About Us

Bel Canto Singers at 30: Join us for our 30th anniversary season!

Under the tutelage of Music Director Michael Morgan and together with new Collaborative Pianist Matthew Coons, Bel Canto Singers presents two major concerts per year, in May and December. For 30 years we have entertained audiences with a varied repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary, opera choruses to folk songs, and Broadway show tunes to spirituals. When Bel Canto was founded in 1993, the founding members envisaged a community choir that would provide fun and fellowship as well as excellence in singing for experienced and committed choristers. We continue in that tradition today.

No matter how tired or blue I am when I arrive at choir, when I leave, I am walking on air. Marlene

The choir meets weekly on Tuesday evenings 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd. at Scarborough Golf Club Rd. Performances are likewise held at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, as well as at a variety of other locations, where we perform to benefit other audiences and charitable causes two or three times a year. Bel Canto also collects donations at its concerts that are passed on to worthy charities, most notably Kids Help Phone.

Volunteers are Bel Canto’s strength, starting with a volunteer Board made up of choir members and friends of the choir. In addition, all functions necessary for the smooth running of rehearsals are performed by volunteers, from setting up and taking down chairs each week, to setting up sound equipment, to arranging for a snack at rehearsal break time.

I find singing with this very congenial group of talented singers to be a challenging experience, one which is above all joyously uplifting. Beverley

 

Concerts are also a busy time, as choir members pitch in to set up the performance space, bake cookies and squares, and help where help is needed. Choir members are also mainly responsible for ticket sales, with family and friends making up the majority of our regular audience.

Our popular workshops are aimed at improving aspects of our singing, such as breathing, tone quality, ear training, sight reading, and rhythms. These events have proven so enjoyable, we have begun calling them the “fun” shops!

The choir plans a number of social events throughout the year, including pre-rehearsal dinners, post-concert gatherings, and a banquet.

The heart of our group, however, is singing. That is what inspires us and what brings us together. We love to share our love of singing.

Our Vision

 

Inspired by love of singing and the joy of community, we strive to delight audiences with our unique approach and beautiful “bel canto” sound.

Our Mission

Diverse community members, who share a passion for singing and a strong sense of fun, work together to improve our vocal abilities. We present a varied choral repertoire in imaginative programs to entertain our audiences while supporting our local community.

 

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Bel Canto Singers has established a sponsorship program for those who would like to support us financially. Our four aptly named categories represent different levels of support. Sponsors will be recognized in both concert programs for a given season and here on our website.

 2023–2024 SEASON SUPPORTERS

FORTISSIMO $150+

Anonymous

Linda Cahill

SFORZANDO $100 to $149

Kam Adams

CANTABILE $75 to $99

ANDANTE  $50 to $74 

Marion Allen

How to Become a Supporter:

If you would like to become a Bel Canto Singers supporter, please contact Linda Cahill at

 

Bel Canto Singers Board of Directors 2023-2024

President: Linda Cahill

Vice President and Publicity: Kam Adams

Acting Secretary: Veronica Psotka

Treasurer: Doug Gough

Music Librarian: Beth Markle

Membership Secretary: Judy Worsley

Production Manager: Heather Mackie

Social Convenor: Nellie Francis

Join Us

Are you an experienced chorister, especially a tenor or bass? We want to hear from you!

Learn More

1 month ago

Bel Canto Singers
Bel Canto Singers is pleased to announce the arrival of our new accompanist, Matthew Coons, an award-winning pianist and organist who since 2014 has been the principal accompanist for the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. Matthew studied at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, and has served as organist at a number of churches in Toronto including Grace Church on-the-Hill, Runnymede United Church, and Dewi Sant Welsh United Church. Matthew replaces Jacqueline Mokrzewski, who left Bel Canto Singers at the end of 2023 after many years of service. Welcome, Matthew! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 months ago

Bel Canto Singers
Some members of Bel Canto attended the “Exchange” workshop, organized by the Toronto Mendelssohn choir on February 3. There were over 50 choirs from across Ontario represented. It was a great day of learning and singing together! ... See MoreSee Less
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4 months ago

Bel Canto Singers
Just four days left until our Christmas concert; buy your tickets now for our matinee or evening show! ... See MoreSee Less
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4 months ago

Bel Canto Singers
Bel Canto Singers had the pleasure of performing with the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra last Saturday for their Christmas concert; great show, great audience! ... See MoreSee Less
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5 months ago

Bel Canto Singers
Our Christmas concert is fast-approaching, with songs ranging from Rutter's Star Carol to Gordon Lightfoot's Song for a Winter's Night. Concerts at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16th; get your tickets now! ... See MoreSee Less
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Artistic Team

Michael MorganMusic Director

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with concurrent studies in Piano and Music Education, Michael began a career in music that would not only involve performing on various opera and music theatre stages but also expand to include teaching, composition and choral conducting.

The Queensmen of Toronto Male Chorus marked the first chapter in Michael's development as choral conductor, a position which sparked collaborations with the Mississauga Festival Choir, Cawthra Park Secondary School Choirs, DareArts and the Festival of Friends. Since then, he's accepted various opportunities working with community choirs across the GTA and Durham Region, and in so doing, moved gradually away from performing in favour of choral conducting.

Most recently, Michael co-founded Resound, a mixed-voice auditioned choir in Durham Region performing contemporary and traditional repertoire. Also in Durham, he conducted the County Town Singers, directed the young people's music theatre productions of The Music Man and Shrek: the Musical with Oshawa Little Theatre and Crazy for You with Whitby Courthouse Theatre. He also established a program in coordination with SASS wherein student songwriters’ works were arranged for mixed chorus and performed locally. Excellence in music making, music as community building, and fostering and promoting emerging talent are key priorities for Michael, whose love of sharing music is evident in all his undertakings. Today, almost 30 years later, Michael is thrilled to be the latest Music Director for the Bel Canto Singers.

Never one to be professionally idle, Michael rounds out his schedule as the Music Director for St. Paul's United Church in Ajax where he also maintains a private teaching studio and is the Manager of Operations with the AIDS Committee of Durham Region. In all his spare time he loves to cook, bake, read and watch movies with his wife and son.

Matthew CoonsCollaborative Pianist

Matthew Coons is an award-winning pianist and organist. Since 2014 he has been the Principal Accompanist for the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. Matthew studied at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, and has served as Organist at a number of churches in Toronto including Grace Church On-The-Hill, Runnymede United Church, and Dewi Sant Welsh United Church.