Thank you so much for that glorious concert in memory of Diane last night. Never have I felt such a personal sense of loss on the passing of a public figure.

Know what I loved best about Diane? Watching 50 men do exactly as one woman told them, exactly when she told them to do it!

Karen O'Connor Coulter Alto, Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir

Posted by: Karen Coulter | January 12, 2013 I 1:05 PM

Thankyou for sharing your beautiful tribute to Diane's life and music tonite with all of us. Tonite was a sacred, spectacular and special evening that I felt privileged to be a part of. Diane's light shines on through her music and her choirs.

I will miss watching her sculpt the sound and hearts as she so lovingly conducts her beloved Lions. I wish her family the healing they need as they grieve her presence in their lives.

Posted by: Susan Summers | January 12, 2013 I 1:03 AM

The gift of music is the gift of food for the soul. Diane gave this in huge measure with joy, warmth, enthusiasm, skill and discipline to inspire not only her choirs but her city, her country, and the world. Her legacy of high standards and what can be achieved by fulfilling one's vision will continue to be an inspiration to many who had the blessing to know her and walk with her. Our deep condolences to her family and her choirs.

Posted by: Andrew & Judith Pike | January 8, 2013 I 11:21 AM

Several members of Williams Lake's Quintet Plus were fortunate enough to attend a workshop with Diane in 100 Mile House several years ago. It was a wonderful experience and we remember her as a brilliant, charming and elegant lady who made us feel really good about what we were doing. We extend our condolences to her family and to those who were fortunate enough to sing under her direction. She will be greatly missed -she touched many lives through her contributions to choral music across this country and internationally.

Posted by: Mary Trott | January 7, 2013 I 10:17 PM

As an audience member, and listener to music, I honour Diane Loomer's work in coalescing an outstanding level of choral music on the West Coast. Although there has been and continues to be excellent choral music here, her work has made choral music part of the public realm. When one asks,

Posted by: Silvia | January 6, 2013 I 1:08 PM

We are saddened by the loss of Diane Loomer and offer our most sincere condolences to the members of Chor Leoni and the many people touched by her greatness.

Posted by: The Naramata Community Choir | January 4, 2013 I 11:22 AM

I am so grateful for being able to have two EnChor years under Diane's leadership. She made singing so much fun! We will miss you Diane - I cherish our last hug.

Posted by: Rod Booth | January 2, 2013 I 12:43 AM

From the Burlington Welsh Male Chorus, Ontario.

To the family of Diane Loomer and the members of Chor Leoni, it is with great sadness that we heard about Diane's recent passing and we share your loss. The music world will certainly be the poorer without her. Many of her choir's arrangements have found their way into the repertoires of many other choirs and the richness of sound and the passion for singing that she extracted from Chor Leoni is rightfully famous and an inspiration to all of us. On behalf of our choir please accept our sincere condolences and we wish you well at this difficult time.

John Truman (President - BWMC)

Posted by: John Truman | January 1, 2013 I 12:28 PM

How sad to hear the news of Diane's passing. I was fortunate enough to work with her both with the WVUC & PSC , and Festival 500 in St. John's Nfld. A true Canadian music ambassador for all of North America. A legacy not to be forgotten.

Condolences to her family and fellow choir friends.

Debbie B

Posted by: Debbie Baxter | January 1, 2013 I 12:22 PM

Diane was a warm and inspiring colleague. In 1988 we took the Elmer Iseler conducting workshop at Kathaumixw and she remained a good friend. Always humble and generous, she would share with me the joys of being female conductors of all male choirs. Her performances were always heartfelt and moving. Her wonderful husband impressed me that year as he was toting a canoe all around British Columbia. I will miss her smile and her music.

Posted by: Joyce Keil | December 31, 2012 I 7:19 PM

I was very sorry to read of the loss of Diane. I worked with her once only some years ago in Quebec, and was completely knocked out with the standards she achieved in an incredibly short time in her atelier. She was charming, fun and brilliant, and I send my condolences to all her family, and to the Chor Leoni.

Posted by: Peter Broadbent | December 31, 2012 I 12:44 PM

I offer my deepest condolences to Diane Loomer's family, friends, and choir members. I had the priviledge of meeting her through a friend of mine who was a member of one of her choirs. From my first impression of her, she was a warm and inviting person. I was a student learning about sound engineering and she gave me the opportunity to job shadow the engineer during one of the live recordings done at Ryerson Church. I will never forget her for that. To see her conducting Chor Leoni and Elektra, and the music and sounds that came out of the singers...awe inspiring, fun, and ethereal are the first three words that come to mind. I'm grateful to have met her and attended her Chor Leoni and Elektra concerts.

