OUR PROGRAMS
NEW-MUSIC READING SESSIONS FOR YOUNG COMPOSERS
HOW IT WORKS
Next deadline: Monday, April 14, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
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Exultate Chamber Singers invites young Canadian composers (30 and under) to submit their choral works for consideration to be included as part of a new-music reading session. Up to four choral works will be selected by a jury.
Each selected applicant is invited to attend the reading session, virtually or in person (St. Thomas's Anglican Church, Parish Hall, 383 Huron Street), from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The works will be recorded, and the audio recording will be available to the composers for archival use. Select composers, conductors, and singers from the choir will provide feedback upon request.
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Scroll down for eligibility and process details.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
Be under 30 years of age and under
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Currently living, working, or studying in Canada.
APPLICATION PROCESS
There is no fee to apply. ​
A maximum of two entries per composer will be considered.
Submissions must be unperformed original SATB work (no arrangements of pre-existing work). ​
Pieces can be a cappella or with piano accompaniment. A cappella works should have a piano reduction.
The text may be in any language and should be in the public domain or the composer must be able to prove that they have secured the right to use the text. ​
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Composer’s name must be removed from score and file names before submitting.
The pieces will be assessed based on artistic merit, as well as how much they will benefit from a reading session with the choirs.
Submitted scores may be considered for performance after the reading session.
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Next deadline: Monday, April 14, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
APPRENTICE CONDUCTOR PROGRAM
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The Apprentice Conductor Program is designed to provide young choral conductors at the high school or undergraduate level with the opportunity to conduct a high-level, amateur, adult chamber choir in rehearsal and performance.
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WELCOME TO CELESTE THORDARSON!
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Celeste Thordarson, a soprano & Music Education Specialist Major at the University of Toronto, is set to graduate this year.
Passionate about Choral Studies, Vocal Pedagogy, and Music Health, she serves as Music Director at Annunciation BVM Parish, conducts both children’s and adult choirs, and is Assistant Conductor with VIVA Singers Junior Chorus. Celeste has experience with the Toronto Children’s Chorus and as a Choir Teacher with Sistema Toronto.
Celeste also holds roles as Vice President Internal at U of T’s Faculty of Music Undergraduate Association and Advocacy Representative at Choral Canada’s Student Chapter Executive Committee.
She proudly received the 2024 Ken Fleet Choral Conducting Scholarship from London Community Foundation, and is dedicated to inspiring others through choral education.
HOW IT WORKS
Next deadline: TBA (Autumn 2024)
One conductor is selected following an application process. The selection committee is composed of four members from within the choir who are also established conductors in the community.
The conductor will join the choir in Tuesday evening rehearsals (6:00 - 8:00 p.m.) for six to eight weeks, and will have the opportunity to conduct at least one piece at the concert at the conclusion of the apprenticeship period. The conductor will receive feedback from both the artistic director and choir members. At the completion of the rehearsal period, the conductor will have compiled both rehearsal and performance video footage and will receive a $500 honorarium for future studies.
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Scroll down for eligibility and process details.
OUR FORMER APPRENTICE CONDUCTORS
DEC 2023
Jonathan
Alter
MAY 2023
Gillian Wang
OCT 2022
Manishya Jayasundera
MAY 2022
Michael Denomme
“Exultate is a welcoming community of people. There is a culture of comradery and it’s wonderful to be amongst musicians who feel so passionately about the repertoire. The group is very detail-oriented and they do exceptional work, which makes it so enjoyable to conduct and rehearse with them. Mark and Exultate are very supportive as well. Mark is a great teacher for conducting; he is very accommodating and he’s precise. I learn a lot just by watching Mark and Exultate work and it has been enriching for me to hear his feedback as well as feedback from the singers.”
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– Manishya Jayasundera, former Apprentice Conductor
ELIGIBILITY
The conductor must:​
Be currently enrolled in a high school or undergraduate program.
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Have a basic understanding of conducting gestures, score study, and rehearsal strategies.
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Be able to attend all relevant rehearsals and performances.
Conductors who are currently members of the choir and/or board of directors are not eligible.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The conductor must submit:​
A statement describing the applicant's interest in this program, future musical goals, and how this program aligns with those goals (250 words max).
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A resume that includes information related to musical training, vocal/choral experience, and conducting experience.
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Contact information for two references.
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A short 2–5 minute video that shows the applicant conducting. Please provide a link to the video. Do not submit the video as a file attachment.
Next deadline: TBA (Autumn 2024)
Please use the form below to submit your application.
Questions?: info@exultate.net.