Chapel Choir

List of 2 items.

• Origins

  Choir school is an institution that dates back centuries. The first choir school was founded by St. Augustine of Canterbury in 597. There are more than 30 choir schools in the United Kingdom today. Some, like Westminster Abbey Choir School, are set within church precincts.

  
  

  There have only ever been a few Anglican choir schools in Canada, and RSGC was born out of the desire to create one. It was founded by three prominent educators and music professionals. Dr. Healey Willan was a prolific composer of both church and secular music, as well as a renowned organist and choirmaster. John Bradley was the music master at St. Andrew’s College, a boys’ school in Aurora. John Cook was the organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Ontario, in 1955, and formerly the organist and choirmaster at Holy Trinity Church, the church where Shakespeare is interred in Stratford-upon-Avon. Together, they developed the idea for the school and then sought to find a location, ultimately founding it in 1964 where RSGC stands today.

  
  

  Choir tours started early on, with the first being in 1969 when the Choir of St. George’s College—the “Royal” designation was yet to come—toured the UK and sang Evensong at Westminster Abbey. At home, the choral music program has played an important role in the Anglican community in Toronto. Students have historically taken part in services and events at area churches, and have been invited to sing in St. James’ Cathedral’s presentation of Messiah. The choir presents the Festival of Lessons and Carols at St. James’ Cathedral each year, a signature RSGC event. In 1982, the Festival was broadcast nationally by CBC television as part of its holiday programming.

• Leadership

  The Chapel Choir has been led by some of the most notable directors and choirmasters in Canada and beyond. 

  
  

  John Bradley was a co-founder of the college and also served at St. Crispin's Anglican church in Scarborough, St. Anne's Anglican Church in Toronto, Rosedale United Church in Toronto, and the Diocese Summer Music School in Port Hope. 

  
  

  Dr. Giles Bryant retired from his roles as Choirmaster and Organist in 1997, and he retired fully from RSGC in 1999, subsequently becoming Choirmaster Emeritus, an Honorary Old Boy, and Warden of the College. He remained an indispensable member of our community, continuing to play regularly at weekly Choral Evensongs and the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and accompanying several memorable choir tours. He received honorary Doctors of Sacred Letters from Wycliffe College and Trinity College. He served as Executive Director of the Kiwanis Music Festival, was National President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and was awarded the Ontario Choral Federation’s Distinguished Service Award. 

  
  

  Douglas Jamieson is Director of Choral Music Emeritus, and led and shaped the school’s choral program for more than three decades. His vision helped establish choir as a high school credit and expand choral opportunities from Grades 3 to 12.
  
  At the start of the 2024–25 school year, we welcomed Daniel Webb as the newest steward of this legacy. A Cambridge University organ scholar, Mr. Webb is a seasoned leader of renowned choirs. He taught at four of the United Kingdom’s leading schools before moving to Toronto to start a new chapter of his life with his family. In addition to his talent and experience, he brought an inspiring vision, and an infectious love of choral music. Webb builds upon the work of his predecessor in shaping an inclusive and dynamic program.