The DaCapo Chamber Choir Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization and registered charity dedicated to the performance and promotion of contemporary choral music, with a special focus on Canadian and local composers. Founded in 1998 in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, the choir operates under the leadership of director Leonard Enns and is recognized for its commitment to the highest standards of public performance and innovation in choral arts[1][2][4].

History and Mission

Since its establishment, DaCapo Chamber Choir has been devoted to exploring unaccompanied choral music, primarily from the 20th century onwards. The organization places a strong emphasis on Canadian repertoire, championing works by Canadian composers and fostering the creation of new choral compositions through its annual national NewWorks choral competition. This competition has played a significant role in supporting emerging Canadian composers and enriching the country’s choral music scene[1][2][4].

Activities and Performances

DaCapo’s performance season typically includes three annual concerts held in the Kitchener-Waterloo area: a fall concert around Remembrance Day, a mid-winter concert, and a spring concert. The choir also takes part in other events on an ad hoc basis and collaborates with various musicians, ensembles, and composers. Notable collaborations have included partnerships with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Elora Festival Singers, and other regional musical groups[2].

Recordings and Awards

The choir has produced two notable recordings: Still and the award-winning ShadowLand. The latter received the 2010 National Choral Recording Award from the Association of Canadian Choral Communities. The choir has also earned recognition in national competitions, achieving first place in the Contemporary Choral Music category and second place in the Chamber Choir category at the 2011 National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs[2][4].

Educational and Community Outreach

In addition to performances, DaCapo supports the broader choral community and young talent through initiatives like the Young Composers Reading Session, which nurtures emerging composers by providing opportunities to have their works performed and heard. The organization’s NewWorks competition, which concluded in 2021/22 after more than a decade, was instrumental in commissioning and promoting new Canadian choral compositions[1][4].

Organizational Status

DaCapo Chamber Choir Inc. is a registered Canadian charity (Business Registration Number 867968703RR0001), adhering to Canada Revenue Agency regulations. Its charitable status supports its mission to foster high-quality contemporary choral music and engage audiences with innovative and meaningful performances[4].

This choir is known for its visionary approach and the distinctive experience it offers, aiming to create a collective musical journey rather than merely presenting music to an audience. This approach has earned it praise as one of the leading choirs in the region[4].