Proud History

Originally formed as the  Peterborough Symphony Singers in 1990, the Peterborough Singers (PS) became a stand-alone entity in 1993. The highly regarded choir boasts upwards of 110 members under the direction of Sydney Birrell. World-class, professional Canadian soloists enjoy performing with the choir time and again.

Thirty Years of Choral Excellence

by Karen Taylor, a founding member of the Peterborough Singers

Thirty years ago, when members of the soon-to-be Peterborough Singers’ board of directors gathered around Pam and Syd Birrell’s kitchen table, they had big dreams. They wanted to create a community of excellent singers and musicians committed to bringing to our region both the best of choral music and world-class performers, while also encouraging and highlighting local and emerging Canadian talent. They succeeded—founding what has become an enduring community treasure.

Music Director Michael Newnham is best known for his intense and inspiring conducting style, based on a deep knowledge of the score and informed by a strong interest in languages, cultures and history. A born communicator, his open and direct contact with musicians and audiences creates performances full of expression and energy.

Along with his duties at the PSO, he is also presently (since 2018) Music Director of Orchestra Toronto. During his tenure as Music Director of Symphony New Brunswick (2009-2018), Newnham was instrumental in bringing that orchestra to new artistic heights and raising its profile on the national level.

In addition to his performances in his native Canada, Newnham has also appeared at the helm of many orchestras and opera companies throughout Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Italy, and South Korea.

Endowed with a special passion and gift for working with young musicians, Michael was the founding conductor of the Kawartha Youth Orchestra and has been a faculty member at Music at Port Milford for several years. His involvement in educating young musicians is not limited to Canada; he spent two years as a guest professor and orchestra conductor at Taegu-Hyosung University in South Korea.

Originally from Hamilton, Newnham is a graduate of the conducting class of prof. Bogusław Madey at the Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, Poland. He also studied at the Indiana University School of Music and at the University of Toronto.

He is a recipient of several awards, including the “Order of Merit” from the Republic of Poland, the “Best Conductor” Award from the East Slovakian State Opera, and the Turzanski Award for his services in promoting Polish music and culture in Canada.

Before taking up the baton, Newnham began his musical career as a trombonist, playing with the Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo Symphonies, as well as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. He currently lives in Peterborough with his wife, cellist Zuzanna. He is an avid reader, proud father to two daughters and a passionate home barista.

Our Music Director has assembled some recommendations for those who would like to have a taste of the programmed works ahead of time:

Spotify playlist link