The Saint John Chorale Bio
Step into the world of musical triumph with The Saint John Chorale, where each note is a testament to a legacy of lifelong dedication and artistic excellence. Established in the late ’80s and early ’90s under the visionary direction of Spencer Belyea, The Saint John Chorale stands as a beacon of choral mastery.
Founding and Revival: Director Spencer Belyea’s transformative leadership revived the “Saint John Choral Society,” merging the illustrious “Camerata” and “Cantus” chamber choirs to form The Saint John Chorale.
National Recognition and Awards: In 2023, The Saint John Chorale achieved national acclaim by winning the prestigious National Festival of Music. The choir emerged victorious in the Community Choirs – 19 and Over category, showcasing their unparalleled talent and commitment to musical excellence.
Dominating the NB Festival of Music: The Saint John Chorale has left an indelible mark on the NB Festival of Music, earning several distinguished awards:
- Thompson Choral Trophy: A testament to the choir’s exceptional artistry and dedication.
- Adult Choral Award: Recognizing The Saint John Chorale as a leading force among adult choirs.
- RCCO Sacred Plaque: Acknowledging the choir’s mastery in sacred choral music.
- Glennie Award: Bestowed upon The Saint John Chorale as the Festival’s most outstanding ensemble.
- Joyce Lumb Memorial Plaque: The choir’s inaugural honor for an outstanding performance of a Canadian choral composition.
Artistic Mastery: Members of The Saint John Chorale bring a wealth of life-long, formal music training and high-caliber performance experience. This collective expertise has been widely recognized, contributing to the choir’s reputation for artistic excellence.
Community Engagement and Christmas Gala: The Saint John Chorale’s annual Christmas Gala has become a cherished tradition, providing a platform for thousands of local singers, musicians, and dancers to showcase their talents to the delight of many citizens. This event exemplifies the choir’s commitment to fostering community spirit through the joy of music.
Inspiring Maestro and Cultural Legacy: The singers of The Saint John Chorale find inspiration in their exceptional, dynamic Maestro, Spencer Belyea. Under his leadership, the choir’s beautiful choral sound has become a noteworthy cultural legacy, a gift from its dedicated members and supporters.