2023 was a year of growth and connection for Columbia Choirs.
In total, we accomplished:
- 18 Performances
- 6 Choir Retreats for singers
- 4 Collaborations
- 2 Tours
- 2 Summer Camps
- 4 Outreach programs in local schools
- 1 Inaugural Showcase + Fundraiser
None of this could have been possible without the Columbia Choirs Community, including:
- 4,000+ Audience Members
- 300+ Singers
- 17 Staff Members
- 10 Guest Artists
- 9 Board Members
- 100s of Volunteers, Donors, and Supporters!
We want thank everyone who was a part of filling 2023 with singing. We can’t wait for an incredible 2024!
Singers in Ragazzi, Lyrica, and Bel Canto collaborated with University of Washington Choirs on a Graphic Score project. Our young singers composed new choral works using lines, shapes, colors, text, and more and the UW Chamber Singers premiered the pieces at Meany Hall.
Con Brio and Concord performed as featured artists in the Fine Arts at Faith concert series at Faith Lutheran Church in Redmond.
Our Spring Youth Retreat featured guest artists and vocal coaches Justin Birchell and Cee Adamson.
Our Spring Children’s Retreat featured guest artist Mija Trimble of Flight Feathers Ballet leading singers in a dance and movement workshop.
Concord welcomed the University of Washington Chorale for an inspiring joint rehearsal that was the seed to an ongoing collaborative relationship between the two groups.
We hosted our inaugural “Together We Sing: Showcase and Fundraiser” featuring performances by Columbia Choirs alumni, board members, and staff. This was a special night that brought our community of supporters together to raise money to support our mission.
Con Brio went on Tour to Spokane, WA to perform in a joint concert with Le Donne Choir.
Concord and Cantabile collaborated with Harmonia Orchestra & Chorus for a thrilling performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Benaroya Hall.
Con Brio gave a free community performance at Brick & Mortar Books in Redmond.
Our Adult Choirs performed in their “In the Spirit of Belonging” concert at First Congregational Church in Bellevue.
Our Children & Youth Choirs performed in their “In the Spirit of Belonging” concert at the beautiful Bastyr University Chapel in Kenmore.
We completed our 4th after school Enrichment Choir program in the local elementary schools culminating in a performance for friends and family.
Bel Canto and Cantabile traveled to Berkeley, CA for the Golden Gate International Choral Festival, hosted by Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. At the festival, they received the following recognition:
Bel Canto -3rd place Children’s Historical
Cantabile – 3rd place Youth Historical
Cantabile – 2nd place Contemporary
Columbia Choirs was also awarded the Choir of Angels for its exemplary spirit and connection with singers from around the world.
We held our Summer Day Choir Camp where singers learned foundational music theory and singing technique, played music games, did arts and crafts, and played in nature. The week culminated in a performance for friends and family.
We launched our new Summer Overnight Choir Camp. Singers traveled to Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood, WA for a week of learning new music, developing their singing technique, and connecting through activities like swimming and canoeing.
We welcomed over 100 new singers this fall to our choirs. The first several weeks of the season consisted of foundational music activities and getting-to-know-you games.
Cantabile was fortunate to work with PNW composer Andrew Jacobson on his piece “Stopping by the woods” as they prepared to perform it at their Celebrate Winter concert.
Our Adult Choirs delighted a full house at First United Methodist Church in Bellevue with their Celebrate Winter concert featuring diverse programming from around the world.
Lyrica, Bel Canto, and singers from Cantabile collaborated with Emerald Ballet Theatre to provide the children’s choir parts in The Snow Scene at the end of Act I of The Nutcracker.
Harmonia and Ragazzi performed for community members at the OneRedmond Winter International Market at the Marriott at Redmond Town Center.
Cantabile provided holiday cheer as they caroled for passersby at The Village at Totem Lake.
Our Children & Youth Choirs performed music celebrating holiday traditions from around the world in their Celebrate Winter concerts at Juanita High School Performing Arts Center.
Singers in Bel Canto exemplified the spirit of choir and connection as they performed The Winter Solstice Song, a Chinese folk song.