Madeleine Humer among new order of Canada appointees

Our founder and former Artistic Director, Madeleine Humer, has been listed among the new Order of Canada Appointees for her work as a mentor, music educator and conductor in the field of choral music.

In September, 2001, at the request of the Victoria Symphony, Madeleine Humer and interested friends and family laid the foundations for a community choir to sing in the Christmas Pops Concert that year, under the name Victoria Symphony Children’s Choir. More than 150 young singers auditioned!

Renamed the Victoria Children’s Choir the following season, the choir has since been invited to collaborate on a regular basis with the Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Victoria Choral Society, the Fretwork Viol Consort, and others. Now heading into its 24th season, the Victoria Children's Choir is a thriving organization, presenting regular concerts each season, and much in demand by other arts organizations and presenters of public events.

Madeleine - or Mad's as many of us know her - attended Norfolk House School (Glenlyon Norfolkf School, or GNS), where she found a love of music, especially singing. She subsequently became involved with the Conservatory of Music and Victoria Music Festivals. Madeleine went on to study music, first at UVIC, and then completed her music degree in Vienna, Austria at the Church Music School. Returning to Canada, Madeleine taught first at Cliffside Preparatory School in Shawnigan Lake, and then at Glenlyon School, and also worked with the Cathedral Choir.

After a time back in Austria, performing and teaching, in 1987 Madeleine returned to Canada, and has been a fixture in Victoria’s choral music scene ever since. Not only did Madeleine found the Victoria Children’s Choir, but she also worked tirelessly with the St. Christopher Singers at Christ Church Cathedral; the Linden Singers of Victoria; and the Cappricio Vocal Ensemble. In 2020, after 19 seasons, Madeleine Humer retired from the Victoria Children's Choir. In the fall of 2021, David Stratkauskas was appointed the new Artistic Director, and continues to serve in the role, taking the VCC to new heights. Madeleine's efforts and vision created this organization which continues to grow, and we hope will bring music to children for generations to come.

It is with great gratitude and appreciation for Madeleine that everyone at the VCC offers our most heartfelt congratulations on this very well deserved award.