ArtistDirect News
Elektra Womens Choir Celebrates 40 Years with The Ruby Season Series
Elektra Women’s Choir has announced its 40th‑season program, titled "The Ruby Season," which will run from November 2026 through May 2027. The season will feature a series of concerts, a gala event, and a special anniversary concert that will bring together current members, alumni, and supporters.
Elektra, founded in 1987, has become a staple of Vancouver’s choral community. The choir’s longevity is credited to a strong foundation in musical harmony and a commitment to diverse repertoire. The 40th season marks four decades of performances, recordings, and community outreach.
The season opens with "Chez Nous: Christmas With Elektra" on November 28 and 29, 2026. The concerts will be held at Pacific Spirit United Church and Good Shepherd Church in South Surrey. The program will feature the Allegra String Quartet and a selection of works by Stephen Smith, Sarah Quartel, Levente Gyöngyösi, Srul Irving Glick, Shireen Abu‑Khader, and Marie‑Claire Saindon. The event is described as a seasonal celebration that blends traditional holiday music with new arrangements.
On March 20 and 21, 2027, Elektra will perform "Radiant Dawn," a concert that revisits the choir’s first performance of Gustav Holst’s Choral Hymns From the Rig Veda forty years ago. The program will also include a world premiere commission by Canadian composer Suba Sankaran, as well as contemporary pieces by Shruthi Rajasekar, Reena Esmail, Katerina Gimon, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and others. Harpist Vivien Chen will be featured in the concert.
The season’s highlight is the "Ruby: The 40th Anniversary Concert," scheduled for May 15, 2027, at Vancouver’s Christ Church Cathedral, and May 16 at Good Shepherd Church in Surrey. The program will present a new commission by Canadian composer Alex Eddington, inspired by reflections shared by Elektra singers about the choir’s first forty years. Alumni singers will join the current ensemble, and the concert will be conducted by both current artistic director Cassie Luftspring and founding artistic director Morna Edmundson.
In addition to the concerts, Elektra will host "The Ruby Gala" on February 27, 2027, at the Terminal City Club. The evening is intended to bring together singers, alumni, supporters, and friends for a celebration of four decades of music and community. Details of the gala will be released in the coming months.
Season tickets are now available for purchase. The offer includes a 20 percent discount on all three main‑stage concerts if tickets are bought by October 1. Interested parties can find more information and purchase tickets on the Elektra website.
The 40th season underscores Elektra’s enduring presence in Vancouver’s cultural scene and its commitment to presenting a wide range of choral works. The series of concerts, gala, and anniversary event aim to honor the choir’s history while engaging new audiences and sustaining its community of singers and supporters.
Elektra, founded in 1987, has become a staple of Vancouver’s choral community. The choir’s longevity is credited to a strong foundation in musical harmony and a commitment to diverse repertoire. The 40th season marks four decades of performances, recordings, and community outreach.
The season opens with "Chez Nous: Christmas With Elektra" on November 28 and 29, 2026. The concerts will be held at Pacific Spirit United Church and Good Shepherd Church in South Surrey. The program will feature the Allegra String Quartet and a selection of works by Stephen Smith, Sarah Quartel, Levente Gyöngyösi, Srul Irving Glick, Shireen Abu‑Khader, and Marie‑Claire Saindon. The event is described as a seasonal celebration that blends traditional holiday music with new arrangements.
On March 20 and 21, 2027, Elektra will perform "Radiant Dawn," a concert that revisits the choir’s first performance of Gustav Holst’s Choral Hymns From the Rig Veda forty years ago. The program will also include a world premiere commission by Canadian composer Suba Sankaran, as well as contemporary pieces by Shruthi Rajasekar, Reena Esmail, Katerina Gimon, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and others. Harpist Vivien Chen will be featured in the concert.
The season’s highlight is the "Ruby: The 40th Anniversary Concert," scheduled for May 15, 2027, at Vancouver’s Christ Church Cathedral, and May 16 at Good Shepherd Church in Surrey. The program will present a new commission by Canadian composer Alex Eddington, inspired by reflections shared by Elektra singers about the choir’s first forty years. Alumni singers will join the current ensemble, and the concert will be conducted by both current artistic director Cassie Luftspring and founding artistic director Morna Edmundson.
In addition to the concerts, Elektra will host "The Ruby Gala" on February 27, 2027, at the Terminal City Club. The evening is intended to bring together singers, alumni, supporters, and friends for a celebration of four decades of music and community. Details of the gala will be released in the coming months.
Season tickets are now available for purchase. The offer includes a 20 percent discount on all three main‑stage concerts if tickets are bought by October 1. Interested parties can find more information and purchase tickets on the Elektra website.
The 40th season underscores Elektra’s enduring presence in Vancouver’s cultural scene and its commitment to presenting a wide range of choral works. The series of concerts, gala, and anniversary event aim to honor the choir’s history while engaging new audiences and sustaining its community of singers and supporters.