News Release
Chorus Inspira unveiled as the new name of Edmonton’s premier symphonic choir.
New identity celebrates the evolving journey of Richard Eaton Singers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 9, 2025
EDMONTON, AB – The Board of Directors has announced that Richard Eaton Singers will celebrate its evolving journey under a new name: Chorus Inspira.
As the choir approaches its 75th year of playing a leading role in the cultural community of the city, the Board of Directors has made this major step in the organization’s evolution. Under the artistic leadership of Dr. Timothy Shantz since 2023, Chorus Inspira will carry on the organization’s rich legacy of excellence as Edmonton’s premier symphonic choir long into the future.
The new identity was announced at the organization’s performance of Carmina Burana at the Winspear Centre on Sunday, June 8.
Inspira was chosen for the Latin term that is the root of the word inspiration—associated with breath, action and creation. The name Chorus Inspira celebrates music-making as the essence of life, meaning, purpose and connection.
As part of its rebranding process, the organization spent time connecting and having important conversations with its members and gathering insights from the choral and arts community.
“Our evolution to Chorus Inspira is fueled by our community,” says Board Chair Jochen Eggert. “We talked with so many people who expressed a deep appreciation for our history and shared their insights into our commitment and desire to advance the choral artform—performing the masterworks and supporting new major works—in our modern context.”
The new identity Chorus Inspira honours the indomitable spirit of founder Richard Eaton—and conductors Alexandra Munn, Larry Cook and Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff who followed—as it inspires new generations. Today, Chorus Inspira’s dynamic and diverse group of over 100 voices share a commitment to the mastery of skills and performance and benefit from a rigorous and rewarding ensemble experience that values each member.
“From the beginning, our story has been about having the vision, courage and commitment to grow and evolve as a musical organization,” says Artistic Director Timothy Shantz, “As Chorus Inspira, we will continue to be courageous and creative, striving for excellence and connecting people to experiences that are beautiful and profound.”
Media Contact
Vicky Smith, General Manager
780.428.3737
Chorus Inspira is Edmonton’s premier symphonic choir. Under the direction of Dr. Timothy Shantz, this vibrant community of over 100 members is inspired to share breathtaking masterworks and new compositions that nurture hope, imagination and understanding. Building on a vibrant legacy of almost 75 years—including 57 years as Richard Eaton Singers—Chorus Inspira embraces a spirit of collaboration, discovery and growth as the organization continues to evolve in its pursuit of excellence and the advancement of choral music.
Background
Our Journey
1951 Richard Eaton established the University Singers at the University of Alberta
1968 University Singers became Richard Eaton Singers in memory of the founder
2025 The choir becomes Chorus Inspira in celebration of the evolving journey
of Richard Eaton Singers.
2026 The choir celebrates 75 years of music-making
Conductors and Artistic Directors
Richard Eaton (1951-1967)
Alexandra Munn (1967-1973)
Larry Cook (1973-1981)
Leonard Ratzlaff (1981-2023)
Timothy Shantz (2022 to present)
Our Legacy
Over the past seven decades, we have continued to grow and evolve as a choir and as an integral partner in Edmonton’s musical development. We have been explorers and builders, and champions for the vital importance of great choral music, continually adapting and seizing the opportunities of our times.
Our legacy of excellence and innovation includes:
- Regular performances of choral masterworks, including Handel’s Messiah, Britten’s War Requiem, Bach’s Passions and works by Brahms, Elgar, Walton and Vaughan Williams.
- Performance of Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand for the opening of the Winspear Centre
- Commissioning and premiers of new Canadian works by Estacio, Bevan, Raminsh, Gilliland, Sirett and others
- Extensive touring in Canada, Netherlands, Germany and the UK
- Orpheus Music Award from Music Alberta
- Academic and musical collaboration with the University of Alberta Department of Music
- Collaboration and exchanges with Canadian choirs
- Recordings
- “Up Close and Personal” outreach and voice scholarships
Our Inspiration
The spirit of passionate musician and choral leader Richard Eaton continues to inspire Chorus Inspira. As a key figure in the evolution of Edmonton’s music landscape, Richard Eaton believed in the pursuit of excellence, human potential and the transformational impact of choral music. As a choral leader and arts community-builder, he led with vision and possibility and was a bridge-builder, convener, and provoker of thought and action. He advocated for the growth and development of music education at the University of Alberta and was a key voice in the establishment of Edmonton’s professional orchestra and world-class venues. In addition, over 40 years of leadership from Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff continued to propel this vision forward into the future through inspiring performances, commissions and tours. Chorus Inspira builds on this story of innovation, community, and excellence.
