Biography
The McMaster University Choirs – Mixed Chorus and Cantemus Vocal Ensemble – are the flagship choral ensembles of McMaster University, uniting scholars and artists in performances marked by precision, depth, and expressive power. Grounded in rigorous repertoire study and refined vocal technique, the choirs are committed to artistry of the highest caliber.
In May 2025, the ensembles represented Canada at the 75th Cork International Choral Festival in Cork, Ireland, competing in the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy Competition. Mixed Chorus received the Lady Dorothy Mayer Prize for their performance of Rauði Riddarinn by Hreiðar Ingi Þorsteinsson.
Under the direction of Melanie Tellez, the choirs unite auditioned students, staff, and faculty from across the university’s Arts, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Business, and STEM communities in programming that is ambitious, collaborative, and artistically bold.