The Chapel Choir
The Chapel Choir of the University of King's College, modeled on the Chapel Choirs of Cambridge and Oxford, comprises twenty choristers selected through annual auditions held in September, which are open to all students at King's College and Dalhousie University. The choir's primary function is to sing at the weekly Evensongs and Eucharists, as well as other major services throughout the academic year. The choir had its beginnings in the early 1970s when Dr. Robert Crouse put together a group of singers to lead the worship at the Thursday Eucharists at King's. Since that time the choir has expanded its role, having sung under the direction of several notable conductors including Helen Roby, David Buley, and most recently Dr. Walter Kemp.
In July 2007, Paul Halley was appointed Director of Music of the Chapel and since then has built the group into a fine ensemble which now includes touring and recording amongst its activities. Halley says of the choir: "It is my hope that over time, prospective students will view the Chapel Choir as one of the reasons to attend university in Halifax. There's really nothing quite like the training a fine collegiate chapel choir can offer. You get through so much first-rate music, just in one week - all the anthems, motets, mass settings, canticles, psalms and hymns - that your musical literacy increases at a phenomenal rate."
Paul Halley is very happy to meet and hear prospective candidates at any time. If you would like further information, or to arrange a visit to King's, please contact:
Paul Halley
Director of Music
(902) 221-5320
paulhalley@eastlink.ca
Photo of the Chapel Choir (top of page), taken by Sandra Thorne at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, where the "King's at the Cathedral" series takes place.
Photo of the Choir (bottom of page), taken by Sandra Thorne at the Chapel, December 2010.