The National Youth Choir of Canada brings their tour to Courtenay<\/p>\n
Published 5:30 am Saturday, April 18, 2026<\/p>\n
The National Youth Choir of Canada, one of Choral Canada\u2019s flagship programs, brings together some of the country\u2019s best emerging choral singers ages 19 to 26 for a once-in-a-lifetime professional development opportunity.<\/p>\n
After a week-long rehearsal intensive, the ensemble will embark on a tour of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, and will be making a stop in the Comox Valley for a concert on May 11 at 7 p.m. at St. George\u2019s United Church.<\/p>\n
Under the direction of Guest Conductor Dr. Julia Davids, the choir\u2019s 2026 programme will explore the rich diversity of the human voice and its deep connections to culture, identity, emotion, and storytelling, featuring the premiere of a specially-commissioned work by BC composer Katerina Gimon.<\/p>\n
Audiences will soon experience the artistry and energy that has shaped generations of young singers across the country. For Aidan Reimer, a local NYCC alum, the impact was lasting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe National Youth Choir of Canada is such an incredible group to get to be a part of. You meet friends and collaborators from all over the country and you get to create unmatched music as a team. It\u2019s hard to put into words the feeling you get when you combine an incredible level of musicianship, a group of people coming together for a good time and not a long time, as well as people who are all there for one shared goal. Magic, maybe. Needless to say I will never forget my time with the NYCC!\u201d said Reimer.<\/p>\n
Community members are also invited to take part in a choral workshop led by Dr. Davids on the same day as the concert. The workshop will take place at 1:30 p.m. at St. George\u2019s United Church, offering participants a unique opportunity to learn and sing under her direction. The cost is $20 per person and can be added to your order when purchasing concert tickets.<\/p>\n