Huronia's Choral Jewel

Serenata's on a Mission!

Serenata Choir was formed to provide quality choral music for our Huronia district. A love of music and performance unites members of the choir and provides an enjoyable learning opportunity for amateur singers in our community.

Choir Activities

Our choir is known as Huronia’s Choral Jewel! Membership is open to all adults in the community. We are always pleased to welcome new members.

Our repertoire includes, in addition to classical choral compositions, music adapted for choral presentation from jazz, folk, blues, rock, Broadway and popular music.

We respond to requests from the community to perform in support of charity and other local initiatives. Serenata has performed at Canadian actor Tom Jackson’s “Singing for Supper” national tour (at Penetanguishene's King's Wharf Theater) which raised more than $10,000.00 for the Salvation Army Family Service.

We are governed by a volunteer Board (of 8 members) whose mandate is to maintain a balance between artistic priorities and fiscal responsibility.

In order to provide quality choral performances to the community at affordable prices, we raise funds to support choir expenses through business advertising, an annual silent auction and by attracting corporate and individual sponsors.

History

Serenata Choir was organized by a small group of choral devotees in 1987. Rehearsals and performances were held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Midland under the direction of Susan Richardson. Jill Northy directed the choir from 1989 to 1999 when Gary Heard became the artistic director.

Over the years Serenata has featured some of North Simcoe’s finest talents including internationally acclaimed sopranos Jessica Lalonde and Victoria Thompson, organists, violinists, string ensembles, brass ensembles, folk groups and children’s choirs. Serenata has grown to be a regional choir with members from Midland, Penetanguishene, Victoria Harbor and from as far away as Toronto.

We rehearse every Monday evening in Midland and present two major concerts each year. These performances often include professional vocal soloists and orchestras. In addition the choir participates in an annual Valentine’s Gala. Additional performances at various community events occur at the discretion of our director.