The Coquitlam Chorale Society, established by Ray Thompson in 1967, has been bringing music to British Columbia for more than 50 years. The Society consists of two vocal ensembles, "The Coquitlam Chorale", a 55-voice, non-auditioned, community choir that combines the love of great singing in a friendly rehearsal atmosphere with excellent community service; and "Concordia," a more advanced 16-voice
, auditioned ensemble recently established in 2022. Justin Maller, our Director began his first season in the Coquitlam Chorale in September 2004. Justin and his family have been involved in music in the lower mainland for many years. He is a graduate of the UBC music program and is presently the Musical Theatre Director of Education at Gleneagle Secondary School in Coquitlam. Justin has been involved with many groups and productions in the Vancouver area, including University Singers Choir at UBC and the Vancouver Cantata Singers. The Chorale is delighted to have Justin as our Director, following in the footsteps of Ray Thompson and Hope McLatchy, both of whom gave fifteen years of wonderful service to the Chorale. Lorna Yeates, our wonderful pianist, studied piano and harpsichord at UBC. Along with a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Music, she also completed her ARCT in piano pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of
Music. She enjoys work as a church musician and independent piano teacher and is a retired music teacher in District 43 and had the pleasure of directing school choirs, bell choir and District 43
Children's Choir. After singing with the Chorale for several years, she now enjoys working collaboratively with the choir as pianist. Lorna has worked in this role since 2001 (and they haven't figured out how to get rid of her yet!). The Chorale's repertoire covers a broad spectrum from standard classical music through works by contemporary Canadian composers, and even new modern recently released music, adapted to SATB format in all styles and rhythms. The Chorale is a member of the B.C. Choral Federation. The Choir groups rehearse from September until May and all are welcome to audition; the Chorale's philosophy is embodied in the diversity of the choir, so auditioning limits very few - most are encouraged to try. The only limitations are based on a good balance in four part singing.
