KSO Chorus

The KSO Chorus provides local singers with the opportunity to perform masterworks for choir and orchestra in concert with the the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. Repertoire highlights over the years include a concert of opera choruses, Beethoven's 9th (Ode to Joy), Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass, Mozart's Requiem, Holst's King Estmere, Steven Chatman's Proud Music of the Storm, Fauré's Requiem, Britten's Ceremony of Carols, and Orff's Carmina Burana. The KSO Chorus has also joined the symphony for a wide variety of Pops performances, including numerous Christmas concerts.

Chorus Master

The chorus is led by Tomas Bijok. Tomas Bijok’s journey in music began at an early age. Having come from a musical family it was understood that music was to be a part of his life. Tomas began his formal vocal training under the instruction of Dr Wendoline Pazitka Munroe at Canadian University College. At the age of 22 Bijok began to study under the guidance of Lynn Vernon. He then studied for two Years at the University of British Columbia with Roelof Oostwoud after which he auditioned for the Prague Academy of Performing Arts. In Prague he completed his B.A and M.A. in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Ivan Kusnjer and the guidance of Magdaléna Hajóssyová. Bijok made his Czech debut in Bohuslav Martinu’s comedy on the Bridge at the Northern Bohemian Theatre of Opera and Ballet and since has sung in theaters in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Japan and France. In 2010 Bijok recorded the lead role of Lucas in the world premiere recording of Bohuslav Martinu’s “Le Jour de Bonte” under the Arco Diva label. Bijok has currently relocated to his home town of Kamloops. Dedicating more time to teaching, he presently acts as choral instructor at Thompson Rivers University, and continues to spread the secrets of Bel Canto in his private studio. In 2015 Tomas founded the TRU Chamber Chorus which won third at the 2018 Provincial Festival of the Performing Arts in BC. Most recently Tomas has been acting as the conductor of the Kamloops Happy Choristers, Music Minister at Mount Paul United Church, and Chorus Master of the Kamloops Symphony. When not singing, Bijok can be found in the kitchen making a mess and exquisite food.

2024-25 Season

During the 2024/25 Season, the KSO Chorus will be performing in the following programs with the Kamloops Symphony:

• Palestrina, Mozart & Beyond, Saturday & Sunday, November 16 & 17, 2024
• Christmas with the KSO, Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14, 2024
• Vivaldi's Gloria, Saturday, April 12, 2025
• Symphonic Stories: Handel Writes the Messiah, Saturday, April 26, 2025

Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday evenings, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm in the Kelson Hall Centre for Arts and Education (330 St. Paul Street), starting  in the fall of 2023. Participants are required to be available for additional rehearsals immediately preceding concert weekends.

SIGN UP

Interested singers are asked to sign up each year (even if you sang in the chorus last season) so that we know how many people to expect.
Before filling out the form below, please familiarize yourself with the official KSO Chorus Code of Conduct:

COMMITMENT

• Chorus members are expected to attend all rehearsals that are listed in the most up to date version of KSO Chorus Schedule.
• All members are expected to be punctual in attending all rehearsals and performances for the benefit of the chorus.
• Members are expected to advise the Chorus administrator as soon as possible if they are unable to attend a rehearsal. Lack of attendance may prevent members from participating in final performances.

HARMONY

• Members will always follow the direction of the Chorus Master, Chorus Administrator, Operations Team, or Music Director, and respect their artist decisions.
• Members are expected to behave in a mature, respectful, safe, and fair manner.
• Members are expected to sign in before every Chorus Rehearsals. Failure to do so may prevent members from participating in final performances.

OPEN-MINDEDNESS

• Members will not discriminate against Age, Indigenous identity, Race, Color, Ancestry, Place of origin, Religion, Family status, Marital status, Physical disability, Mental disability, Sex, Sexual orientation, Gender identity or expression, Political belief, Conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to employment.
• Members are expected to come to each rehearsal with a positive attitude, ready to learn and above all have fun.
• Chorus members understand that this is a judgment free group.

REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE

• Chorus members will be mindful of the condensed timing of orchestral rehearsals and strive to meet the pacing of each orchestral rehearsal.
• Members are expected to use active listening skills while in rehearsals and performances.
• Members understand that they may be required to stand for longer periods of time during rehearsal and performance.

UNISON

• Each member has a duty to care for themselves and their fellow chorus members. Members are expected to lead by example.
• Members are expected to work with Team KSO if they need any accommodation such as but not limited to, music stand, chairs, stools.
• All members should conduct themselves in a way that reflects the values of the KSO Chorus and meet the expected professional standards.

SHOW ETIQUETTE

• Members understand that KSO Concerts are a professional Orchestral work setting.
• Members will keep special awareness in mind while moving around backstage and onstage, in addition to understanding that chorus members should not walk through the orchestra seating.
• Chorus members will be mindful of call times for each performance and understand that time during performance week might change.

Please fill out the form below to register to sing with the Chorus. We do require that everyone fills out the form each year.

* First Name

* Last Name

* Email Address

* Phone Number

* Voice Part Soprano 1
Soprano 2
Alto 1
Alto 2
Tenor 1
Tenor 2
Bass 1
Bass 2

* Please list your past singing experience

* I agree to follow all health and safety regulations. Yes

* I have read and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct Yes

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