About Us
We are:
- a mixed group of people who love to come together, blending our voices in song
- people who know that everyone is different, everyone is unique and everyone needs a place to belong where they can feel safe and free to be themselves
- people who feel that it is very important to have a choir where everyone is welcome regardless of gender identity; of sexual, romantic or affective orientation; of musical ability or background; or of economic status
- people who know that being Out is an ongoing process, and that there is still a need for a choir that stands up proudly saying “This is who we are. We are proud of who we are and we are part of this community”
Our Name
Our Artistic Team
Our Director
Edette Gagné is a visionary leader who inspires others to go beyond what they thought were limitations, in order to achieve amazing results.
In her work around the globe with professionals and amateurs, Edette creates communities where people feel valued, included and safe to take chances, so that they can grow, flourish and be their best.
As an artistic director, stage director and music director of orchestras, choirs, opera and musical theatre groups, Edette champions creative programming, including staging and performances that captivate artists and audiences alike. She is known for inspiring performers to rise above the ordinary.
Throughout her career creating international touring shows, facilitating grand scale events on location, and transforming performing ensembles to realize their potential, Edette brings a deep work ethic and a commitment to creative collaboration.
Our Accompanist
Elliott Dainow grew up in Montreal studying piano there with Robert Silverman and then with Dorothy Morton, Silverman’s teacher.
For some reason he disdained singing as a youth, but discovered choral music later on and went on to be part of the Tudor Singers of Montreal as well as the professional core of the Montreal Symphony Chorus.
He was also a founding member of the well-known Vancouver chamber choir “Phoenix” and sang with many choirs in the local area. In the late 1990’s, inspired by Harold Brown, he returned to the piano and began accompanying choirs like Vivaldi Chamber Choir, the Peretz Folk Choir, the North Shore Chorus and the Unitarian Chalice Choir.
He now directs the music programme at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver. He recently made a CD of his favourite songs, accompanying himself on the piano with his own piano arrangements.