Founded in 2000 by Elroy Friesen and taken over by Kristel L. Peters in 2004, Prairie Voices is an award-winning company of singers ages 18-25 dedicated to the performance of innovative contemporary choral music from all over the world. Placing an emphasis on Canadian and Manitoban composers, the choir uses energy, expressiveness and movement to connect avant-garde composition with a popular audience. Hailed by composer Sid Robinovitch as “the wave of the future for choral music,” Prairie Voices is known for their passionate style of performance, which combines exceptional vocals with engaging presentation to provide the ultimate choral experience.

Prairie Voices has performed around the world, bringing their unique touch to a diverse repertoire, from African spirituals to Broadway hits. Working with choral legends such as R. Murray Schaefer, Stephen Hatfield and vocal superstars Rajaton, Prairie Voices has managed to grow as an organization while still remaining true to their Canadian roots. This past season, the choir had the pleasure of performing “Voices of Light,” Richard Einhorn's score to the silent film, “The Passion of Joan of Arc,” at the Winnipeg New Music Festival. This season, Prairie Voices is looking forward to premiering their new CD, Autumn, (named for their commissioned piece by Jussi Chydenius of Rajaton) and touring throughout Canada, celebrating the tenth season of the choir. Autumn will be Prairie Voices’ fifth CD, including a Christmas album recorded in collaboration with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

This year's new Artistic Director, Nathan Poole, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and came to Winnipeg in 2000. Originally intending to pursue orchestral conducting, it was here in Winnipeg that Nathan met and worked with Henry Engbrecht of the University of Manitoba, and found a real passion for the intense, human emotions that are inherent to the choral instrument.

Nathan was a member of the University of Manitoba Singers for six years, working under the direction of both Henry Engbrecht and Dr. Elroy Friesen, founding artistic director of Prairie Voices. During his time in this ensemble, Nathan travelled across Canada and abroad, experiencing and learning about the rich world of choral music. He has had the unique opportunity to work under the direction of respected conductors such as Robert Sund, Martin Neary, and Maria Guinand. In the autumn of 2009, Nathan performed as a part of Dr. Elroy Friesen's specially-formed Winnipeg Soloists Choir to present Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara's Vigilia (All-Night Vigil).

Recently, Nathan has served as choir director of First Presbyterian Church, and as assistant conductor to Yuri Klaz of the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir. In 2009, Nathan was appointed Director of Music in Worship at Westminster United Church. Apart from his commitments in choral music, Nathan enjoys his work as teacher to his studio of violin and piano students.

He is thrilled, honoured and excited to be at the helm of Prairie Voices as it enters its eleventh season!


http://www.prairievoices.ca
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