Founded in 1978 by Jean Ashworth Bartle, C.M., O.Ont., the Toronto Children's Chorus has flourished over twenty-two years and has become one of the world's premiere choral ensembles for children, whose exceptional artistry inspires audiences, critics and children's choirs everywhere. Over 300 Toronto-area voices, ages 7-17 and placed by level of training in the Toronto Children's Chorus and Training Choirs I, II and III, learn to sing each year with heart, mind and one shared aspiration: choral excellence. Offering its children unique musical, educational and life-enhancing experiences through the finest repertoire - especially Canadian works and world premiere commissions - the Toronto Children's Chorus stands at the threshold of the new millennium as an international role model in the children's choir movement and celebrates a rich tradition of touring, recording and award-winning performances.

Jean Ashworth Bartle, C.M., O.Ont., Founder/Music Director

Jean Ashworth Bartle's contribution to the art of choral music for children is internationally renowned. Whether directing the Toronto Children's Chorus or sharing knowledge with choral directors and choirs worldwide, she has shown an uncommon dedication to Canadian choral excellence and has exerted a profound influence on thousands of children. Her work has been praised by Sir Andrew Davis, Maureen Forrester, the late Dr. Elmer Iseler, Simon Preston, the late Robert Shaw and Sir David Willcocks.

A native of Lancashire, England, and an Honours Graduate of the University of Toronto and Royal Conservatory of Music, Ms Ashworth Bartle consistently produces music of the highest artistic standard with all children. She was the recipient of the 1982 Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Prize, recognizing her distinctive conducting and teaching abilities. In 1998, she was invested to the Order of Ontario and to the nation's highest honour - the Order of Canada - for taking the children's choir movement and Canadian choral music to unprecedented heights.

Jean Ashworth Bartle founded the Toronto Children's Chorus in 1978 when Andrew Davis, then conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, requested a children's chorus to perform in TSO season performances. Under her guidance, the TCC has achieved international acclaim, recording and touring widely and winning many first-place awards. A passionate supporter of Canadian composers and artists, she has also made leading strides in promoting the nation's choral music to choirs and audiences. Through her commissioning program, innumerable Canadians have been inspired to create works and arrangements for the Chorus, and internationally celebrated artists have lent their gifts to her TCC recordings.

Jean Ashworth Bartle is the author of Sound Advice: Becoming a Better Children's Choir Conductor, published by Oxford University Press.