Toronto Children’s Choir - Toronto, Canada
Founded in 1978 by Jean Ashworth Bartle cm, o.ont. and subsequently led by Artistic Directors Elise Bradley, MNZM (2007-2021) and Dr. Zimfira Poloz (2022-present), the Toronto Children’s Chorus has been a cornerstone of choral excellence in Toronto and Canada for over 45 years.
Throughout its illustrious history, the Chorus has graced world-renowned stages including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and The Dom in Salzburg. As choral ambassadors, the TCC has represented Canada on 33 international tours and seven national tours. The TCC has also earned accolades at several prestigious competitions, including the International Eisteddfod in Wales, the Let the Peoples Sing competition in Europe, the CBC National Radio Competition, and the International Choral Kathaumixw. As the TCC celebrates its 47th concert season, it continues to build on a legacy of musical achievement and international recognition.
Dr. Zimfira Poloz is an award-winning conductor, educator,
and internationally respected adjudicator. With boundless energy,
she nurtures young musicians, believing that “brilliance has
no age.” She has received numerous honors, including the Honoured
Representative of Education of Kazakhstan, Hamilton’s
VIP Award, and the Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting.
She teaches Vocal Pedagogy for Young Choirs at the University
of Toronto and serves as a Canadian representative for
Choral Space and the Interkultur World Choir Council. She is
also a board member of the World Alliance of Children’s Choirs
and an editor for Cypress Choral Music.
Originally from Kazakhstan, where she founded the nation’s first choir school, Zimfira’s
talent was recognized upon her arrival in Canada by Jean Ashworth-Bartle. She has conducted
at St. Michael’s Choir School and served as Artistic Director of the Hamilton Children’s
Choir and Young Voices Toronto. Now, as Artistic Director of TCC, she has come
full circle, returning to her musical home.