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.

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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.  

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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.  

 

The North Bay Choral Society is 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 have led the choir.

 

                       Director                                Accompanist

 

1973-1976      Jim Ramsey                         Sheila Shisko

1976-1992      Dawn Wallis- Sutton           Sheila Shisko & Mary Mitchell

1992-1997      Nate Lee                              David Melhorne-Boe 

1997-2002      Albert Furtney                     Suzanne Charette 

2002-2013      Karen Schaivone                 Marilyn Sutherland

2013-Present  Lynda Burtch                      Marilyn Sutherland