Calgary Philharmonic Welcomes New Chorus Master

On Wednesday, June 9, the Calgary Philharmonic announced a new Chorus Master to lead its choristers through the 2021/2022 Season as they prepare to resume in-person performances. Dr. Mark Bartel, an experienced choral conductor and music educator, replaces Timothy Shantz, who led the chorus for more than a decade before leaving in 2020 after accepting a new position at the University of Alberta.

"The Chorus Master guides our dedicated choir members and plays a crucial role in bringing impressive choral works to our audiences," says Music Director Rune Bergmann. "Mark's commitment to upholding our chorus's reputation for excellence and his ideas for the future are exciting - we're looking forward to having him on board."

Bartel says he is delighted to join the Calgary Phil and work with Bergmann to perform classical standards as well as share new music experiences. "I feel very honoured to be entrusted with this position," he adds. Bartel, who also replaced Shantz as Artistic Director of Spiritus Chamber Choir, says he has great respect for his predecessor and the tremendous impact he's had on the Chorus and in the community - he looks forward to building on that foundation while continuing to explore new directions.

Bartel moved to Calgary in 2019 to join the faculty at Ambrose University as Associate Professor of Music following 16 years of teaching and conducting in the United States, but he already knew the city well. He was born in Ontario and previously worked and studied in Canada, and has visited his wife's family in Calgary many times. He adds that he feels fortunate to be in this city and have opportunities that allow him to be "steeped in choral repertoire and performance."

Although the hiring process for the Chorus Master position was delayed due to COVID-19, Bartel joined the bass section when extra singers were brought in for a performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2 in 2019 and he conducted the Chorus for an audition prior to the cancellation of concerts. He has been hired for a one-year term starting July 1, 2021 with an option to renew once he's worked with the Chorus in person. He recently met with members online to get to know them better and talk about his vision.

Bartel says a large Chorus requires a large number of voices, but doesn't have to be homogenous - he wants to ensure it represents the diversity of the city and the community it's located in. He also wants to find new ways for the Chorus to act as an ambassador for the Orchestra by being active in the community. "We can think of ourselves as not only people who make music, but also people who make connections," he says. "Music is always about more than music. It's part of the social fabric - that's what it comes out of and that's what it speaks to."

Throughout the pandemic, the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus has continued to practise and attend workshops online under the leadership of Evan Mounce. Members released a virtual performance of Brother Heinrich's Christmas in December and will record a 'car choir' version of a new commission by Edmonton composer Laura Hawley this month as part of a collaboration with Pink Flamingo.

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