Stewart Hall Singers auditioning for new season

Since director Paul Jabara took the reins, the Stewart Hall Singers have met a series of creative challenges that have raised the chorale to new heights.

“The first step was to elevate the quality of the choir. What inspires me is that they’re accomplishing more than they ever thought they could,” said Jabara, who was named director about four years ago.

He is currently holding auditions for new singers for the 60-member ensemble’s annual fall concert in November. It’s an ambitious undertaking; Handel’s Messiah is one of the most celebrated and demanding compositions in the genre.

Although they have presented this master work in the past, “we have never done the entire first section before. My right-hand man, accompanist Robert Frederick, is the best in the city.”

Jabara has also introduced changes to the group’s repertoire.

“I love choral music of all periods, and I also enjoy discovering new works. We recently commissioned a piece by an American composer for the first time,” he said, adding, “the group usually performs new Canadian works.”

The Stewart Hall Singers are also expanding the number of performances from two to three each year.

“In March we’ll do an all-Orthodox Lenten program. That’s my specialty,” said Jabara, who has been musical director at St. George’s Antiochian Church for 24 years.

“They will sing in different languages, like Slovenic, maybe Arabic and Greek. As well, the program will be all a cappella, which is the first time they’ve done that with me.”

The traditional May concert will consist of lighter fare – light jazz, Broadway tunes, pop, and other music.

Rehearsals for the Nov. 29 concert get under way Sept. 8 in Pointe Claire.

“I’m looking for all voices. The main criterion is that they have some basic sight reading,” Jabara said.

For an appointment or more information, call 514-738-8401.