Summer Intensive Program: Choral
August 18-23, 2025
This initiative is made possible by funding from the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund through the Victoria Foundation.
This program offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in a mixed-voice chamber choral setting, enhance your singing abilities, and delve into music in a focused and captivating manner. Led by the esteemed instructor Brian Wismath, the program will culminate in a grand final performance, featuring the renowned Emily Carr String Quartet.
This year’s repertoire will showcase a newly commissioned work by the VCM, composed by the internationally acclaimed Canadian-Iranian composer Iman Habibi, alongside the Canadian premiere performance of Irish composer Libby Croad’s breathtaking, The Brontë Suite. Additionally, the Emily Carr String Quartet and composer Iman Habibi will host informative discussions with participants, providing insights into their craft and artistic process, including a Q&A session.
While the course is open to singers of all skill levels, it is strongly recommended that participants have prior experience singing with sheet music. Participants will receive a score package shortly after registering and are expected to prepare their music in advance of the first rehearsal.
Early Bird registration deadline: June 1, 2025
Final registration and bursary application deadline: July 15, 2025
Learn more
How to Register
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a 3.07% convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Fees and Deadlines
Early Bird Fee: $360 (including score package) + Library Resource Fee*
After June 1, 2025: $420 (including score package) + Library Resource Fee*
Early Bird registration deadline: June 1, 2025
Final registration and bursary application deadline: July 15, 2025
*A 1% Library Resource Fee is added to all Community School registrations to support the Victoria Conservatory Music Library and Archives, which is free to all students and the public. The library is in Room 113 and available online.
Some bursary assistance may be available. Applicants must comply with all deadlines and requirements. Late applicants will not be considered for financial assistance and additional application fees may apply.
Auditing
Auditing: $100 (including score package)
Registration deadline: July 15, 2025
Please note: auditors observe, they do not sing.
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a 3.07% convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Repertoire
Hear My Prayer – Felix Mendelssohn
Ubi Caritas – Maurice Duruflé
Earth Song – Frank Ticheli
Dark & Luminous Night – Ola Gjeilo
Libertango – Astor Piazzolla
The Brontë Suite – Libby Croad * Canadian Premiere
Newly commissioned piece – Iman Habibi
Dates and Daily Schedule
Daytime Choir
Monday, August 18 – Friday, August 22
12:30pm-2:45pm
Evening Choir
Monday, August 18 – Wednesday, August 20
5:30pm-7:45pm
Both Choirs
Thursday, Aug 21
5:30pm-7:45pm (with strings)
Friday, Aug 22
5:30pm-7:45pm (with strings)
Saturday, August 23
10am-12pm (with strings)
3:00pm-4:30pm – dress rehearsal
6:30pm – call time
7:00pm – concert
Location
All programs will take place onsite at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (900 Johnson Street) in downtown Victoria. There are many cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores within walking distance.
Faculty
Brian Wismath, Artistic Director and Conductor
Wendy Stofer, Accompanist
Faculty to be announced. Faculty subject to change.
Concert
Saturday, August 23 at 7:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall (entrance at 900 Johnson Street)
The Fine Print
Please note: all fees must be paid in full by the registration deadline (excluding those waiting on the result of their bursary application).
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Those awaiting acceptance (where applicable) or the results of their bursary application are encouraged to contact us directly to register.
Contact
Victoria Conservatory of Music Front Desk
250.386.5311 | info[at]vcm.bc.ca