The VSO School of Music is thrilled to announce that the Vancouver Chamber Choir (VCC), one of Canada’s premier professional vocal ensembles, will join the School as Artists in Residence beginning in January 2026. This exciting development will establish a dedicated Choral Department at the School, led artistically by VCC Artistic Director Kari Turunen.
Several VCC singers will become members of the School’s faculty, offering students access to world-class choral instruction and mentorship. The residency will support innovative programming, curriculum development, and performance opportunities for students of all ages.
This initiative reflects the School’s strong belief in the pedagogical power of the performer-educator model—already exemplified by the many Vancouver Symphony Orchestra musicians who serve as faculty. Students benefit from learning directly with active professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
“This opportunity allows us to share the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s deep artistic experience with a new generation of singers,” says Kari Turunen. “We’re thrilled to help shape a vibrant choral community within the VSO School of Music.”
Maestro Otto Tausk, Music Director of the VSO and Artistic Advisor to the School, adds: “The integration of professional choral artists into the School’s teaching environment is a natural and exciting evolution. It strengthens our shared commitment to excellence in music education and performance.”
About this special collaboration, Maestro Tausk adds, “Singing is at the heart of every musician. It’s the most direct way to experience the transformative power of music. Learning to sing offers a solid fundament for learning any instrument and experiencing all kinds of music. It is perhaps the most direct way to connect to music, yourself and others.”
Angela Elster, President and CEO of the VSO and VSO School of Music, underscores the most important lesson students will take away by participating in this new course offering: that of joy. “Singing together with others develops a multitude of musical skills as well as important emotional and cognitive skills, and more than anything else, it brings joy.”
Enrolment is now open for initial course offerings, with more programs to be announced later in 2026.
Visit www.vsoschoolofmusic.ca for more information.
