30th Anniversary Concert

Warmest welcome to Elektra Women’s Choir’s 30th Anniversary Gala concert. We are thrilled to share our music and the artistry of our guest artists, particularly that of the incomparable soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian.

Elektra’s mandate is to inspire and lead in the choral art form through excellence in performance and the creation, exploration, and celebration of women’s repertoire. Since 1987, we have been part of a global surge in interest in women’s choral singing.  Through this work, we have been fortunate to have forged strong bonds of friendship with conductors and choirs from around the world who share our vision of a higher level of artistry and recognition for women’s choirs. Together, we have changed and continue to change the landscape.

Tonight’s repertoire has roots in and references to the ancient and modern cultures of Greece, Armenia, Persia, and Lebanon, inspired by the suite of Armenian hymns spanning 1400 years that you will hear in the first half of the program. Our opening and closing works are world premieres. As the concert progresses, I encourage you to follow the notes and translations in this program.  When you get home, if you haven’t discovered it already, I encourage you to read the Listener’s Guide on the 30^th Anniversary Gala Concert page of elektra.ca.

A choir does not arrive at a 30^th Anniversary celebration without the sustained hard work and commitment of many skilled and passionate people. My deepest thanks go to every one of the Elektra singers past and present, to our board members, staff members, volunteers, and generous supporters including individuals and governments.  Your trust sustains this vision and makes the music possible.