Laudate Singers is a professional-level chamber choir based on Vancouver’s North Shore. The choir usually performs at West Vancouver United Church.
On December 14th in 2024, the Laudate Singers choir hosts two free Christmas concerts. The first takes place at 2:00 pm at West Vancouver Memorial Library, while the second happens at 4:00 pm at St. Andrew’s United Church in North Vancouver.
Laudate Singers
Laudate Singers is a chamber choir based on the North Shore. Lars Kaario founded the group in 1995. To this day, Lars remains the choir’s Artistic Director. The choir consists of about 14 members. Together, they are a professional-level chamber choir. The group celebrates Canadian choral music with various concerts in the Lower Mainland. Some are free and others are ticketed.
The choir is an impressive group. In fact, it has released several critically-acclaimed records over the years. The choir also mentors young composers and collaborates with other talented singers and musicians.
Paragon Singers
Paragon Singers is a newer choir that formed in 2021. It is also under the umbrella of Laudate Singers Society and is directed by Lars Kaario. However, Paragon Singers is an intermediate-level choir. It is also a much larger group, with about 60 members. All singers in this second choir have at least some previous choral experience, and they had to complete an informal audition to join the group. Paragon Singers performs a variety of different choral works, including well-known pieces and shorter works.
Choir Concerts
For its 2024-2025 season, Laudate Singers Society’s choirs has three regular series concerts, two community outreach concerts, and a gala fundraiser. Dates and details are below.
A Night At The Opera
October 26, 2024
A Night At The Opera is a gala fundraising event on October 26th in 2024. It takes place at Seymour Golf and Country Club, located at 3723 Mt Seymour Parkway in North Vancouver. Doors open at 5:45 pm and the event features live performances by the Laudate Singers and Paragon Singers along with special guests. Dinner is included with admission. Tickets cost $125 per person.
An Italian Baroque Christmas
November 30, 2024
A Christmas-themed concert takes place on November 30th in 2024. The event features the Laudate Singers, Paragon Singers, Baroque Orchestra and a few soloists. Expect to hear Vivaldi’s Magnificat, Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and more. The concert happens at West Vancouver United Church at 2602 Esquimalt Avenue in West Vancouver. Tickets to attend the show cost $45 for adults, $40 for seniors, and $15 for everyone under the age of 35. A livestream of the event is also available to watch from home for $25.
Free Family Christmas Concerts
December 14, 2024
There are two free concerts to enjoy over the holiday season in 2024. They both take place on December 14th, but at different times and venues. The first show of the day runs at 2:00 pm at the West Vancouver Memorial Library (1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver). Then the second show takes place at 4:00 pm at St. Andrew’s United Church (1044 St Georges Avenue, North Vancouver). The concerts are festive and family-friendly, and all ages are welcome.
Passion: A Farewell Note
March 2, 2025
The Laudate Singers continue their 2024-2025 season with a concert showcasing the works of Bruce Sled, Chris Sivak, Bruckner, MacMillan and many more. The event takes place at 3:00 pm on March 2nd in 2025. It’s held at the West Vancouver United Church located at 2062 Esquimalt Avenue. Admission costs $15 for ages 35 and under, and either $35 or $40 for everyone else. The event can also be viewed live online for $20.
A French Affair
April 12, 2025
The final event of the current season happens on April 12th in 2025. It features the Laudate Singers, Paragon Singers, Baroque Orchestra, and other guests. The show begins at 3:00 pm at West Vancouver United Church. Online viewing is available for $25. Tickets to attend the show cost $15 for ages 35 and under, $40 for seniors, and $45 for adults.
Laudate Choir Video
For an idea of what the choir sounds like, check out the video below. It shows scenes from one of their concerts at West Vancouver United Church in 2024.
Other Information
To learn more about the choir, see the laudatesingers.com website.
Note: Laudate Singers Society is grateful to live and work on the traditional unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Laudate Singers Society gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver through the Arts & Culture Grants Program of the North Vancouver Recreation & Culture Commission. It also gratefully acknowledges the District of West Vancouver through the district’s community grant programs, the Province of BC, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
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