A Special announcement
The Board of Directors of the Vancouver Cantata Singers wishes to share that, following next season, Artistic Director Paula Kremer will transition into the role of Conductor Emerita. The honorary title of Conductor Emerita recognizes Paula’s lasting artistic legacy and affirms her continuing place within the artistic life of the choir.
“With profound respect and appreciation for the Vancouver Cantata Singers, I have decided to step down as Artistic Director at the end of our 2026/27 season,” says Paula. “My journey with this wonderful organization began in 1994, singing alto under the direction of James Fankhauser. I was thrilled to be named Artistic Director in 2013, and have done my best to lead the choir in many seasons of concerts, continuing the ensemble’s tradition of innovative artistic excellence. This excellence runs through the entire organization: our President and Board of Directors, our General Manager, our singers, and our loyal and supportive audiences.
“A choir is a special instrument, the sum of its parts, and the Vancouver Cantata Singers attracts some of the finest singers in the Lower Mainland. I am incredibly appreciative of all of the members of the choir and all the guest artists that have joined us in collaboration; it has truly been a privilege to rehearse and perform with such excellent musicians. This experience will remain dear to my heart as I cherish the last thirteen years of programming and leading VCS. I will be forever grateful to VCS for the years of music making in my life, and look forward to many more years of the choir’s success as I transition to Conductor Emerita.”
The Board expresses its deep gratitude for everything Paula has given to VCS for the past 32 years. Paula brought to our rehearsals an exceptional ability to identify and resolve vocal challenges, along with a rare gift for illuminating how music theory and formal analysis shape expressive interpretation. In 2019, under Paula’s leadership, VCS achieved the remarkable distinction of winning the Canada Council for the Arts’ Healey Willan Prize for an unprecedented fourth time. Her years of dedication make her the second longest-serving Artistic Director in the choir’s 68-year history.
Paula will continue in her current position through the end of the 2026/27 season and lead the choir’s Fall 2026 performances, with guest conductors featured in our Spring 2027 concerts. A new Artistic Director will assume the role beginning with the 2027/28 season, and Paula will occasionally return to the podium in her new capacity. The Board will share further details in the coming weeks on a search for our new Artistic Director.
Please join us in thanking Paula for her artistry, leadership, and devotion to the Vancouver Cantata Singers. We look forward to honouring her legacy over the coming seasons and continuing our musical journey together.
