The Chorus
The HART HOUSE CHORUS is a 50-voice choir auditioned from musically talented students, faculty, and alumni of the University of Toronto. Since its inception in 1972, as a reincarnation of the long-standing men's Glee Club, the Chorus has maintained a reputation for the highest standard of performance locally, nationally, and abroad. In 1993 the Chorus was a finalist in the Large Choir category of the CBC Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs and in 2002 it was featured in the University of Toronto's first reading of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." In addition to other engagements, the Chorus performs twice annually in the Great Hall at Hart House.
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As of 2015, the Hart House Chorus enjoys the musical direction of Daniel Norman, a sought-after conductor, keyboardist and collaborative artist. He has directed an array of choirs, orchestras and chamber ensembles in North America and Europe performing in a range of genres including classical, operetta and musical theatre. In addition to his work as a freelance artist, Mr. Norman currently holds directorships with Church of the Redeemer and the Convent of St. John the Divine and is associate conductor with Pax Christi Chorale.
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The Hart House Chorus is active in the international choral community, having hosted choirs from the United States, Austria and Finland in recent years. In the summer of 1999, the Chorus completed a successful tour of Scandinavia. In the summer of 2003, the chorus toured the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. In November of 2014, the Hart House Chorus travelled to Belgium to represent Canada in the 1000 Voices for Peace festival, which commemorated 100 years since the start of World War I. Most recently, the Chorus travelled to Halifax, NS. The aim of the Hart House Chorus is to provide talented musicians the opportunity to pursue excellence in music in a friendly, focused environment alongside individuals who share similar interests.
Our Artistic Team
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Daniel Norman, Conductor
Sought after for his musical sensitivity and versatility, Daniel is active as a conductor, keyboardist and collaborative artist. His love of music began with the melodious songs of Ariel the Mermaid and the danceable beats of the Mini-Pops. This gave way to grunge and the smooth R n B of the early 90s, both creating a natural segue into choirs and orchestras, and the realm of classical music.
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At Redeemer, Daniel keeps his feet planted in the rich history of liturgical music, while always watching out for the next new song that will help give the community their voice.
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When away from Redeemer, Daniel works as the Music Director at the Convent of the Sisters of St. John the Divine. He also conducts the Hart House Chorus, and is Associate Conductor with Pax Christi Chorale.
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Dan is particularly excited about the music of Sweelinck, and he makes the best fried-egg sandwiches.
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David Eliakis, Accompanist
Passionate about the hidden gems of music, pianist David Eliakis thrives on uncovering lesser-known works and composers waiting to be discovered. With an ear for the unique and a love for the classics, he enjoys reinterpreting timeless songs, breathing new life into beloved melodies.
His performances have taken him to the stages of Brazil, Switzerland (World Economic Forum), England (as a finalist in the Wigmore Hall Song Competition), Northern Ireland, Germany, New York, and across Canada as pianist and musical director for Against The Grain Theatre’s national tour of La Bohème.
A recipient of the Ontario Arts Council Chalmers Award, David had the honour of studying privately with Warren Jones (Manhattan School of Music) in New York City, as well as working with Julius Rudel, Sir Martin Isepp, Dalton Baldwin, Graham Johnson, and Roger Vignoles.
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A faculty member of the Royal Conservatory of Music, David has also collaborated with Tapestry Opera, the Canadian Opera Company, Opera In Reach, and Amplified Opera in numerous performances of “The Queen in Me” with Teiya Kasahara, including performances at the Belfast International Arts Festival, and the National Arts Centre. He was also the host and curator of Against The Grain Theatre’s monthly Opera Pub for five years.
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As a lecturer he speaks passionately about under-represented composers and works, as well as singers of past generations. He was also featured as a guest speaker at the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of Maria by Callas.
Welcome!
The aim of the Hart House Chorus is to provide talented musicians the opportunity to pursue excellence in music in a friendly, focused environment alongside individuals who share similar interests.
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Be part of history - join a singing tradition founded in 1933!
REHEARSALS
Monday evenings
5:30PM-7:30PM
in person in the Great Hall
and online via Zoom
PERFORMANCES
Perform in two end-of-semester concerts in the Great Hall, along with other special events.
JOIN US
Registration for 2024-2025 is now open! Please click here more information.