About US
"What draws us together every week is a passion for choral music and a commitment to excellence."
Linden Singers of Victoria is a vibrant, mixed-voice, multi-generational, and auditioned choir. With a 45 years' history, the choir is well-established in the Victoria choral scene and dedicated to the performance and enjoyment of choral music.
Community outreach through public service performances and seasonal carolling is an important part of the choir's activities. Every December the choir performs holiday repertoire in small groups at shopping malls, Sidney By the Sea, seniors' residences, and at the Fairmont Empress hotel.
The Linden Singers repertoire is diverse and includes sacred and secular works from all eras, reflecting the wide interests and ability of its singers. The choir is proud to have commissioned works by well-known Canadian composers, including David Archer, Georgina Craig, Christine Donkin, Jeff Enns, and Imant Raminsh. Historically, the choir has made international tours to Cuba, New Zealand, and throughout Canada, as well as participating in significant events such as Festival 500 and the International Choral Kathaumixw in Powell River.
Our Music Director, Edette Gagné, is an integral part of the Linden Singers’ community. With her energy, focus and commitment to musical excellence, the choir has reached new musical peaks and continues to make magic for audiences.
EDETTE GAGNÉ, Music Director
Edette Gagné is a visionary leader who inspires others to go beyond what they thought were limitations, in order to achieve amazing results.
In her work around the globe with professionals and amateurs, Edette creates communities where people feel valued, included and safe to take chances, so that they can grow, flourish and be their best.
Edette increases sponsorship and audience growth; historically by up to 300%, by connecting with and engaging community support for performing arts organizations. As a strategist, Edette works with boards and stake-holders to find flexible, resilient ways to re-invent their organizations when facing challenges; so that they are able to create responses that are flexible and adaptive to needs as they emerge.
As an artistic director, stage director and music director of orchestras, choirs, opera and musical theatre groups, Edette champions creative programming, including staging and performances that captivate artists and audiences alike. She is known for inspiring performers to rise above the ordinary.
Throughout her career creating international touring shows, facilitating grand scale events on location, and transforming performing ensembles to realize their potential, Edette brings a deep work ethic and a commitment to creative collaboration.
Edette resides in Vancouver BC with her wife and several wonderful rescued animals. She recharges her batteries with cooking, hiking, yoga, photography and reading.
James Yi, Pianist
Born in Songtan, South Korea, and raised in the Lower Mainland, James began studying piano at the age of 16 with the late Edward Parker. At 18, he took up clarinet with Trisha Buehler. He received his BA in performance for clarinet under the guidance of Patricia Kostek, and studied piano with Arthur Rowe at the University of Victoria. James lives in Victoria, BC, continuing to be a part of the musical community in the city.
James specializes in teaching, with more than a decade of experience. His students' ages range from anywhere from 5 to 50.
As an accompanist, James has worked with Fear No Opera, Glenlyon Norfolk School choirs, Salt Spring Singers, and with solo instrumentalists and students in many different genres. He has worked as summertime music leader at Cordova Bay United Church, and is currently Music Director at St. Paul's United Church in Sidney.