As the premier symphonic choir in Edmonton, Chorus Inspira believes in the vital importance of great choral music and its power to transform. Engaging new audiences not only in masterworks, but also in newly commissioned works that nurture hope, imagination and understanding for our world. 

As an astute and resilient organization, our pursuit of excellence embraces a spirt of collaboration, discovery and growth to promote the advancement of choral music. 

Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Shantz, creates a rigorous and rewarding ensemble experience that values each member of our dynamic and diverse group of 100+ singers who share a commitment to mastery of skills and performance. 

Always exploring new ways to contribute in the modern context and adapting through strategic partnerships that open opportunities for greater artistic and community impact, we are building on a vibrant legacy of almost 75 years, including 57 years as Richard Eaton Singers.

Performances have included Edmonton premieres of many choral masterpieces such as Haydn’s Creation, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Schubert’s Mass No 5 in A-Flat, Vaughan Williams’s The Sea Symphony, as well as many shorter works for accompanied and unaccompanied choir.

The choir has commissioned and produced premiere performances by Canadian composers, including Allan Bevan’s No Mortal Business and Last Light Above the World, as well as works by John Estacio, Stephanie Martin, Imant Raminsh and Mark Sirett. They have also participated in several ESO premieres of Canadian works, including Malcolm Forsyth’s A Ballad of Canada. RES is especially thrilled to thank John Estacio for his orchestral composition of branche, previously composed by him for the choir (and piano) in memory of a beloved member.

The choir has traveled extensively across Canada, to the Netherlands, Britain, and Germany, and has participated in choir exchanges, including with the Calgary Philharmonic Choir and Vancouver Bach Choir. RES regularly performs with other Edmonton area choirs, most recently with Kappella Kyrie in a fundraiser concert in support of Ukrainian families who relocated to Edmonton during the war.

Often partnering with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, RES has created many memorable choral events in our city, including the performance of Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand to celebrate the opening of the Francis Winspear Centre for Music. In recent years RES has joined forces with the Alberta Baroque Ensemble to perform a number of masterpieces from the Baroque and Classical periods.

The choir has a history of making wonderful music and looks forward to continuing the exploration of the richness of the human voice, supported by outstanding ensembles. As they continue to build connections, they hope that you will follow the journey and come along for the sonic experience.