The Epic Choir

2023 - Present
Toronto, Ontario

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The Epic Choir is a community choir proudly composed of trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and genderqueer singers and musicians of all ranges and abilities. The Epic Choir disrupts gendered aspects of choral music and gender normative pedagogy that excludes trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and genderqueer people from realms of composition, arrangement, and singing.

The Epic Choir debuted as part of the mainstage ReDefine Arts and Theatre Passe Muraille co-production of Trace, co-created by Tristan R. Whiston and Moynan King. Trace was nominated for 2023 Dora Mavor Moore Awards in sound design/composition (Whiston and King) and best ensemble (Epic Choir of Traceland).

In 2024, the Epic Choir launched Trans-Pose: a creative development initiative that cultivates artistic leadership amongst intergenerational trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and genderqueer singers and musicians. Trans-Pose, stewarded by Choir Director Tristan R. Whiston and Choir Coordinator Megan Wilk, includes mentorship, guest workshops with trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and genderqueer identified artists, and choral performances. This initiative is funded by Toronto Arts Council Strategic Funding, Open Door program.

Thanks to Diane Frankling Co-operative Housing for providing a welcoming and accessible rehearsal space.

For Epic Choir inquiries, email info@redefinearts.ca.

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Other media

  • A choir stands in a triangle formation, singing out to the audience.

    The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Katie Yealland.

  • A choir stands together singing out to the audience.

    The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Katie Yealland.

  • Choir members spread across a stage, facing the audience.

    The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Henry Chan.

  • A choir stands in a triangle formation wearing medical face masks.

    The Epic Choir, 2023. Photo by Becky Gold.

  • A person directs a choir standing together, wearing medical face masks.

    The Epic Choir, 2023. Photo by Anna Camilleri.

  • A choir stands in a triangle formation, singing out to the audience.

    The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Henry Chan.

  • A choir stands in formation on a stage, stairs, and upper balcony, facing the audience.

    The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Henry Chan.

  • A choir, accompanied by an ASL interpreter, stand in front of a projection screen, live streaming the performance.

    The Epic Choir at the HELD Closing Celebration, Urban Space Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, 2024. Photo by Felicia Byron.

  • A choir, accompanied by an ASL interpreter, stands together singing out to the audience.

    The Epic Choir at the HELD Closing Celebration, Urban Space Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, 2024. Photo by Felicia Byron.

  • A choir stands together singing out to the audience.

    The Epic Choir at Seneca College Trans Awareness Week, Toronto, Ontario, 2025. Photo by Gary Wu.

  • A choir stands together singing out to the audience.

    The Epic Choir at Seneca College Trans Awareness Week, Toronto, Ontario, 2025. Photo by Gary Wu.

  • A choir section stands together singing out to the audience.

    The Epic Choir at Seneca College Trans Awareness Week, Toronto, Ontario, 2025. Photo by Gary Wu.

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