The Choir
Our missionChœur des enfants de Montréal
The mission of Chœur des enfants de Montréal (CEM) is to provide an outstanding musical education in a friendly, supportive and bilingual social environment to any interested child in Montreal.
Our missionChœur des enfants de Montréal
The mission of Chœur des enfants de Montréal (CEM) is to provide an outstanding musical education in a friendly, supportive and bilingual social environment to any interested child in Montreal.
Our StoryChœur des enfants de Montréal
Created in 2001, CEM is entering its 23rd season. An initiative started by a group of parents determined to make choral singing available to all children in greater Montreal, CEM began under the baton of celebrated conductor, Iwan Edwards. What started modestly as a single choir of 25 has grown to 5 choirs composed of over 180 dedicated young choristers, ranging in age from 5 to 21 and coming from more than 30 primary and secondary schools.
Since the beginning, CEM has performed regularly with world class musicians in major music venues, including regular performances with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM). CEM has also recorded with celebrated musicians such as Half Moon Run, Patrick Watson, and Le Cowboy fringants, as well as shared the stage with Joyce DiDonato (Eden), Roger Waters (The Wall) and Kenny Rogers.
Starting this year, CEM will begin to offer Beginner and Preparatory Choirs in the community of Verdun, with the aim to reach more children in Montreal.
CEM choristers perform a diverse repertoire, inspired by the multiculturalism of Montreal. Accompanied by professional musicians, each concert presents a musical adventure with different instruments, languages and styles. Indeed, although classical music occupies an important place in the choice of repertoire, CEM enjoys exploring other styles, be it jazz, pop, folklore or world music. The choir also enjoys celebrating the works of Canadian composers and the rich musical traditions of Quebec.
CEM has been home to hundreds of young choristers over the past twenty-two years, and is proud to have built a strong, diverse community within Montreal. Through CEM, the future of choral singing in our community is bright.
Our StoryChœur des enfants de Montréal
Created in 2001, CEM is entering its 23rd season. An initiative started by a group of parents determined to make choral singing available to all children in greater Montreal, CEM began under the baton of celebrated conductor, Iwan Edwards. What started modestly as a single choir of 25 has grown to 5 choirs composed of over 180 dedicated young choristers, ranging in age from 5 to 21 and coming from more than 30 primary and secondary schools.
Since the beginning, CEM has performed regularly with world class musicians in major music venues, including regular performances with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM). CEM has also recorded with celebrated musicians such as Half Moon Run, Patrick Watson, and Le Cowboy fringants, as well as shared the stage with Joyce DiDonato (Eden), Roger Waters (The Wall) and Kenny Rogers.
Starting this year, CEM will begin to offer Beginner and Preparatory Choirs in the community of Verdun, with the aim to reach more children in Montreal.
CEM choristers perform a diverse repertoire, inspired by the multiculturalism of Montreal. Accompanied by professional musicians, each concert presents a musical adventure with different instruments, languages and styles. Indeed, although classical music occupies an important place in the choice of repertoire, CEM enjoys exploring other styles, be it jazz, pop, folklore or world music. The choir also enjoys celebrating the works of Canadian composers and the rich musical traditions of Quebec.
CEM has been home to hundreds of young choristers over the past twenty-two years, and is proud to have built a strong, diverse community within Montreal. Through CEM, the future of choral singing in our community is bright.
Mentor ProgrammeChœur des enfants de Montréal
CEM has established a mentor programme that offers the opportunity to teens to help the younger choral groups. Paired with a specific group, mentors assist the director by organizing certain activities and by acting as a role model.
In addition to improving their choral skills, they learn to work with younger children and to effectively organize activities and manage groups.
In certain cases, this CEM initiative enables students to fulfil the community service requirements that exist in many Montreal secondary schools.