is fortunate to have professional musicians in its complement who occasionally serve as assistant conductors. (The choir has no rehearsal accompanist – John Tuttle often directs from the piano during rehearsals.) Despite the presence of so many talented musicians, the choir cherishes its amateur status and egalitarian sensibilities.

While the choir values the opportunities to work on a wide range of music, including works accompanied by string ensembles, organists and soloists, guest hosts and other artists, much of the choir’s repertoire is performed a cappella. The music is always a careful mix of the challenging and the familiar, with a particular emphasis on being able to showcase the blend and diction of the choir, two of the musical strengths of the ensemble. This mix provides new experiences for both the audience and the choir, keeping the music “fresh,” even after 28 years.

History

The Exultate Chamber Singers was founded in 1981 by John Tuttle, then conductor of a student choir at the University of Toronto. Following a successful season, a group of the graduating students approached John to consider forming an ensemble in which they could continue to make music together. Though none of the original founding members (save John Tuttle) are still with the choir, the average tenure is more than 10 years, a reflection of the unique opportunity it provides for ongoing learning and highly rewarding performances, balanced with a very reasonable time commitment.

In the early years of the choir, it quickly established a national reputation for excellence. In 1988, the choir won the Healey Willan Prize, awarded by the Canada Council for the Arts. The choir was awarded the honour twice more – in 2000 and 2004 – when it won the grand prize in the CBC National Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs.

In addition to presenting its subscription series, Exultate has made regular guest appearances around Ontario, including the Colours of Music Festival in Barrie, the Elora Festival and Roy Thomson Hall’s Choir & Organ series. Exultate has also toured to Prince Edward Island, participating in three concerts at the Indian River Festival in the summer of 2003, at the invitation of artistic director/pianist Robert Kortgaard. All three performances were broadcast on CBC Radio Two’s “in Performance.” The choir has released four CDs to date.

In addition to its registered charitable status, Exultate was incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act in 1999 as a not-for-profit organization. This makes the organization eligible for operating funding from the Canada Council for the Arts. The Letters Patent of the organization spell out the group’s mission, governance structure and goals.