Malaspina Choir is a 65-member community choir located in Nanaimo. Its purpose is to entertain and educate the public about classical choral music. Founded in 1970, the choir brings together musicians and music lovers of all ages and from all walks of life.
Malaspina Choir is embedded in the civic and ceremonial life of Nanaimo. It participated in the opening of the Malaspina University College Campus, performed for the Queen and Prince Philip, presented the City of Nanaimo with the official Nanaimo Song for its 125th birthday, and performed at the opening ceremonies of the 2009 BC Seniors Games. Concerts, co-sponsored with the Victoria Chamber Orchestra and the Victoria Civic Orchestra, have been presented in Victoria as well as Nanaimo. Recent performances with the Vancouver Island Symphony include Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (the debut season concert of newly appointed conductor, Pierre Simard, in 2008) and Vaughn Williams’ Sea Symphony in spring, 2011. Malaspina Choir’s presentation of a sing-along Handel’s Messiah has become a tradition in the Christmas season, taking place on a Sunday afternoon each December.
Malaspina Choir is currently under the guest artistic direction of Bruce Farquharson and Lionel Tanod, both well-known in the Nanaimo choral community. Dr. Farquharson has an extensive background in choral conducting as director of The Island Consort chamber choir and as the former director of A Cappella Plus. He is also a member of the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Tanod also brings a wealth of experience to the conductor role. He has been director of the Island Bel Canto singers for eight years, and is director of the Harbour City Singers, as well as a founding member of Nanaimo Sings! and a member of The Island Consort chamber choir.
Directors: Bruce Farquharson and Lionel Tanod
Accompanist: Sharon Wishart
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