Announcing our New Artistic Director!

Victoria Children’s Choir is delighted to announce the appointment of David Stratkauskas as Artistic Director.

David has been with the VCC for 11 years and has been the acting Concert Choir Conductor since October 2021. Under his leadership the Concert Choir has flourished, the new Youth Ensemble has continued to expand, and the collaborative artistic environment within our organization has been cultivated and enhanced.

David brings a wealth of experience to the VCC. A native of Vancouver, David completed his MA in Music Theory at the University of British Columbia, working under the notable theorist, Dr. William Benjamin. During and after his university studies, he was active as an organist and choir director, collaborative pianist and accompanist (working with such choirs as the Surrey Children’s Choir and the Vancouver Bach Children’s Choir), a jazz pianist, and a conductor of new music, appearing in festivals such as Sonic Boom. In 2003, David moved to London, where he was organist at St Michael's Battersea and St Mary Stoke Newington. In London he also worked as a choral conductor, jazz pianist, and teacher.

David returned to Canada in 2010 to take the position of Director of Music at the Church of St John the Divine, Victoria, where he has helped build a vibrant music programme with several choirs and a thriving Choral and Organ Scholarship program. David has directed the St John's Chamber Singers and the Victoria Baroque Players in numerous performances of great Baroque works. He has worked with the Victoria Children's Choir since 2011, including directing the Concert Choir in 2014-15, with whom he toured Holland. In April 2022 David was also appointed Artistic Director of Vox Humana.

On behalf of all the Board and VCC staff, we congratulate David on this new and exciting official position, and look forward to many wonderful years of his vision and leadership.