In Their Own Words: Chor Leoni's Honorary Patrons

    

Chor Leoni is by far the best men's choir I have ever worked with anywhere. They are beautifully trained and they produce a good, healthy sound. Their performance of the difficult Cherubini Requiem in d minor was excellent in every way. They obviously love what they do and only in that sense are they "amateurs". I sincerely hope to work with them again in the future.

Maestro Mario Bernardi,
CBC Radio Orchestra

Chor Leoni means so much to me that it is impossible to describe the choir in just a few words...unless I do it this way:

C - charismatic, charming, committed
H - harmonious
O - original
R - remarkable, a "roaring" success

L - lovable
E - enthusiastic, expressive, energetic, engaging
O - outstanding
N - notable
I - intelligent, impressive

Martha Lou Henley,
Philanthropist and Patron of the Arts

It was in 1997, for the bicentennial of Schubert's birth, that I first had the opportunity to meet and work with Chor Leoni; I was immediately won over by the love of music - apparent in every phrase they sang - of each member of the choir, and, of course, by the charm and energy of Diane Loomer, the choir's founder and director. Making music with them is still one of the fondest memories of my career, and I am proud to be an honorary patron of such a world-class ensemble. It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to be associated with such a talented, joyous and generous group of men and to watch them go from strength to strength - long may the magic continue!

Brett Polegato,
Baritone

Worldwide, good male choirs are a commodity in short supply. Therefore it was a great pleasure for me to get to know Chor Leoni some years ago and later to have the privilege of conducting the choir at concerts in Vancouver.

Chor Leoni has all the constituents of a really good choral instrument: a rich, full-bodied sound, good reading ability, meticulous intonation, and very musical performances. In addition to these qualities there is bold programming, with many commissions and innovative concert concepts, a very strong sense of concord and harmony (and humour) within the group, and a solid organization - all under the splendid leadership of the founder and artistic director of the choir, Diane Loomer.

Chor Leoni is an ensemble that I would love to meet again soon and I wish them much success in their future music making.

Maestro Robert Sund,
Orphei Drängar, Sweden

Under Diane Loomer's direction, Chor Leoni has a polish, a sound, a spontaneity and a style that I feel is unequalled by any male voice choir that I have ever heard - and that includes the best on offer at the Eistedfodd in Wales. Thank you for such an inspiring performance and such great music-making.

Maestro Bramwell Tovey,
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra