About the choir: our history

It all started in August 1997, when 17 women responded to a local ad for singers in a new women's choir. Their spirit of teamwork, coupled with the inspired leadership of their director Irene Thompson, saw the choir grow in both size and popularity over the next 3 years.

In early 2002, Christine McMahon took over the director’s position, and the choir continued to flourish. In addition to our traditional annual Christmas and Spring concerts during Christine’s tenure, the choir participated in the Mid-Island Music Festivals in Duncan.

Island Bel Canto Singers welcomed their current leader, Lionel Tanod, in 2005. Lionel has expanded the choir's repertoire and has built connections with many other musical groups in the community. He was a key figure, along with a number of choir members, in the creation of the Nanaimo Sings! choral festival in 2008, that involved 14 community choirs in a 3-day festival.

A number of accompanists have supported the choir over the years, including Elaine Ursulack, Sharyn Andruski-Collins, Gillian Guy and Rie Okamura. Since 2002, we have been truly blessed to have Sharon Sinclair as our accompanist.

Throughout the years, the choir continues to thrive as a result of everyone’s commitment to teamwork and choral excellence. This is, beyond a doubt, a group of women who truly love to sing and have fun together!