Write It for Us! Commissioning New Works for Everyday Singers

PODIUM 2026 – Interest Session (PODIUM 2026: Canada’s national bilingual choral Conference and Festival – May 14 – 17, 2026. University of Victoria

Write It for Us! – Commissioning New Works for Everyday Singers

Gerda Blok-Wilson and composers who have written for Vancouver Cansing Choir

Friday, May 15 • 3:45–4:45pm
Saturday, May 16 • 10:30–11:30am
Room A169

What happens when a community choir becomes the commissioner?

This session explores how commissioning new works for non-auditioned, mixed-level choirs can foster artistic excellence, inclusion, and collaboration. Gerda Blok-Wilson, Artistic Director of Vancouver Cansing Community Choir, shares insights from an annual commissioning initiative supporting Canadian composers including Marie-Claire Saindon, Stuart Beatch, Lavinia Kell Parker, Wei Cui, and Christine Donkin.

Through excerpts, scores, and rehearsal stories, participants will explore practical approaches to commissioning accessible SATB/SSAB repertoire that challenges and inspires everyday singers while remaining artistically meaningful.

---

Session Focus

• Commissioning for developing choirs
• The Vancouver Cansing model
• What works in rehearsal
• Musical techniques that “hook” singers
• Writing artistically for mixed-level ensembles
• Singer reflections and composer insights

---

Featured Commissions

• I Catch My Breath and Sing – Lavinia Kell Parker
• Good Rain – Wei Cui
• Long Range Forecast – Stuart Beatch
• The Underlying Spirit – Christine Donkin
• Flying – Marie-Claire Saindon
• The Song My Paddle Sings – Gerda Blok-Wilson

---

Audience

Conductors • Composers • Singers • Music Educators • Arts Presenters