About EVM

Since its beginnings in 1993, Edmonton Vocal Minority has been unique voice in Edmonton's musical and Queer community. EVM is a non-auditioned, mixed-voice choir that offers its members an opportunity for personal and musical growth in a safe, supportive, and creative environment.

Edmonton Vocal Minority also reaches out to the community by offering several self-produced concerts each year and performing at numerous community events.

The choir is committed to playing a vital role in preserving and celebrating the rich culture and history of the Queer community, while at the same time championing equality and embracing the diversity of all people regardless of sexual orientation.

From a modest beginning with only twelve members, EVM has grown and become a dynamic musical organization that is known for its high musical standards and its innovation. EVM’s list of accomplishments is impressive. Performing works commissioned by the choir; sharing the stage with Heather Bishop, Juba, David Sereda, the Wajo Drummers, EKOSingers, and the Rocky Mountain Singers; appearing with Australian folk singer Judy Small, the Flirtations, P.J.Perry, Romanovsky & Phillips, Lorelei Loveridge, VOCE, Asani, Movements: The African Caribbean Dance Ensemble, Tilo Piez, Edmonton City Councilor Michael Phair, and Canada's first openly gay Member of Parliament, Svend Robinson. EVM has sung to the accompaniment of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in a performance of the Requiem Mass by Mozart, as well as taking the stage at the Winspear Centre for Music to perform Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Chichester Psalms’. TOP

In 1998, EVM produced and hosted the Canadian GALA Choruses Festival ‘98. This was an opportunity for choruses across Canada to gather in Edmonton to share music, ideas, and friendship. It was the largest gathering of Queer identified choral groups in Canadian history up to that time. EVM is proud to know that this gathering of Queer choirs has now become an established part of the Canadian cultural landscape. Every four years, in different cities, Queer choirs gather to celebrate and make music. EVM has been fortunate to attend the 2006 festival in Vancouver, the 2010 festival in Winnipeg, the 2014 festival in Ottawa, and it is looking forward to the 2018 festival to be held in Calgary. TOP

Edmonton Vocal Minority takes its name from a Lesbian and Gay choir that existed in the early 1980’s. We owe the rebirth of the choir to David Hicks who later became EVM’s first General Manager. David invited the Rocky Mountain Singers from Calgary to visit Edmonton to perform a benefit concert for the Gay and Lesbian Community Centre of Edmonton (GLCCE). A small group of singers from Edmonton were asked to participate. David Garber was asked to conduct the group; they found Kirk, a piano guy, and in the comfortable living room of our conductor’s home, the first rehearsal was held on 15.November 1992. The public got its first glimpse of the choir a few weeks later on 28.November at Convocation Hall on the University of Alberta campus. The choir officially incorporated itself as a registered society under the provincial Society’s Act in March 1993. TOP

Following the resignation of the founding Artistic Director in 1998, the choir continued its activities under Acting Artistic Director, Kirk Kryvenchuk, and was ably conducted by several guest conductors. In June of 2000, the Board of Directors announced that Paula Roberts had accepted the position of Edmonton Vocal Minority’s Artistic Director/Principal Conductor. Paula has conducted the choir ever since, and has emphasised the entertainment side of performing. EVM now strives to be as visually appealing as it is musically. By thinking outside the typical “choir box”, EVM presents performances that celebrate our Queer culture and diversity. TOP

Edmonton Vocal Minority has become a family to most of its members; an opportunity for personal and musical growth; an anticipated social gathering; and it offers the privilege of singing music that is relevant to our lives. Members are encouraged to meet new people, to share their ideas, to enjoy the music, and to contribute what they are able to make EVM grow and prosper. TOP

Edmonton Vocal Minority Artistic Directors:

• David Garber (1993-1998)
• Kirk Kryvenchuk (1998-2000) Acting
• Paula Roberts (2000-present)

Edmonton Vocal Minority Accompanists:

• Kirk Kryvenchuk (1993-2004)
• Sheila Wright (2004-2005)
• Ryan Sigurdson (2005-2007)
• Mitch Cox (2007-2008)
• Brad Heintzman (2008-2017)
• Kirk Kryvenchuk (2017) iterim
• Daniel Belland (2018- )

Edmonton Vocal Minority General Managers:

• David Hicks
• Jerry Archer
• Kirk Kryvenchuk (2004-present)

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