Posted by: Rebekah | December 30, 2012 I 5:56 PM

Wherever in the world Diane Loomers choirs are heard, her amazing ability to make truly inspired music will live on. I live in Elliot Lake, ON and the only paper we take is the Sault Star, one day a week, so I totally missed the notices of her passing. It is hard to believe that she is no longer with us and my heart weeps for her family and all of you who were privileged to work under her direction. I'd like you to know that when I first heard the Chor Leoni, I went online and was able to call her...we had a wonderful conversation and I will never forget her warmth and her humility. I mourn with all of you...

Posted by: Katherine Croxson | December 30, 2012 I 3:54 PM

The world has lost a beautiful person who filled the world with that beauty. Diane was a good friend, mentor, conductor, teacher, publisher, inspiration, and professional resource for countless musicians around the globe. We give thanks for the gifts she shared so humbly, and rejoice in her legacy that lives on. May heavenly choirs greet her with descants by countless Tenors! I send my Canadian greetings from Sacramento, California with eternal pride for her work.

Posted by: Donald Kendrick | December 29, 2012 I 3:50 PM

I am so very sad to hear of Diane's passing. Diane embodied a magnificent spirit, so generous and caring, serene and ever buoyant! Over the years, I met up with Diane in various choral conducting settings and I can whole-heartedly say that she impacted my musical life in the most positive and inspiring ways. I so enjoyed hearing the Remembrance Day concert this year, as in past years, and am thankful for Diane leaving such a rich legacy through many Electra and Chor Leoni recordings. My heart goes out to Diane's husband and son and to the wonderful men of Chor Leoni. She is irreplaceable.

Posted by: Gloria Brooks | December 29, 2012 I 1:45 PM

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Diane Loomer, one of the most inspiring figures of the Vancouver music scene. Her caring nature, boundless energy, musicality and love for life will be missed.

Posted by: Early Music Vancouver | December 25, 2012 I 5:33 PM

My dear Canadian friends, I use your website to extend to all Chor Leoni members, and mainly to Dick, my deep condolencies for the loss of Diane, our singing and conducting angel... and I take advantage of this medium to give you my best wishes for Christmas and for the next year, personally by me and by all Tita Copetti choir!

Giuseppe, Tita Copetti Choir - Tolmezzo

Posted by: Giuseppe Coloni, Coro Tita Copetti - Tolmezzo | December 25, 2012 I 5:36 AM

Think about you every day Diane and miss you tremendously. You changed my life and taught me so many things in the short time that we had to spend together. In the words of another Canadian song writer. "Cause I’m tired of losing the people I cared for. When the storm winds of life take them out by the roots" Rick Bochner.

Posted by: Susan | December 24, 2012 I 8:53 AM

My thoughts are with Dick and the rest of the Lions at this time when Diane will be missed so terribly. She was so elegant and talented and yet so down to earth and would talk to us, essentially strangers, as though we had been life long friends. Hang on to your memories folks, as we, your fans in Victoria will.

Posted by: Allan Mawdsley | December 24, 2012 I 2:02 AM

I can still remember the thrill of hearing Chor Leoni lifting their voices in song as they surrounded all of us in the audience at their ACDA Western Division convention concert in Anaheim in 2008. And of course I think of Diane as an inspiration as the co-founder of Elektra - an ensemble that serves as a role model for our Canzona Women's Ensemble in San Luis Obispo. We will miss her.

Posted by: Cricket Handler | December 23, 2012 I 10:37 PM

I am so sad to hear that such a wonderful person passed away. I met Mrs. Loomer in a flight to Europe few years ago and had a chat with her. There are just few people as her that we have the plesure meeting- a charming lady & great musician! Rest in Peace .

Posted by: Natalia Alexandrova | December 23, 2012 I 6:28 PM

Harry and I are so sorry to hear of Diane's passing. We attended every concert without fail. What a loss to the music world. We will remember her always. Rest in peace.i

Posted by: Shirley and Harry Davey | December 22, 2012 I 2:41 PM

Very shortly after Chor Leoni was formed I went to one of their Remembrance concerts. I was so moved by the music and the wonderful soul stirring sound of a male choir. I decided then and there that I wanted to be in such a choir. Shortly after I auditioned with Diane and joined the Amabilis Singers. I am now a proud member of the Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir (for 16 years) and have achieved my wish. Thank you Diane for your passion and drive to bring choral music to so many. Our world is so much richer for it.

