Gabriola Chamber Ensemble

The Gabriola Chamber Ensemble was formed 10 years ago as an instrumental group, with singers added a few years later. Now a group of 14 singers and 11 instrumentalists, players are added when needed for specific pieces.

Concert repertoire usually consists of a larger "center-piece" work involving the entire ensemble, as well as smaller group pieces by players and a cappella singers. One of the ensemble's most performed pieces is Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria in D. Christmas 2007 featured three performances of 23 numbers from Handel’s Messiah. Last spring the singers performed a large set of Stephen Chatman compositions and some of Rachmaninoff’s Vespers, while Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for Brass was featured last April. This December the ensemble is pleased to present Frostiana by Randall Thompson.

The Gabriola Chamber Ensemble generally offers two productions per season, and also performs at fundraisers for Gabriola United Church. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings. Due to a modest turnover in personnel, the search for new players and singers is ongoing. New members are sought through auditions, as well as through recommendations from members and friends.