MARKING 21 YEARS OF CHORAL EXCELLENCE
Celebrating the Return of the evening Community Choral Program
Canada’s Summer Institute of Church Music’s closing Gala concert once again showcases the power and beauty of choral music in 2026!
The origins of SICM’s Community Choral Program
Canada’s Summer Institute of Church Music, founded at Trafalgar Castle School, Whitby, Ontario in 1970, concluded annually with a closing Organ Concert at St George’s Anglican Church in Oshawa from its inception through the Directorships of its late Founder Dr Stanley Llewellyn Osborne and Director Emeritus, the late Dr Kenneth W Inkster. In 2005 SICM’s students began offering choral concerts to share its other primary focus with the local community. This tradition grew to embrace local choral singers and quickly became a highlight of Institute Week.
SICM 2026 Community Choral Program (July 6-9 in Whitby/Oshawa)
Patrick Murray, conductor / Christopher Dawes, accompanist
Conductor and composer Patrick Murray is Director of Music at St. John’s Anglican Church, Elora, where he directs the professional Parish Choir, one of Canada’s premiere sacred choral ensembles. Additionally, Murray serves as Artistic Director of Chor Amica (London ON) and director of the University of Toronto Scarborough Concert Choir. Murray’s original works and arrangements have been premiered by notable ensembles including New York Polyphony, Carmel Bach Festival, Grand Philharmonic Choir, DaCapo Chamber Choir, and others. Murray has taught at Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and University of Waterloo, as well as with children and youth at the Bach Children’s Chorus and Oakville Choirs. He holds degrees from University of Illinois, Yale University, and University of Toronto. Murray is passionate about the intersection of sacred music and community building and is pleased to rejoin SICM in 2026 to lead the Community Chorale as well as offer sessions on choral techniques and conducting.
SICM 2026 Community Choral Program (July 6-9 in Whitby/Oshawa)
Rehearsals
Join us for the SICM evening Community Choral Program, with rehearsals from July 6-8, 2026, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm ET
Closing Gala Organ and Choral Concert Thursday, July 9
Locations
All Saints’ Anglican Church, 300 Dundas Street West, Whitby – rehearsals July 6 & 7
St George’s Anglican Church, 51 Centre Street South, Oshawa – dress rehearsal July 8, concert July 9
Fee
$100 includes all choral scores
