The Richard Eaton Singers is a symphonic chorus in Edmonton, Alberta. There are 150 members in the choir, which frequently performs with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and is at home[clarification needed] in the Francis Winspear Centre for Music. The choir has commissioned and premiered new works by Canadian composers. RES has toured Canada and Europe.
Richard Eaton Singers | |
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Choir | |
Origin | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
Founded | 1951 (1951) |
Founder | Richard Eaton |
Chief conductor | Leonard Ratzlaff |
Website | richardeatonsingers |
The University Singers chorus was founded in 1951 by Richard Eaton, the first Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Alberta.[1] In 1969, after Eaton's death, the choir voted to rename the group after its founder.[2][3]
Richard Eaton conducted the Chorus until 1967, and was succeeded by Alexandra Munn (1967–1973) and Larry Cook (1973–1981), both U of A faculty members.[4]
The choir has completed a number of tours in Canada; in 1970 the choir performed several concerts in England,[5] and in 1987 they traveled to The Hague.[6]
In the 1980s the RES conducted evening concerts at Edmonton's All Saints Cathedral.[7][4]
RES is currently conducted by Leonard Ratzlaff, a 30-year member of the RES in 2011.[8]