The Vancouver City Singers was founded in 1952 as the Vancouver City Hall Choristers — a Christmas choir who entertained civic staff and visitors. Success fostered ambition, and the choir was soon singing year 'round. In 1975, the choir became the Vancouver City Singers, and began to branch out into a wide variety of musical and entertainment ventures. Formal concerts underpin each season, but the group also performs in a variety of venues from the carol ships to hospitals and seniors' residences.
The VCS has worked under a variety of conductors and generally prepares two to three programs per season. The four most recent conductors have been Teo Repel, Darryl Downton, Brigid Coult, John Trotter and our current conductor, Tom McPherson. The VCS has also performed with other choirs — for example, Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle in 1999 and Faure's Requiem in 2001 with the Richmond Chorus, and our 2003 Christmas concert with Phoenix Choir. A highlight of many seasons has been the Remembrance Day performance of grand works performed with the Canadian Memorial Chancel Choir and the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra. We are currently singing with Lumina Coast Choir.
The choir delights in presenting a varied repertoire, ranging from plainsong to vocal jazz, madrigals to classical, Canadian to international.