When we shared a piece of traditional Christmas music in Mohawk, our sense of community got expanded and we received the gift of a blessing that warmed our hearts.

Laurie Evan Fraser, co-founder and longtime artistic director of the Upper Canada Choristers, shares insights into choral artistic direction—balancing intuition, mission, and love for singers while curating diverse, meaningful music that connects deeply with both performers and audiences.

Lindy Burgess has dedicated his life to choral music, cultural preservation, and community engagement. From his early years singing in school and church choirs in Trinidad and Tobago to leading La Petite Musicale of Toronto for nearly five decades, his passion for music has remained unwavering.

Jorge Sanabria, a Colombian doctor and musician, moved to Canada in 2024 with his partner. While pursuing medical credentials, he rediscovered his love for choral singing, joining the Upper Canada Choristers. From medicine to music, his journey reflects passion, resilience, and the joy of finding community in a new home.

In June 1994, the Upper Canada Choristers held their first outreach concert at Sunnybrook Hospital. Their music has repeatedly transformed lives, eliciting joy and participation from non-verbal patients. In various healthcare settings, their performances have revealed hidden abilities and brought profound emotional responses, demonstrating music's healing power.

“Joining the Upper Canada Choristers without auditions was crucial for me. Despite past musical experience, singing in an organized choir was new and intimidating. The choir's commitment to community concerts, especially in nursing homes and hospitals, is profoundly rewarding. Laurie Evan Fraser, our artistic director, and Jacqui Atkin, co-founder, are invaluable to our success.”

The Upper Canada Choristers have a history of showcasing multicultural music from many world traditions. In 2008, they founded Cantemos, an ensemble formed with choir members from Colombia and Venezuela. Despite initial growing pains, the choir's anthem, "Blessing-Bendición," was written to celebrate cultural inclusion.