The Regina Philharmonic Chorus has its roots in 1972 when an ad hoc community chorus was put together in response to a request by Mel Hurst for singers to perform Handel's Messiah with the Regina Symphony Orchestra's Christmas program. Following the 1972 performance the Regina Symphony Philharmonic Chorus was formed as an extension of the Symphony
In 1984 the chorus became autonomous under its present name, the Regina Philharmonic Chorus or, in brief, the RPC. Under the leadership of Dorothy Peers, the chorus drafted a constitution and was registered as a non-profit organization. Today, the chorus is managed by an elected Board of Directors drawn from the membership.
Although autonomous, the RPC continues a close association with the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO), on occasion performing together as part of their Masterworks Concert Series.
The chorus has grown since its conception both in numbers and talent under such music directors commencing, after Mel Hurst, with Theodor Kardash in 1973 when the chorus was formed. Other directors followed including Vern Saunders, Timothy Vernon, Robert Hall and Doug Dunsmore. From 1984 until 2002, the Chorus flourished under the direction and leadership of Kathryn Laurin, of the Music Department of the University of Regina. Kathryn guided the Chorus through many great works, and treated Regina and area audiences to a wide selection of classical choral music. Under her direction the Chorus celebrated its 25th Anniversary Season in 1996-97 with renderings of Handel's Messiah and Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. Subsequent highlights included the Brahms and Mozart Requiems and more recently Mendelssohn's Elijah.
In 2002 Kathryn handed over her baton to Ian Charter of Canadian Bible College and Theological Seminary, but his enthusiastic leadership was overtaken by the Bible College's move to Calgary, and our Artistic Director is now Hart Godden.