Posted by: Robert Forbes | December 21, 2012 I 12:43 PM

I actually graduated from music prior to Diane (1979) just after high school but was always inspired by her independent nature. If there wasn't an opportunity available to her, she went out and formed it...for example, Electra & Chor Leoni.

When I'm organizing things I think of her and her courage. Then I say,

Posted by: Gerda Blok-Wilson | December 19, 2012 I 8:57 PM

A great loss for the choral community, not only locally but - as the comments here show - across the world. Over the years I had the pleasure of singing with Chor Leoni on occasion as well as recording some of their CDs and many concerts.

Surely the last two lines of Laurence Binyon's well-known poem, "For the Fallen", so movingly sung at Chor Leoni's Remembrance Day concerts, applies here, too:

"...At the going down of the sun and in the morning | We will remember them."

Your legacy will live on, Diane, in the hearts and voices of all who knew you.

Posted by: Stuart Tarbuck | December 19, 2012 I 8:29 PM

Trying to whittle down all of the wonderful memories of Diane is difficult. I chose to focus on her total involvement in the performances at the Bard. She would throw herself into the skits dressed in character,once in yellow pigtails and big freckles painted on her face, and a gingham pinafore with knee socks. She was adorable! And adored.

Posted by: Sydney Preston | December 19, 2012 I 3:36 PM

I met Diane first in 1965 in Philadelphia. Her life was not only music. She was a wonderful companion may it be eating Bratwurst in German guesthauses or "mountain food" in cottages in the Alps or watching football games of Dick's Air Force team in Frankfurt. She was almost as good a skier as a musician. She was a wonderful mother and together with Dick a lifelong reliable friend. We had the fascinating pleasure to see and enjoy her and the magnificient Chor Leoni for the last time at the festival in Gorizia/Italy last July. We are glad to have had such a farewell from her. Diane was authentic,genuine in everything, nothing artificial. Theologists say that these are the qualities of a Saint.

Posted by: Dr. Peter Linhart | December 19, 2012 I 5:08 AM

All of us grieve for the family and Diane's Lions in her loss. Diane worked with us in the past and we loved her charm, kindness and joy of music, sharing it all with us and leading us to aspire to be the best. We will never forget her. Audrey Owen for North Shore Chorus

Posted by: North Shore Chorus | December 18, 2012 I 7:23 PM

We will miss you Diane. You made such a difference for so many music educators by being a composer, conductor, adjudicator, model and mentor. However, your music, choirs and memories will remain with us forever. God Bless You Diane.

Posted by: Peter Stigings | December 18, 2012 I 12:06 PM

It has been 50 years since Diane was a student at Gustavus Adolphus College and we shared a friendship, both as singers in concert choir and sorority. Diane was such a genuine and talented person. Many times were spent with Diane at the piano playing while we sang for the simple joy of it. She was a real gem. The greatest blessing is how she used her life fully, immersed in the beauty of music that transcends what cannot be expressed in words. We are thinking of you, Dick. Kathy and Mark Thorsell

Posted by: Kathy thorsell | December 18, 2012 I 9:01 AM

Dear Members of Chor Leoni, We are very saddened to hear of the passing of your Artistic Director Diane Loomer. Coro Leone Bologna - Italy shares with you not only the name but also affection and warm friendship, and in this sad circumstance we wish to express our sincerest condolences to you all.

Tiziano Martinelli Deputy President Coro Leone Bologna - Italy

Posted by: Coro Leone Bologna - Italy | December 18, 2012 I 8:16 AM

I was honored to hear Chor Leoni, and to meet Diane Loomer, at ACDA in Anaheim, CA in early 2008. What a gracious spirit she was, and what great singing she inspired. Rest in peace -- prayers from this desert rat in Southern California.

Posted by: Heather KinKennon | December 18, 2012 I 12:09 AM

Dear friends we're very saddened to hear Diane Loomer's passing. We can only give you our deepest condolences, there aren't other words in these moments. RIP Mrs Diane. Coro Polifonico di Ruda - Italy -

Posted by: Gianfranco Pinat | December 16, 2012 I 8:31 AM

The Vancouver Writers Fest had the glorious good fortune to work with Diane and Chor Leoni on events with three of Canada's finest writers: Alistair MacLeod, Jack Hodgins and Jane Urquhart.Diane selected the songs that would go with the readings chosen by the authors. The combination of word and song was much greater than the sum of its parts. For both the writers and the audience it was an experience to treasure. We will miss her greatly.

