Auditioning for Cantala in Toronto: What to Expect and 3 reasons Why It’s Worth It
If you've ever dreamed of singing with a high-calibre choir, there's a choir in Toronto you need to know about. With just 25 voices, Cantala is a tight-knit group has already made an impressive mark: four albums released on major music platforms, a landmark performance at Roy Thomson Hall in 2023, and—most notably—a debut at Carnegie Hall in 2025. Auditioning to join might be your next big step in your musical journey.
Cantala Choir singing at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in NYC. April 2025.
A Choir with Global Reach
Despite its modest size, Cantala has achieved what many larger ensembles only aspire to. Their recordings, which range from contemporary choral compositions to reimagined classics, have found audiences across streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Listeners praise the group’s precision, emotional resonance, and creative programming.
And they don’t just sound good in the studio. Their live performances are equally stunning. Singing at Carnegie Hall is no small feat—especially for a smaller choir. That 2025 performance was a testament to the group’s artistic excellence, hard work, and the strong community they’ve built together. The 2023 appearance at Roy Thomson Hall only added to their local acclaim.
What Auditions Are Like
Auditioning for a choir of this calibre isn’t something to take lightly, but it’s far from intimidating. The process is thorough but welcoming, and the goal is always to bring out the best in each singer.
You'll typically be asked to prepare a solo piece—something that shows off your vocal tone, control, and musicality. There’s a short interview component as well, giving the director a chance to get to know you and understand how you might contribute to the ensemble, both musically and personally.
More Than Just a Choir
What makes Cantala stand out isn’t just its musical achievements, but the sense of community it fosters. With only 25 singers, everyone has a voice—literally and figuratively. Rehearsals are focused but warm, and there's a strong culture of mutual support. Members come from diverse musical backgrounds, but they share a common dedication to excellence, collaboration, and artistic growth.
Touring and recording opportunities provide additional layers to the experience. Whether it’s laying down tracks in a professional studio or traveling internationally to perform, singers are given the chance to develop as artists in a wide range of settings.