Winnipeg Male Chorus History

Winnipeg Male Chorus History
The history of the chorus may be traced back to the Men’s Music Club which started in 1916 with a male quartet. Over the years, membership has fluctuated around 30 In 1960, a men’s group assumed the name of Metro Male Chorus. In 1974, the choir took on the current name of Winnipeg Male Chorus. During these years the aim of the chorus has been to promote close rich four part harmony in a variety of choral genres.

From 1970 until 2004, the chorus belonged to The Associated Male Choruses of America which consisted of about 57 choruses. Every year about 18 male choruses from the Upper Mid-West District consisting of Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Saskatchewan, North-Western Ontario and Manitoba would gather for a “Big Sing”. For 3 days 500 men would make music culminating in a final concert. Winnipeg hosted this event in April 1964, 1970, 1988 and 2000.

Although the chorus’s home is in Winnipeg, the chorus often promotes musical events in Manitoba. In the past, weekend trips have been made to various Manitoba centres including Morris, Morden, Pilot Mount, Killarney, Souris, Brandon, Minnedosa, Thompson, MacGregor, Gladstone, Oakbank, Portage La Prairie, Fairhome Colony, Beausejour, Dugald, Selkirk, Inwood, Grand Rapids MB, and Kenora(Ont).

Over the years, the Chorus has been professional directed by talented conductors. From 1960 to 1966, Barry Anderson conducted the chorus. He was followed by Clayton Lee and Herbert Holland 1966-7, James Whan 1967-8, and Archie Stone 1968-77. Gordon McNabb was the conductor from 1980 to 1993. Ann Koop-Hunsberger directed the chorus from 1993 to 2005. Helen Bergen assumed the directorship in 2005 and continues to provide energetic and enthusiastic leadership to the group.

The Chorus has been very fortunate in having Amanda Hahn-Tomchuk (B.Mus.), as accompanist since 1995.

The chorus has produced two recordings, the “ A Gift of Song” and “Sing Nowel” which are available on request.