Vancouver Bach Choir

The Vancouver Bach Choir is an adult symphonic choir that performs concerts at the Orpheum Theatre and other venues across Metro Vancouver.

(Note: The choir is unrelated to the Vancouver Bach Festival which was a music festival hosted by Early Music Vancouver that featured music from a variety of composers in the summer.)

The Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs

Founded in 1930, the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs is one of the largest choral groups in the Lower Mainland. It provides training to around 500 members and performs both new and traditional pieces.

The Vancouver Bach Choir is a part of the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs. It’s an adult ensemble and one of the largest symphonic choirs in Canada. Maestro Leslie Dala is the current conductor and music director.

Vancouver Bach Choir performances are regularly held at the Orpheum Theatre at 601 Smithe Street in downtown Vancouver. The different choirs are also often invited to perform at special events around the Lower Mainland including at Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Bach Choir Events

Below are some of the Vancouver Bach Choir events scheduled for the fall and Christmas seasons of 2026.

Christopher Tin’s The Lost Birds

November 14th, 2026 – a choral tribute to extinct birds at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church at 7:30 pm.

Christmas With The Bach Choir

December 6th, 2026 – a festive event featuring performances by nine choirs at 2:00 pm at the Orpheum Theatre.

Handel’s Messiah

December 12th, 2026 – the Vancouver Bach Choir performs the timeless holiday piece at 7:30 pm at the Orpheum Theatre.

Bach Choir Programs

Within the Bach Family of Choirs there are groups for both adults and children. These programs include eight different ensembles for varying ages and skill levels.

Adult Programs

The Vancouver Bach Choir’s symphonic choir is one of the programs offered for adults. They perform the mainstage events at the Orpheum Theatre

The first Vancouver Bach Choir concert was held at the Orpheum nine decades ago. Since then the group has grown to become a world-renowned choir that has performed around the world. In the past they’ve sung at festivals and concerts in countries such as Holland, Poland, France, England, Wales and Japan, as well as at venues all across Canada.

The Sarabande Choir is a program for Bach Choir alumni and young adults. It’s intended for advanced-level singers. The Choir’s 24 members often perform at the seasonal Vancouver Bach Chamber Choir and Youth Choir concerts as well as at Vancouver’s official Remembrance Day Ceremonies, in addition to their own individual concerts.

Children and Youth Choirs

The Vancouver Bach Children’s Chorus was founded by Bruce Pullan and Joyce Maguire in 1984. The Children’s Choir has recorded several CD’s and done tours across both Europe and North America. They also perform with the adult Bach Choir at certain events.

There are five different choir groups that children can join. Piccolo, the youngest group, is comprised of students in kindergarten up to grade 2. Toccatas is for children in grades 3 and 4. Partitas is for grades 3 to 7 and was created specifically for families on the East side of Vancouver. Chorales is for older children, from grades 5 to 8, and the Chorus is the oldest group, comprised of children between grades 6 and 10.

All the children’s choirs, except for the Piccolo group, are invited to perform at the seasonal concerts during Christmas time, spring and summer.

The Vancouver Bach Youth Choir is open to girls older than grade 10 and boys once their voices drop. They perform in the Christmas, spring and summer concerts. They are also invited to perform at the City of Vancouver’s Remembrance Day ceremonies with the Sarabande.