Then...

Founded in 1988 on the principles of good singing, good fellowship and public service, The Niagara Men’s Chorus maintains its position as the premier male voice choir in the Niagara Region with performances that regularly delight our audiences of all ages. Our mission today is the same as when we started those many years ago “To promote, develop and maintain a male voice chorus in the Niagara Peninsula, providing quality musical entertainment for audiences and self-satisfaction for participants”.

The Niagara Men’s Chorus performs a wide range of music in four part harmony, including contemporary, inspirational, classics and Broadway numbers. The group sings regularly at many venues for fundraisers and other social gatherings. One of our highlights each year is our annual shows in November which are the culmination of all works throughout the year, featuring a variety of musical compositions, with special guests, providing entertainment for all ages.

Pamela Robbs was the accompanist and director from 1988 until her untimely death in 1999. In 1999 the Gentlemen Songsters amalgamated with the Niagara Men’s Chorus to form the group that you see and hear today. Bert Warkentin was appointed director and Fran Spoar, former accompanist with the Songsters, became the accompanist. In 2017 Victoria Rondinelli became the director along with Sharree Eidt as the associate director. Anthony Scaringi joined the team in 2019 as accompanist.

The Chorus joined the Associated Male Choruses of Ontario in 1990, and are pleased to represent the Niagara region at all of the functions of this Ontario-wide organization and participate in the AMCO Scholarship programs as well as our own local NMC Scholarship Awards initiative.

Highlights...

• Performed for the 100th Anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce of Niagara. (1989)Applied for and received an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant for the purchase of casual jackets, tuxedos and some supporting equipment. (2001)
• Participated in the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara.
• Candlelight Stroll Niagara-on-the-Lake. (2002)
• Part of the summer concert series at Queenston Heights Park for several summers
• Hosted five Big Sings featuring choruses from the Associated Male Choruses of Ontario and the Associated Male Choruses of America.
• Featured the talents of many local artists including Miss Canada 1990 - Robin Ouzunoff, a Niagara native, in four of our annual shows.
• Recorded and produced our first CD, “By Request”. (2005)
• Participated in the prayer vigil for Tsunami victims. (2005)
• Performed as one of the major entertainers at the 150th Anniversary Celebrations of St. Andrew’s United Church. (2006)
• Members of our chorus performed the National Anthem and “The Maple Leaf Forever” at the Queen’s Plate. (along with other members of the Associated Male Choruses of Ontario). (2008)
• Established the Diane McQuade/Pamela Robbs Scholarship Fund for Secondary School Students pursuing musical endeavours. Diane McQuade and Pamela Robbs were former Directors of the Gentlemen Songsters and Niagara Men’s Chorus respectively. (2008)
• We commissioned Dr. Harris Loewen, Professor of Music, Brock University, to write two songs for us commemorating our 20th Anniversary “Peaceful Niagara” and “At Niagara Falls”. (2008)
• Participated in the Annual Niagara Wine Festival in St. Catharines. (2008)
• Released our second CD, “Our Gift of Song”. (2009)
• Participated in many invitational International concerts in Wellsboro PA (Most recently 2010)

Community Benefits...

The work of the Niagara Men’s Chorus plays an important role in the lives of the members and the community at large. Cultural activities build community spirit and vitality, enriching the lives of the people who live in our region.

Community service is central to our operations, in particular our outreach to seniors. The members of the chorus experience numerous benefits in their own lives. Performing in the chorus builds skills, talent and self-esteem.

Participating in a recreational activity such as a performing arts group enhances overall health and well being, critical to personal quality of life. Being a member of a group provides social opportunities to meet other men, network within the community and provide service to others. All of this leads to healthy communities.

Our visits to "Big Sings" in our home province of Ontario as well as invited appearances in many other jurisdictions such as Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, etc. are a tradition in men's choral singing. A chance to get together socially and perform with other choruses is a wonderful opportunity for all of us. Often wives and significant others are included and join in the festivities.