Warm wishes and welcomes for our Season 14 Artistic Team.

For the 2014-2015 season, our choristers will get to experience the talents of two exceptional “new” leaders – while our founder and Artistic Director explores new (and old) music, near and far.

As we continue to stretch our boundaries of singing and performing in Victoria, our Artistic Director, Madeleine Humer, will be away on her own inspiring journey. Her travels to discover new, and revisit favourite, places will include enjoying cultural wonders and pursuing new knowledge and opportunities where her interests and passion for choral music lies.

Madeleine looks forward to returning with all sorts of “crazy new ideas” for the Choir, and in the meantime is thrilled to welcome David Stratkauskas, current Apprentice Choir Music Director, to take over the education of the Concert Choir for the Season!

“David is a wonderful musician, and one of Victoria’s most exciting new choir directors,” says Madeleine. “He will bring a new dimension to the established high standards for the Choir, and applying his unique background in such a way that will allow our young musicians to grow in experience, knowledge, and musicality.”

Already a four-year veteran with the Victoria Children’s Choir, David has “transformed the quality of singing, repertoire, and educational capabilities of the Apprentice Choir,” remarks Madeleine. His passion for teaching choral music is evident, and he is undeniably committed to the development of his choirs – with us, and through his work at St John the Divine. “He is the perfect person to take over at the end of June. Our Concert Choir members can look forward to having a great time next season,”.

An equally positive outlook is ahead for the Apprentice Choir next season, when the talented and highly respected Teodora Georgieva-Gitberg (Artistic Director of the Victoria Choral Academia) will step into the role of Music Director. “We are most fortunate,” says Madeleine “for her to work with our singers once more. There are not many musicians in this part of the world who have the education, experience, and passion for singing – particularly working with young people – that she has.”

We heartily welcome David and Teodora to their new roles with us, and wish Madeleine all the best in her great adventure!