Manitoba Choral Association Inc

Manitoba Choral Association Inc

Manitoba Choral Association Inc. Founded in 1976 as the Manitoba Choral Directors' Association, part of the MMEA, it changed its name and established its independance in 1981. The objectives of the organization were to advance the knowledge and appreciation of and stimulate interest and skill in the choral arts by the presentation of workshops, the publication of a newsletter, the provision of advisory services and personnel, promoting opportunities for young singers, encouraging the publication of choral music by Manitoba composers and the performance of Candian choral works, and the encouragement of national and interntional co-operation in the choral arts. Regional activities have included church and community workshops, choral festivals, workshops for adult and junior choristers, and youth choirs such as the Western Manitoba Youth Choir and the Central Manitoba Youth Choir. On a provincial scale the association has sponsored the Manitoba Youth Choir which began in 1981, the provincial choral conferences which became Choralfest Manitoba in 1987, and choral conductors workshops, and it operates a choral library.

The assn has commissioned and or published music by such composers as Chester Duncan, Remi Bouchard, Neil Harris, Sid Robinovitch, Linda Schwartz, and Peter Allen.

The Manitoba Choral Association began publishing a newsletter in 1981, titled The MCA Voice 1981-2, Manitoba Choral Assocation Newsletter 1982-9, and beginning in 1990, Manitoba Sings! Other publications have included a 1986 special issue of the newsletter entitled A Provincial Choral History which includes a history of the assn, the history of many Manitoba choirs, and biographies of individuals who had been prominent in choral music in the province.