alum, choristers, ConductorsNancy Singlatoronto choirs, nancy singla, cantala choir, toronto choral scene, DEI and choirs, DEI, equity, diversity, inclusion

Singing Inclusion: Cantala Choir’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

alum, choristers, ConductorsNancy Singlatoronto choirs, nancy singla, cantala choir, toronto choral scene, DEI and choirs, DEI, equity, diversity, inclusion

At Cantala, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just ideals—they are integral to our identity and mission. As a dynamic treble choir based in Toronto, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inspiring musical home for all.

Cantala Singers on Tour in NYC 2025

A Commitment to Equity and Access

Our dedication to equity is evident in our approach to auditions and membership. We welcome singers with varying levels of musical experience, recognizing that passion and commitment are as vital as formal training. To support this, we have initiated a mentorship program designed for individuals with limited musical reading or formal experience, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to thrive in a choral setting. 

Embracing Diversity in Repertoire and Performance

Diversity is at the heart of our musical selections. We strive to perform a wide range of choral works that reflect various cultures, languages, and traditions. Our recent album, Singbird, released in December 2024, showcases Canadian choral compositions, highlighting our commitment to promoting diverse voices in the choral community. 

Inclusive Practices in Choir Culture

Inclusion extends beyond our music to the very fabric of our choir culture. We foster an environment where every member feels valued and heard. Our rehearsal spaces are designed to be supportive and collaborative, encouraging singers to express themselves authentically. We also offer uniform options, including dresses and pant suits, to ensure that all members can perform comfortably and confidently. 

Community Engagement and Outreach

Cantala Choir believes in the power of music to connect communities. We actively seek opportunities to perform in diverse venues across Toronto, from renowned institutions like the Aga Khan Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum to unique spaces such as outdoor bridges and tunnels. These performances aim to make choral music accessible to a broader audience and to celebrate the rich tapestry of our city's cultural landscape.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for our 18th concert season we remain steadfast in our commitment to DEI principles. Our vision is to continue building a choir that not only achieves musical excellence but also serves as a beacon of inclusivity and representation in the arts.

At Cantala Choir, DEI is more than a framework—it is the melody that unites us, the harmony that strengthens us, and the rhythm that propels us forward.

Audition today

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Cantala + New York in 2018

I never would have dreamed 10 years ago when I founded the Cantala Women’s Choir that I would take my choir to New York city for a musical adventure, but it’s becoming a reality.

Conductors, choristers, concertsNancy Singlanew york choral scene, DCINY, eric whitacre, cantala womens choir, nancy singla, choirs, choral singing, singing, toronto choral scene, toronto womens choir, choir tour, 10th anniversary, lincoln centerComment
choristers, ConductorsNancy Singlacantala women's choir, nancy singla, toronto choirs, toronto womens choir, a ceremony of carols, benjamin britten, journey, empowering womenComment

Cantala: The History

Naming Cantala happened rather spontaneously. My husband googled "choral singing names" and came back to me shortly with “Cantala” meaning “on wings of song”. No more than a moments thought later I made it official. "Cantala" it was.

choristers, ConductorsNancy Singlacantala women's choir, nancy singla, toronto choirs, toronto womens choir, a ceremony of carols, benjamin britten, journey, empowering womenComment
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Transformative Choral Experiences with Cantala

Every year I tell Cantala that they are the closest I’ll ever get to driving a Mercedes Benz but this year I have upgraded them to a Tesla….

Conductors, concerts, choristersNancy Singlacantala women's choir, Cantala, cantala womens choir, catherine glaser climie, spring concert toronto, Spring concert, francis poulenc, benjamin britten, Nancy Singla, womens choir, toronto choir, toronto choirs, toronto choral singing, toronto choral concerts, toronto choral sceneComment
alum, choristers, composer, concerts, ConductorsNancy Singlachoiristers, cantala choir, cantala women's choir, toronto choral singing, toronto choral scene, Nancy Singla, choral singing, choral sound, sacred musicComment

New Beginnings

Cantala Choir and I had our first in person rehearsal in two years in February 2022 and for so many reasons, it feels like a new beginning. For one, as I re enter the world of choral music and choral programming I feel I have many new ideas and perspectives. So consider this: what about changing “hundred of years-old sacred text” to a sacred text that is relevant to our human society today? Radical idea? Read on.

alum, choristers, composer, concerts, ConductorsNancy Singlachoiristers, cantala choir, cantala women's choir, toronto choral singing, toronto choral scene, Nancy Singla, choral singing, choral sound, sacred musicComment
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Cantala's AGM

Did you know that Cantala is a registered charity and has a Board of Directors? All charitable organizations in Canada are required to have a Board of Directors to oversee and direct the vision and mission of the organization. Who is on the Board of Directors and what is their role in your singing experience? Read on to find out.


alum, choristers, ConductorsNancy Singlachoiristers, board of directors, agm, toronto choirs, toronto singing, cantala choir, nancy singla, choral singingComment