North Bay
Choral Society
Choir Director: Lynda Burtch
The North Bay Choral Society is led by Lynda (Bertrand) Burtch who joined us in 2013 as our Director. Lynda comes to the Choral Society with a long list of credits. She is an instrumentalist, singer, vocal director, educator and winner of a Community Service Award in her home town of Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. Lynda holds academic honours from the University of Western Ontario and York University. No stranger to the North Bay Choral Society, Lynda served as Associate Director from 1993 to 1995.
​
Growing up in a large musical family and being Vice-Principal at Widdifield Secondary School has prepared Lynda for the job of managing a fun group of choristers.
Accompanist:
Marilyn Sutherland
Our amazing accompanist is Marilyn Sutherland who is one of the best known and busiest musicians in our community. She serves as accompanist to many theatrical productions and is the music director for her church. Marilyn brings a wealth of experience and humour to her role, keeping us on key and on track.
About the Choir:
The North Bay Choral Society is a not for profit choir made up of members of all ages and from all walks of life. We are brought together by our common bond, the love of singing.
​
Over the years, the choir has had many incarnations. In 1956, the Victor Chorus was formed under the direction of Victor Kviesis, with Olive Mullin as accompanist. The choir continued until 1963 when it disbanded for a period of 8 years. Former Chorus members organized a new choir into the Combined Ecumenical Choir of North Bay under the direction of Allen Borbridge.
The choir eventually became known as the North Bay Choral Society. Many talented directors and accompanists have led the choir.
Choral Directors:
1973-1976 Jim Ramsey
1976-1992 Dawn Wallis- Sutton
1992-1997 Nate Lee
1997-2002 Albert Furtney
2002-2013 Karen Schaivone
2013-Present Lynda Burtch
Accompanists:
1973-1976 Sheila Shisko
1976-1992 Sheila Shisko & Mary Mitchell
1992-1997 David Melhorne-Boe
1997-2002 Suzanne Charette
2002-2013 Marilyn Sutherland
2013-Present Marilyn Sutherland