Nelson Choral Singers

Welcome to the Nelson Choral Singers

The Nelson Choral Singers has been a beloved part of Nelson’s music community for many years. We are a large, non-audition choir that presents concerts twice a year—at Christmas and in the spring.

Our repertoire spans a wide variety of music, both secular and sacred, and we welcome anyone who loves to sing to join us.

We also enjoy collaborating with other choirs in the area, inviting them to share the stage in our concerts. These partnerships not only delight our audiences with diverse performances and styles but also provide opportunities and a platform for smaller choirs to showcase their repertoire.

Handel Messiah

The trumpets shall sound!
Here comes the Messiah!

Could any single piece of classical music be more popular and performed than the Messiah? Even after almost 300 years, George Frideric Handel’s grand oratorio is a big draw. The sweeping and challenging work is based on sacred text. Although religious, its message remains universal, and Handel intended it for the concert hall, not the church. It’s in English, it’s theatrical, the melodies are beautiful, and for many it’s a holiday tradition.

The Nelson Choral Singers performed the Messiah in 2009 and 2015, and are thrilled to bring it back again. It’s an ambitious undertaking, requiring a small orchestra, a big choir, four soloists, a gutsy music director, and a community with the breadth of musical talent and the capacity to pull it off.

Once again, the performances will be directed by Kathleen Neudorf. Concertmaster Martine Denbock has recruited some of the area’s finest classical musicians for the chamber orchestra. The four soloists all have a Kootenay connection: soprano Noémi Kiss, alto Katarzyna Sadej, tenor Justin Swanson, and Nelson’s Kosmo Sammartino singing the bass solo part.

And the choir — 80 plus singers on stage! It’s the dream of many choristers to sing the Messiah, and the response from local singers to take part in this performance was overwhelming. Expect a wall of sound! Hallelujah!

Two concerts: Saturday December 13th at 7 pm and an afternoon performance on Sunday December 14th at 2 pm.

Tickets are $25 each ($15 for children 12 and under). We suggest you buy your tickets early.

Link to buy the tickets online.

Scroll down for older concert recordings

Rehearsals / Registration

Sing Hallelujah! with the Nelson Choral Singers

Have you ever wanted to sing Handel’s magnificent Hallelujah Chorus? Accompanied by a four-part choir and orchestra? This heart-palpitating experience can be yours!

As you may know, the Nelson Choral Singers will be performing Handel’s choral masterpiece, the Messiah, at the Capitol Theatre in December.

(Two performances, December 13 at 7:00 pm and December 14 at 2:00 pm. Tickets available at the Capitol Theatre. Do come!)

The choir is inviting members of the community to join them to sing the most famous and exuberant selection — the Hallelujah Chorus.

You don’t know the Hallelujah Chorus? We can fix that!

Here’s the plan. Community members pay $10 to come to the choir’s regular rehearsal on Wednesday December 3rd at 7:30 pm. The choir’s musical director Kathleen Neudorf will guide you through the Hallelujah Chorus, with back up from the choir.

No prior singing or choral experience is necessary. Just be willing and excited to participate. No worries if you don’t think your voice is performance-ready. There will be a wall of sound, and no-one will notice. The big choir will carry you along.

You’ll be provided with a printed copy of the music (you can also download the pdf here). There will be a small fee ($10) to cover costs.

You are welcome to just come to this one rehearsal, for a taste of choral experience. But better yet, buy a ticket to the Messiah concert and, when the choir gets to the Hallelujah Chorus, we’ll invite you to stand up and sing with the choir and the orchestra. Hallelujah!

So, come to the rehearsal on Wednesday December 3rd, 7:30 pm at the United Church, 602 Silica Street (rear entrance). Experienced Messiah singers are also invited to participate in this community singalong. Just show up on time and bring $10 cash. The rehearsal should last less than an hour.

To purchase tickets for the Messiah concerts on December 13 and 14, go to www.capitoltheatre.ca

About NCS

We are a mixed SATB choir of approximately 60 voices. Previous musical experience including the ability to read music would be helpful, but is not required. You will be guided through our program of music under the sure hand of director Kathleen Neudorf, and your fellow choristers.

Covid

Click here to read more about covid

Costs

Costs are $120 per season/concert.

Executive Committee

President:
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Director:
Accompanist:

Vivien Bowers
Heather Dean
Monique van Gendt
Pat Hendrickson
Kathleen Neudorf
Carlisle Beresford

Director: Kathleen Neudorf

Kathleen Neudorf is a highly respected choral conductor, celebrated for her warm leadership style, engaging sense of humor, and deep commitment to community music. She has been the director of the Nelson Choral Society (NCS) since 2004, where she has built a strong, inclusive community of singers, fostering a welcoming environment that encourages musical growth and camaraderie. Under her guidance, NCS has become a significant part of the cultural life in Nelson, British Columbia.

In addition to her work with NCS, Kathleen has made significant contributions to several other choirs in the region. She directed SongCore, a children’s choir where she nurtured the musical development of young singers emphasizing fun and the joy of making music together. Kathleen was also the artistic director of the Cottonwood Singers, a chamber music choir known for its rich vocal harmonies and expressive performances. Additionally, Kathleen leads the Inspirare Women's Choir, an ensemble that celebrates the unique voices and perspectives of women. The choir's performances often include a diverse range of styles, and Kathleen’s passion for varied choral repertoires has helped the group develop a distinctive sound.

Kathleen’s work extends beyond the choirs she directs; she is a passionate advocate for the power of community choirs and the role of music in bringing people together. Her leadership is defined by a balance of musical expertise and personal warmth, creating a space where singers can feel both challenged and supported. Through her efforts, Kathleen has made an indelible impact on the local music scene, inspiring a love for choral music across all age groups and levels of experience.