chamber Vocal Ensemble Program
Chamber Vocal Ensemble Program
Cascade Peaks ChamberFest is delighted to unveil an exciting new initiative for the Festival in 2026 — the launch of our very first Chamber Vocal Ensemble Program.
Specifically tailored for accomplished voice students aged 18 and up, this immersive program will focus on singers who are keen to develop their skills for the purposes of singing with professional chamber choirs and small ensembles.
Participants will benefit from hands-on mentorship with leading vocal professionals, enriching masterclasses, and inspiring performance opportunities. Whether you’re a solo applicant or part of a pre-formed group, this is your chance to elevate your ensemble skills in a stunning natural setting alongside like-minded musicians.
Included in the repertoire for the Chamber Vocal Ensemble Program will be a newly commissioned work by renowned Canadian composer Imant Raminsh, which will be premiered by the full ensemble during the Festival’s Concert Series.
LEAD FACULTY FOR THE CHAMBER VOCAL ENSEMBLE
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Mark Vuorinen as our lead faculty for the Chamber Vocal Ensemble Program. Mark is Associate Professor and Chair of Music at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo where he directs the University of Waterloo Chamber Choir. He is also Artistic Director of The Elora Singers, Elora Festival and the Grand Philharmonic Choir.
WORLD PREMIERE OF COMMISSIONED WORK
Cascade Peaks ChamberFest is also thrilled to announce that a newly commissioned work by renowned BC composer Imant Raminsh will be premiered during the Cascade Peaks Festival Concert Series on the evening of Saturday, June 20. The work, entitled Where Wildness Lives, which will be performed by the Chamber Vocal Ensemble and the Borealis String Quartet during the Festival’s Concert Series. The lyrics of the piece were written by Raminsh’s wife and frequent artistic collaborator, poet Becky Strube. To read more about this exciting opportunity, please read this article written by our media sponsor Stir Vancouver.
Selection Process
Candidates are selected based on their online application—including video recordings, biographies, and repertoire lists—and their potential to make a significant contribution to the profession. While musical merit is the primary factor for admission, financial assistance is evaluated independently based on demonstrated need and available funding.
We encourage all who require support to complete the relevant section of the application. The committee will provide updates regarding financial awards once the initial assessment is complete.
Video Submission Requirements
- Video* recording(s) should include a minimum of two selections of your choice in contrasting style and character.
- Recordings are the primary adjudication tool and should be of the highest possible audio quality.
- Each selection must be completed in one take with no editing.
- Recordings must have been completed no more than 1 year before the application deadline.
* Please make your video and upload it to YouTube under the “public” or “unlisted” (not “private”) setting. You may record your audition in one continuous session, or record movements and excerpts separately, as long as recordings are not edited. Please ensure that any separately filmed excerpts are combined into a single YouTube video.
This program is supported by the Len Lythgoe Memorial Fund.