About the choir: our director

We are delighted to have Lionel Tanod as our Artistic Director. Lionel holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of London, England and a Master of Arts Degree in Music from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Before moving to Nanaimo in 2004, Lionel was the Director of Music at Ashbury College in Ottawa for 20 years. There, he was responsible for the entire music program including choirs, bands, theory, music history and music appreciation.

His extensive conducting experience includes small a cappella groups, large school choirs, concert and jazz bands, chamber ensembles and community choirs. His music interests are eclectic, ranging from classical to jazz, folk to Broadway.

In addition to Island Bel Canto Singers, Lionel also directs Probus Singers and sings with The Island Consort Chamber Choir. His other interests include tennis, hiking, kayaking and gardening.