Author: Greg Slakov

Dear Salt Spring Singers:  I am delighted to be taking on the position as your new musical director.  I’ve sung in choirs most of my life and am ready to be taking on this new role of directing.  I’m so grateful for this opportunity to work and make music with you all.  For our spring concert program I need your help.  Could you please think of a favourite piece that you’ve done with the Salt Spring Singers in the past.  We are looking to create a program of some of the choir’s favourites.  One of the things I really admire about this group is the wide variety of musical styles that you perform.  I wish you all the best with your upcoming concert.  I won’t be able to attend as I myself have concerts that weekend with the Newcombe Singers here in Victoria.  I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!  

A little bit more about Adam:

Originally from Waterloo Ontario, Adam is a singer, voice teacher and music director living in Victoria, BC.  Adam has a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Victoria where he studied with Benjamin Butterfield. He has performed as a Tenor soloist and choir member with various ensembles on Vancouver Island and the mainland.  Adam is the new musical director for the Salt Spring Singers.  He also conducts a new vocal ensemble called the Westwind Singers which is having its debut concert with Saltspring Baroque in March 2026.  On Sundays Adam directs the music at Fairfield United Church which worships at United Commons, formerly First Metropolitan United Church.  In addition to directing and performing, he teaches music lessons out of his home studio AD Music and is part of the voice faculty at the Canadian College of the Performing Arts.  Adam works with students of all ages and levels of experience.  He is also the president of the Victoria Chapter for NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing).  To learn more about Adam go to: adamdyjach.com  

Come and join the Salt Spring Singers, under the direction of Deborah Smith, as they celebrate the holiday season with “A Canadian Christmas” featuring James Yi on piano and Simon Millerd on trumpet.

The program will feature familiar Canadian composers such as Joni Mitchell, Rita MacNeil, and Stompin’ Tom Connors. The program also includes Iesous Ahatonnia, a special re-write of the familiar Huron Carol by Sarah Quartel and Wendat poet Andree Levesques Sioui, the traditional French carol Entre le Boeuf et l’Âne Gris,and Kenley Kristofferson’s beautiful tribute to humanity We Are Stars. Of course you can also expect some fun seasonal surprises too.

The Salt Spring Singers look forward to seeing you at their festive musical celebration of stars, trumpets, angels, snow and all things Canadian.

Please note that the shows are on different days and times this year: an evening performance Friday December 12^th at 7:30 pm and a matinee Saturday December 13^th at 2:30 pm. Both shows will be at All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church. Tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for children and are available through the ArtSpring box office and at the door.

This Fall will see the Singers, under the interim direction of Deborah Smith, prepare for our December concert: A Canadian Christmas.

This festive Canadian celebration of stars, angels, and snow will feature songs by artists such as Rita MacNeil, Joni Mitchell, and Robbie Smith as well as stories from some of the Salt Spring Singers. The program will include a seasonal mix of beautiful songs and some holiday silliness too. We are especially excited to be singing Iesous Ahatonnia, a new arrangement of the Huron Carol by Sarah Quartel with additional words by Wendat poet Andree Levesque Sioui. The very talented Simon Millerd will be joining us on trumpet for two arrangements for Canadian Brass and choir.

We look forward to seeing you, either in September to sing with us, or at one of the concerts December 12 and 13.

For full information on joining the choir, click here.

The Salt Spring Singers’ concert, “The Circle of Life”, will take place at All Saints by the Sea on June 21^st at 7:30 PM and on Sunday, June 22^nd at 2:30. What an amazing weekend; June 20^th to 22^nd – Summer Solstice, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and a terrific Choral Concert prepared by Salt Spring Singers giving voice to all of these celebrations. Inspired by the example of our Indigenous neighbours’ love of the natural world, we have created a multi-genre and muti-themed potpourri of summer bliss. You will enjoy notable composers like Pete Seeger, Antonine Dvorak, Eric Whitacre, Simon and Garfunkel, Ian Tyson, Leon Dubinsky and more. Most of the songs you will know and be able to tap a toe to. In addition to honouring the earth and the full circle of life, we pay special tribute to women and shout out our love and devotion to Canada. You won’t want to miss this one!! Truly inspirational.

The Singers will be accompanied by James Yi on the piano with Don Conley directing.

Concerts will take place at All Saints by the Sea Anglican Church, June 21^st at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, June 22^nd at 2:30 pm. Tickets ($30 for adults; $5.00 for students are available at the ArtSpring Box office and at the door of the church before the shows.