Ottawa Regional Youth Choir

Young singers who are passionate about choral music often seek opportunities to challenge themselves artistically, connect with peers who share their interests, and grow as musicians and individuals. The Ottawa Regional Youth Choir (ORYC) provides that space for singers aged 15–25 across the National Capital Region. Founded in 1982 by Barbara Clark (CM), ORYC brings together young people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds who share a commitment to artistic excellence. Through rehearsals, performances, and collaborative projects, choristers develop not only strong musical skills but also important life skills such as confidence, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and communication.

Beyond musical training, ORYC also supports youth development and well-being. Participation in a high-level youth choir helps choristers build lasting friendships, work together toward ambitious goals, and develop a strong sense of belonging within a supportive artistic community. These experiences often have lasting impact beyond the rehearsal hall, helping young people build resilience, creativity, and confidence that benefit them throughout their lives. Choristers are also encouraged to contribute to the life of the choir through leadership, mentorship, and creative collaboration, strengthening both their own development and the community of the ensemble.

Artistically, ORYC presents ambitious concert programs each season, often in collaboration with professional musicians and other arts organizations. The choir’s repertoire spans the classical choral tradition from the 16th to the 21st centuries alongside contemporary works and music from diverse cultural traditions. ORYC also supports the next generation of Canadian composers by providing opportunities for emerging and student composers to workshop and premiere new works with the choir.

Looking ahead, ORYC is expanding its training programs to create new opportunities for less experienced singers in the region, strengthening the pathway for young musicians to develop their skills and progress toward advanced choral music.

Our vision is to become the most recognized, respected, inclusive, and well-funded youth choir in Canada — a title and stature worthy of the nation’s capital — by providing exceptional musical experiences for young singers while sharing the power of choral music with audiences across our community.