The Epic Choir, proudly composed of trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-queer singers, debuted as part 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).
Now an ongoing initiative, The Epic Choir disrupts gendered aspects of choral music and gender normative pedagogy that excludes trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender queer people from realms of composition, arrangement, and singing.
In 2024, The Epic Choir embarks on a new project – Trans-Pose – to encourage creative development and leadership amongst trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-queer singers and musicians. The initiative will include mentorship and guest workshops, singing, collaborative & solo composition, music arranging, and building a concert song cycle with original compositions. 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.
Choir Director
Tristan R. Whiston
Epic Choir members include
Annanda DeSilva
Arin Klein
Celina Carroll
Eli Holliday
Gehan Udayanga
Isabella Cavalheiro-Chin
Kay Jones
Megan Wilk
Moynan King
Nigel Wynne
Prism Arcobaleno
Riley Kelk
Van Ward
Wy Joung Kou
Zena Lord
Other media
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The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Katie Yealland.
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The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Katie Yealland.
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The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Henry Chan.
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The Epic Choir, 2023. Photo by Becky Gold.
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The Epic Choir, 2023. Photo by Anna Camilleri.
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The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Henry Chan.
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The Epic Choir in Trace, Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto, Ontario, 2023. Photo by Henry Chan.
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The Epic Choir at the HELD Closing Celebration, Urban Space Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, 2024. Photo by Felicia Byron.
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The Epic Choir at the HELD Closing Celebration, Urban Space Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, 2024. Photo by Felicia Byron.