Posted by: Hal Wake | December 14, 2012 I 12:56 PM

The Board and patrons of Musique Saint Bernard, on Baie Sainte-Marie in Nova Scotia were deeply grieved by the loss of such an extraordinary artist. When Chor Leoni came to sing at St Bernard it was as if the heavens opened and broughta gift which we cherished for many years. Diane Loomer walked into that church, looked around, and immediately knew precisely how to use the acoustic of a large stone church to work brilliantly. It was a spectacular concert. This is a loss for all of us. It was a great honour to be in her presence and hear her choirs. Our condolences to her large family.

Lorelei Robins Board member ,Musique Saint Bernard, Nova Scotia

Posted by: Lorelei Robins | December 14, 2012 I 6:34 AM

To all the members of Chor Leoni, and especially to Dick and the family, I can only begin to guess your loss and send you this poem by John O'Donohue

On The Death Of The Beloved

Though we need to weep your loss, You dwell in that safe place in our hearts, Where no storm or night or pain can reach you.

Your love was like the dawn Brightening over our lives Awakening beneath the dark A further adventure of colour.

The sound of your voice Found for us A new music That brightened everything.

Whatever you enfolded in your gaze Quickened in the joy of its being; You placed smiles like flowers On the altar of the heart. Your mind always sparkled With wonder at things.

Though your days here were brief, Your spirit was live, awake, complete.

We look towards each other no longer From the old distance of our names; Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath, As close to us as we are to ourselves.

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes, We know our soul’s gaze is upon your face, Smiling back at us from within everything To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory, Where we would grow lonely without you. You would want us to find you in presence, Beside us when beauty brightens, When kindness glows And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth, Darkest winter has turned to spring; May this dark grief flower with hope In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us: To enter each day with a generous heart. To serve the call of courage and love Until we see your beautiful face again In that land where there is no more separation, Where all tears will be wiped from our mind, And where we will never lose you again.

Posted by: Sheila | December 13, 2012 I 7:22 PM

To Dick and Family, to the Chor Leoni , Elektra and EnChor family and Singers everywhere who have been touched by Diane Loomer's presence go our deepest thoughts of sympathy. The Salt Spring Island Choral community and audiences were blessed with Diane's many visits here,performing with her Choirs and presenting her Choral Workshops. We are sad, yet consoled by the knowledge that Diane's legacy continues to shine in all of us through her music and the Choral leaders and singers she inspired at home and abroad. Thank you Diane for sharing your gifts of music ,vitality and humanity with all of us.

Posted by: Anke Smeele | December 13, 2012 I 7:15 PM

On behalf of The Winnipeg Singers, we express sorrow at the passing of Diane Loomer. Diane's love of singers, choral music and expressive singing was evident in growth of choral music and the repetoire which her choirs performed. Until recently, Diane continued to be active as possible as her love for choral music was overwhelming beyond other life situations. We thank Diane for her gifts and her inspiration.

Posted by: Ron Lambert | December 13, 2012 I 4:14 PM

My condolences, to you all. Diane is an inspiration to all who love to SING. Diane always had a Joy ,and to be in her presence was inspiring, she Shone as a TRUE STAR. I share in the Sorrow you all are feeling. Blessings, and Love June Clark

Posted by: June | December 13, 2012 I 3:17 PM

On behalf of the Choir Leone Bologna (Italy) I express my deepest condolences.

Posted by: Pier Paolo Frabetti | December 13, 2012 I 1:53 PM

I saw her once when in Italy and have the competition. I really love her and I really adore with a woman so attractive and charming. I really sad hearing this, but her personality touched me and I believe of course for other. Rest now in peace for You. Thanks for bringing me joy and smile to this world. Good by :)

Posted by: Peter | December 13, 2012 I 1:51 PM

Thank you dear friend. I recall so many memories of working, planning, laughing with you. Just one....the Guys Chorus from Kwayhquitlam Middle School, Port Coquitlam, going in to Vancouver to work with you and with "The Lions." Thank you for living your passion!

Posted by: donna otto | December 13, 2012 I 1:26 PM