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!
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-3-1024x536.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-2-1024x533.jpg)
Con Brio and Concord performed as featured artists in the Fine Arts at Faith concert series at Faith Lutheran Church in Redmond.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-4-1024x1024.jpg)
Our Spring Youth Retreat featured guest artists and vocal coaches Justin Birchell and Cee Adamson.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-5-1024x1024.jpg)
Our Spring Children’s Retreat featured guest artist Mija Trimble of Flight Feathers Ballet leading singers in a dance and movement workshop.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-6-1024x768.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-7-1024x681.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-8-1024x763.jpg)
Con Brio went on Tour to Spokane, WA to perform in a joint concert with Le Donne Choir.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-9-1024x683.jpg)
Concord and Cantabile collaborated with Harmonia Orchestra & Chorus for a thrilling performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at Benaroya Hall.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-10.jpg)
Con Brio gave a free community performance at Brick & Mortar Books in Redmond.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-11-1024x683.jpg)
Our Adult Choirs performed in their “In the Spirit of Belonging” concert at First Congregational Church in Bellevue.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-13.jpg)
Our Children & Youth Choirs performed in their “In the Spirit of Belonging” concert at the beautiful Bastyr University Chapel in Kenmore.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-12.jpg)
We completed our 4th after school Enrichment Choir program in the local elementary schools culminating in a performance for friends and family.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-14.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-15-1024x1024.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-16-1024x768.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-17.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-18-1024x649.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-19-1024x683.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-20-1024x1024.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-21-1024x683.jpg)
Harmonia and Ragazzi performed for community members at the OneRedmond Winter International Market at the Marriott at Redmond Town Center.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-22.jpg)
Cantabile provided holiday cheer as they caroled for passersby at The Village at Totem Lake.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-1-1024x683.jpg)
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.
![](https://columbiachoirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/23YearInReview-23.jpg)
Singers in Bel Canto exemplified the spirit of choir and connection as they performed The Winter Solstice Song, a Chinese folk song.