Academy Chamber Choir

The Academy Chamber Choir consists of thirty - six singers from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions. It is an amateur choir that, since its inception in 1994, has developed into one of Canada’s dynamic chamber choirs. The choir specializes in a cappella music from the Middle Ages to the 20th century and regularly commissions new works by Canadian composers. Under the direction of Don James, the Academy Chamber Choir has toured in Venezuela, the Czech Republic, Canada, Mexico, Spain and France.

Don James

Don James, CM is founder and music director of the Powell River Academy of Music, the International Choral Kathaumixw and the Symphony & Opera Academy of the Pacific. While completing his studies in orchestral conducting at the University of Washington, his work in opera led to an intense interest in vocal music. Under his direction, Academy choirs have been awarded prizes and recognition from the Canadian and European Broadcasting Corporations and have been heard in concert and on radio and television in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Recently Mr. James was named Canada’s representative to the International Choir Olympic Council. In 1990, Mr. James was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his distinguished service to choral music.