Celebrating our new name: Chorus Inspira

We are celebrating our evolving journey as Edmonton’s premier symphonic choir under a new name. In June 2025, Richard Eaton Singers announced we will carry on our rich legacy of excellence, connection and inspiration with vibrancy and hope into the future as Chorus Inspira.

We have chosen this name because it is a beautiful Latin term that is the root of the word inspiration—associated with breath, action and imagination. As Chorus Inspira, we celebrate music-making as the essence of life, meaning, purpose and connection.

From the beginning, our story has been about having the vision, courage and commitment to grow as a community, honor great music and to connect people to experiences that are beautiful and profound.  We draw meaning and purpose from this enduring legacy of commitment to community, excellence and advancing the choral artform as vital to human striving and thriving.

As we approach our 75th year of playing a leading role in the cultural community of the city under the artistic leadership of Dr. Timothy Shantz, Chorus Inspira honours the indominable spirit at the heart of our story.

Chorus Inspira

As the premier symphonic choir in Edmonton, Chorus Inspira believes in the vital importance of great choral music and its power to transform. Under the direction of Dr. Timothy Shantz, our pursuit of excellence embraces a spirit of collaboration, discovery and growth to continually advance and elevate this artform. Always exploring ways to contribute in the modern context, Chorus Inspira seeks to engage new audiences in the masterworks and newly commissioned works. Our dynamic and diverse group of 100+ singers share a commitment to mastery of skills and performance, creating a rigorous and rewarding ensemble experience that values each member. As an astute and resilient organization, we continue to evolve and adapt through strategic partnerships that open opportunities for greater artistic and community impact.

Our Journey

1951: Richard Eaton established the University Singers at the University of Alberta

1968: University Singers became Richard Eaton Singers in memory of the founder

2025: The choir becomes Chorus Inspira in celebration of the evolving journey of Richard Eaton Singers.

2026: The choir celebrates 75 years of music-making

Our Leaders

Richard Eaton (1951-1967)
Alexandra Munn (1967-1973)
Larry Cook (1973-1981)
Leonard Ratzlaff (1981-2023)
Timothy Shantz (2022 to present) 

Our Legacy

Over the past seven decades, we have continued to grow and evolve as a choir and as an integral partner in Edmonton’s musical development. We have been explorers and builders, and champions for the vital importance of great choral music, continually adapting and seizing the opportunities of our times. Our legacy of excellence and innovation includes:

  • Regular performances of choral masterworks, including Handel’s Messiah, Britten’s War Requiem, Bach Passions and works by Brahms, Elgar, Walton and Vaughan Williams.
  • Performance of Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand for the opening of the Winspear Centre
  • Commissioning and premiers of new Canadian works by Estacio, Bevan, Raminsh, Gilliland, Sirett and others
  • Extensive touring in Canada, Netherlands, Germany and the UK
  • Orpheus Music Award from Music Alberta
  • Academic and musical collaboration with the University of Alberta Department of Music
  • Collaboration and exchanges with Canadian choirs
  • Recordings
  • “Up Close and Personal” outreach and voice scholarships

Our Inspiration

The spirit of passionate musician and choral leader Richard Eaton continues to inspire Chorus Inspira. As a key figure in the evolution of Edmonton’s music landscape, Richard Eaton believed in the pursuit of excellence, human potential and the transformational impact of choral music. As a choral leader and arts community-builder, he led with vision and possibility and was a bridge-builder, convener, and provoker of thought and action. He advocated for the growth and development of music education at the University of Alberta and was a key voice in the establishment of Edmonton’s professional orchestra and world-class venues. In addition, over 40 years of leadership from Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff continued to propel this vision forward into the future through inspiring performances, commissions and tours. Chorus Inspira builds on this story of innovation, community, and excellence.