the Island Consort

The Island Consort Chamber Choir is a 20-voice community chamber choir that first appeared in concert in late April 2007. Its repertoire is varied and loosely “classical”, focusing on sacred and secular music of the Late Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The Island Consort Chamber Choir produces two programs per year, often performing each one twice. One is held in Nanaimo; the other either north or south of the city. To date, performances have been held at St. Mark's Anglican Church and St. Stephen's United Church in Qualicum Beach, Chemainus United Church, Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery, and Gabriola Island.  The choir has performed pieces by Byrd, Tallis, Weelkes, Poulenc, Lauridsen, Des Prez, Mozart, Rutter, Bach, Britten, Taverner, Rachmaninov, Tavener, Whitacre, Palestrina, Monteverdi and many others.

The group is directed by Bruce Farquharson who has been involved with musical groups in Nanaimo since 1977.  He has been Vocal Director for 6 community Broadway Musicals, he has played trumpet with and also been Musical Director of the Nanaimo Concert Band, and is currently a cellist with the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra.  Before becoming Musical Director of The Island Consort Chamber Choir, he directed the Nanaimo Tidesmen Barbershop Chorus for over 7 years and also the chamber choir, A Cappella Plus, for over 14 years.

The Island Consort Chamber Choir rehearses Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30. This is an auditioned group with considerable musical and choral experience, one that aspires to a higher standard of performance. Prospective members may audition from time to time as positions come open.

Director: Bruce Farquharson

Island Consort Society President: Don Butt

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