Trillium grants help Oakville choir continue their ‘love’ for music

A pair of grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) have hit the perfect note with Oakville Choral.

The non-profit cultural organization, whose aim is the promotion of choral singing and music appreciation, received $34,200 in Capital and Resilient Communities Fund grants which the choir used to purchase modernized choral risers and add new programming to help expand community outreach.

“As a community-based group, we strive to reach as many of those as we can who love to sing and enjoy music,” said Sandra Litt, President of Oakville Choral. “These generous Ontario Trillium Foundation grants help us to ensure that this continues far and wide.”

Oakville Choral received a $14,200 Capital grant in 2022 they used to help purchase the new risers, both fixed and non-fixed, to facilitate accessible rehearsals, performances and the joy of group singing.

Their addition will also “significantly improve” safety for choristers, conductors and audiences.

The group also received a Resilient Communities Fund grant of $20,000 in March of this year. The money helps the organization recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing them to fund the diversification of audience and membership with new programming, and research and marketing methods to expand community outreach.

“It is wonderful how our government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation continues to invest in local organizations like Oakville Choral Society with the Resilient Communities Fund grant,” said Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford, who attended the organization’s open house earlier this week. “Our community is enriched and entertained with the rich cultural diversity from the choral concerts and events.

“Our government congratulates the choir members and may their passion for singing and success continue well into the future.”

Oakville Choral is always open to welcoming new partnerships and members. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays, 7:30-9pm, at Chartwell Church, 228 Chartwell Road in Oakville.

Performances are twice a year, and often joined by guest soloists and groups.