Elektra Photo:
Photo Credit: Collide Entertainment
Elektra Bio:
Elektra
Since its founding in 1987 in Vancouver, Canada, Elektra has emerged as a pioneering force among adult treble-voice choirs. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Morna Edmundson, Elektra is celebrated for its daring and imaginative programming, coupled with outstanding performances. The choir’s excellence has been recognised with multiple national awards, and Elektra has had the honour of performing at esteemed choral conferences worldwide.
Elektra is steadfast in its mission to champion Canadian composers and expand the boundaries of choral repertoire. Over the past three decades, the choir has commissioned and premiered more than 100 compositions and arrangements, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the choral community.
A standout achievement for Elektra is the release of Snewíyalh tl’a Staḵw (Teachings of the Water), an 18-minute music video that delves into the water teachings of British Columbia’s First Nations cultures. This innovative project, born from a three-year collaboration with First Nations communities, was envisioned by Co-Curator and ethnomusicologist Dr Jeanette Gallant. Featuring lyrics in the Squamish language and music by Métis-Canadian composer Patrick Carrabré, this work highlights Elektra’s dedication to cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
Beyond live performances, Elektra offers an array of digital experiences through its YouTube channel, which boasts a rich collection of individual videos, curated playlists, and concerts. The ensemble’s extensive discography is available on all major streaming platforms, and Elektra’s website is a treasure trove of resources for choirs and conductors, providing repertoire inspiration and educational materials.
Artistic Director Photo:
Photo Credit: Emily Cooper
Artistic Director Bio:
Morna Edmundson
Morna Edmundson is one of Canada’s best-known choral conductors with a strong reputation for excellence. Passionate since childhood about choral singing, she obtained degrees and diplomas in vocal music in Vancouver, Bellingham, and Stockholm, Sweden where her teachers included Eric Ericson.
In 1987, she co-founded Elektra Women’s Choir with Diane Loomer, a treasured partnership that lasted 22 years. In 2009, Morna became Elektra’s sole Artistic Director, continuing the choir’s strong leadership role in concert presentation, commissioning, recording, and mentorship.
In addition to her work with Elektra, Morna is the Artistic Director of EnChor, a Vancouver-based, auditioned, mixed choir for mature voices. For 14 years Morna shared her love of quality repertoire with a new generation of singers in her role as Associate Artistic Director of Coastal Sound Music Academy, where she was Music Director of the mixed-voice Youth Chamber Choir.
Morna has adjudicated in North America and Asia, conducted honour choirs in several states, co-directed the American Choral Directors Association National Women’s Honour Choir, and gives frequent workshops with choirs of all ages.
In 2000 she was presented with the Healey Willan Award for outstanding service to the BC Choral Federation, an organization she serves as a member of the Willan Council. In February 2009 Morna was a recipient of the BC Community Achievement Award, which recognized her gifted organizational talent, leadership by example, and her encouragement of others to pursue their musical and choral goals. In June 2011 Morna received a Vancouver YWCA Woman of Distinction award in recognition of her work with Elektra. For nine years, she served as a Board member of Chorus America, the advocacy, research, and leadership development organization that gives voice to the choral field. In 2021, she was appointed as President of Choral Canada, and in May of 2023 Morna was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters at the University of British Columbia.