Elektra Photo:
Photo Credit: Collide Entertainment
Elektra Bio:
Elektra
Founded in 1987 in Vancouver, Canada by Dr. Diane Loomer and Dr. Morna Edmundson, Elektra has emerged as a pioneering force among adult treble-voice choirs. Guided for 38 years by the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Morna Edmundson – who retired in 2025 – Elektra is celebrated for its daring and imaginative programming, coupled with outstanding performances. In 2025, Cassie Luftspring was appointed as Artistic Director to continue Elektra’s legacy of excellence. The choir’s achievements have been recognized with multiple national awards and invitations to perform 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:
Cassie Luftspring
Cassie Luftspring is a multi-talented musician with a passion for conducting, composing, singing, and playing the piano. In addition to her role with Elektra, she serves as the Artistic Director of the British Columbia Girls Choir.
Throughout her career, Cassie has held conducting positions with a variety of prestigious organizations, including the Vancouver Youth Choir, Vancouver Children’s Choir, Toronto Children’s Chorus, and many more. She is the former Director of Choral Studies at the Vancouver Academy of Music. As a professional choral singer, she leads the soprano section of the Vancouver Bach Choir and has performed with renowned groups such as the Vancouver Chamber Choir and musica intima.
Cassie’s talent as a composer has been recognized through her seven wins in the Amadeus Choir’s Songwriting Competition, and her compositions and arrangements have been commissioned and performed by ensembles across North America.
A highly accomplished scholar, Cassie has received numerous academic awards, including the Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. In April 2025, Cassie was named a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She holds a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the University of Toronto and a degree in piano and composition from Queen’s University.