History of the Kanata Choral Society
Formed as a SATB choir in 1986, the Kanata Choral Society has established itself as a group of dedicated volunteers willing to work at their love of choral music to bring well known and new choral works to audiences in the Kanata region of Ottawa-Carleton. Now in their 37th season, the singers continue to entertain audiences with a wide variety of choral repertoire from the Baroque period to contemporary music. The choir enjoys working with some of the region‘s finest soloists, instrumentalists and clinicians.
Students under age 25 may receive credits for joining the choir and special membership considerations apply to them.
Choir photo by Eric Castro
Scott Auchinleck
In
addition to his duties as musical director of the Kanata Choral Society, Scott is currently Director of
Music at Glen Cairn United Church and the Goulbourn Male Chorus. A native of Montreal, Scott holds a
Master's degree in Choral Music from the University of Ottawa as well as degrees in Music and Education
from Bishop's University in Lennoxville, Quebec. He has worked with choirs and churches in the Montreal
and Ottawa regions as well as the Eastern Township and Montérégie regions of Quebec.
Eliana Kurilov de Castro
Our accompanists is Eliana Kurilov de Castro, born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, grew up in an Eastern European community deeply rooted in rich musical traditions.
Her passion for music began early singing in church choirs at age five and starting piano and guitar lessons by age seven. Eliana studied piano and organ with
renowned Brazilian composers and performers, earning her first Bachelor's degree in Sacred and Classical Music (with a minor in voice) from the São Paulo Baptist Seminary,
followed by a second Bachelor's degree from the São Paulo School of Arts and Music. Eliana advanced her training in pipe organ through master classes
with notable international organists from Argentina, Russia, and Brazil. This rigorous study culminated in performances in the prestigious Saint Cecilia Series,
where she delivered powerful interpretations of works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, and others, enriching São Paulo's cultural scene with the timeless beauty of
classical organ music. Her musical journey also included violin studies with Prof. Suray Soren (violinist and educator of Suzuki method),
Teresa Schnorrenberg (violinist and educator), and the highly respected violinist, conductor, and educator, Dr. Alberto Jaffé from Pensacola Christian College.
Eliana dedicated 16 years as a music professor at São Paulo Baptist Seminary. Her career spans active community engagement, where she has supported churches and choirs
in the roles of organist and pianist. Additionally, she has led children's choirs, demonstrating her versatility and deep commitment to fostering musical talent across
diverse age groups. Since 2013, Eliana has been a valued member of the Kanata Choir Society, sharing her expertise and collaborating with musicians to enrich
the local cultural scene of our city.