Who We Are
The Toronto Children's Chorus (TCC) is a vibrant musical community that has been nurturing young voices for generations. Founded in 1978 by Jean Ashworth Bartle C.M., O.Ont. and subsequently led by Artistic Directors Elise Bradley, MNZM (2007-2021) and Dr. Zimfira Poloz (2022-present), the TCC has been a cornerstone of choral excellence in Toronto and Canada for over 45 years.
Throughout its illustrious history, the Chorus has graced world-renowned stages including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and The Dom in Salzburg. As choral ambassadors, the TCC has represented Canada on 32 international tours and seven national tours. The TCC has also earned accolades at several prestigious competitions, including the International Eisteddfod in Wales, the Let the Peoples Sing competition in Europe, the CBC National Radio Competition, and the International Choral Kathaumixw. The Chorus regularly collaborates with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, a partnership that celebrates the enduring connection and shared musical heritage between these two key institutions in the city's arts scene. Now, as the TCC celebrates its 46th concert season, it continues to build on a legacy of musical achievement and international recognition.
Through exceptional choral training and performance experiences, we inspire growth, teamwork, and artistic excellence. We foster collaboration, peer leadership, self-discipline, creativity and a lifelong passion for music.
The Toronto Children’s Chorus consists of seven choirs: four Training Choirs ages 6-12 (Spirito, Pasio, Anima, and Coro), and three Main Choirs ages 12-18 (Cantare, Chorealis, and Chamber).
TCC Timeline
1978
Founding
1979
1982
First international performance
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
The Toronto Children’s Chorus was founded in 1978 by Jean Ashworth Bartle, at the request of the
Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
In the October of 1978, the TCC performed in Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, conducted by Sir. Andrew Davis, at Meridian Hall.
In the February of 1979, the TCC performed in Carmina Burana, conducted by Klaus Tennstedt, at Meridian Hall.
The Chorus first walked onto the international stage in 1982, winning the coveted first prize at the
International Eisteddfod in Wales.
In the April of 1983, the TCC performed in Carmina Burana, conducted by Elmer Iseler, at Roy Thomson Hall.
In the February of 1984, the Chorus performed in Mahler's Symphony No. 3, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, at Roy Thomson Hall.
The Chorus set out on an international tour to Germany, Italy, Yugoslavia, and Switzerland.
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In the October of 1984, the Chorus performed in Schuman's Concerto, Violin, in D minor and Davis' Chansons Innocentes, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, at Roy Thomson Hall.
The TCC embarks on another international tour to Chicago, Illinois
In the October of 1985, the TCC performed in Bach's Matthäus-Passion, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, at Roy Thomson Hall.
The Chorus performed two times this year under the baton of Sir Andrew Davis (including Holst's The Planets), and once under Nurhan Arman (Vaughn Williams' English Folksong Suite), at Roy Thomson Hall.
The TCC embarks on their first national tour to Western Canada
The TCC embarks on an international tour to San Antonio, Texas