High Park Choirs of Toronto

Specialties

For 25 years, High Park Choirs (HPC) of Toronto has been developing children’s choral and musical ability, promoting inclusiveness, fun, teamwork, cultural diversity and choral excellence. The result is young people who have confidence in themselves and each other and who produce a beautiful and unique sound. High Park Choirs is made up of approximately150 choristers in six divisions and will be starting a separate boys choir next season. High Park Choirs is carving a niche in the Canadian choral landscape with a varied repertoire, through an emphasis on global contemporary music and exquisite classical music. For more information about High Park Choirs and its outstanding musical education program, please visit us at www​.high​park​choirs​.org

History

Established in 1986.

HPC was founded as a girls’ choir in 1986 by Ann Cooper Gay. During her leadership, the Choir won provincial and national recognition for its unique sound and varied repertoire.

Since July 2004, Artistic Director Zimfira Poloz has been developing the sound of HPC using her «phonopedic» method of vocal development. Under her direction, we have increased enrolment by more than 56%, and expanded from three to five choral divisions, drawing singers from 71 schools across the GTA. The activity level has increased to include international tours, feature performances in major venues, workshops, community performances and local competitions. In addition, HPC has been the Children’s Choir-​in-​Residence at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music since 2005.

Meet the Business Owner

Zimfira P.

Business Owner

Zimfira Poloz is a highly respected conductor, educator and adjudicator with a distinguished international reputation. High Park Choirs has enjoyed the recognition earned at national and international festivals/​competitions. HPC has a reputation for being one of the leading children’s choral programs in the city.

Ms. Poloz is the recipient of the Honoured Representative of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Award, the city of Hamilton’s V.I.P. Award, and the Leslie Bell Prize Award for Choral Conducting from the Ontario Art Council. She is invited regularly to serve as clinician for festivals, lead workshops for educators, guest conduct and jury international choir competitions around the globe.