Founded in 1969, Canterbury Choral Society continues in its original mission…"to maintain and promote a community chorus which will present regular performances of choral music; to train, coach, and educate vocalists; and to foster the appreciation and preservation of the art of choral performance throughout the State of Oklahoma and the Nation."
Founding Musical Director, Myles J. Criss, organist and choirmaster of All Souls Episcopal Church, conducted the first concert on May 12, 1969. The chorus numbered approximately sixty singers and performed its concerts at All Souls Episcopal Church. Mr. Criss directed Canterbury for ten seasons. Lance Massey served as interim director in 1978 followed by John Wright for two seasons. Guest conductors during these years also included Scott Raab, Oliver Douberly, and William Horton. In July, 1981, Dennis Shrock, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Oklahoma, was named Music Director of Canterbury. Dr. Shrock served in that capacity until the spring of 1999. Stephen Coker, then Director of Choral Activities at Oklahoma City University assumed the position of Interim Artistic Director for the 1999-2000 season which included guest conductors Henry Leck, Paul Salamunovich, and Nancy Cobb-Lippens. James Hughes, Canterbury's Executive Director since 1997, directed the chorus for its 2000-2001 Odyssey Season, the Society's final year of performances at the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City before returning to the new Civic Center Music Hall. In the fall of 2001, Canterbury welcomed a new Artistic Director, Constantina Tsolainou, who served in the position for 3 years including a tour to Europe. After a national search Randi Von Ellefson was named Artistic Director for Canterbury in the summer of 2004. Dr. Ellefson also serves as the Director of Choral Studies for Oklahoma City University. A proud partnership encouraged and supported by both OCU and Canterbury.
Canterbury's growing artistic stature gained the organization membership in Allied Arts of Oklahoma City in 1989. Canterbury also maintains membership in The Oklahoma Arts Council and Chorus America. The chorus has been invited to appear throughout the southwest, as well as performance broadcasts on National Public Radio's "Performance Today" and "A Time of Healing," the first memorial service commemorating the Murrah Federal Building bombing. Canterbury has twice been invited to sing on convention programs for The American Choral Directors Association. In June 2002, Canterbury also distinguished itself with its first international tour, performing concerts and Evensongs in four of England's most famous cathedrals. In November, 2002, both the Canterbury Adult and Children's Chorale were invited to sing at the Dome Dedication at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
The Canterbury Academy of the Vocal Arts is the centerpiece of Canterbury's Education Program providing musical development and performance opportunities for children and youth in grades 2-8.
While striving to build choirs of the highest artistic ability, we are also concerned with the personal development of our singers. We hope to instill a love for the arts, pride in our accomplishments, respect for others, and a sense of teamwork in our members. Our vision is to become a national leader in choral music while maintaining our commitment to the artistic education and life of our community.
CANTERBURY CHORAL SOCIETY
ARTISTIC STAFF
Dr. Randi Von Ellefson , Artistic Director