ChandraTala, under the direction of Laura Hawley, was founded in September 2019 and is the newest ensemble of the Kokopelli Choirs (Scott Leithead, Artistic Director). An upper voices choir for experienced soprano and alto singers of any gender identity, the choir’s Sanskrit name translates “rhythm of the moon.” 

The choir has performed with the Canadian Chamber Choir, Ariose Women’s Choir, collaborated with local Edmonton musicians, and premiered several new Canadian works.  During the period from March 2020 to June 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic isolation period, ChandraTala participated in the Sonic Timelapse project, commissioned two new works by Canadian female composers, and pursued a rich season of workshops with composers and clinicians, small group and virtual choir projects, including a cross-Canada virtual choir collaboration with six of Canada’s top upper-voices/women’s ensembles, and a consortium to commission Ukrainian composer Iryna Aleksiychuk.  ChandraTala performs and collaborates throughout the community, pursues diverse repertoire, commissions new works, works with clinicians locally and nationally, and supports one another in community and song. The choir has performed with singer-songwriter Maddie Storvold in the SkirtsAfire festival in 2020 and 2023 and is delighted to be returning for the 2024 festival! 

Ariose, a treble voice choir, led by Artistic Director, Jolaine Kerley, has been enchanting audiences in the heart of Edmonton since its inception in 1995 by Dr. Marilyn Kerley. With a mission deeply rooted in celebrating the rich tapestry of local composers, this nationally recognized and award-winning ensemble has become a shining beacon of artistic excellence and cultural pride.​

Ariose’s journey began in the vibrant and diverse city of Edmonton, where it found its voice amidst the picturesque landscapes of Alberta. Since its inception, the choir has maintained an unwavering commitment to showcasing the incredible wealth of musical talent that Canada has to offer. The group regularly performs pieces by Canadian artists and has commissioned several works by local composers, including Allan Bevan, Ramona Luengen, Christine Donkin, and most recently Laura Hawley.

​Ariose has released seven recordings: Ariose (2000), Joy shall be yours (2001), Cantemus (2004) and There, in that Other World (2005), and What Child is This? (2008) and Love, Light, and Lullabies (2016) which was released for Ariose’s 20th Anniversary. Ariose’s most recent release is Snow Angel (2018).

In 2016 Nottingham Women’s Choir formally began, in response to a growing desire on the part of the mothers of the youth singers to have their own opportunity to create and share beautiful music together. Over the years, this non-auditioned choir has flourished, welcoming new singers and performing at seniors’ lodges, local and provincial festivals, and concerts in Sherwood Park and Edmonton. This amazing group of women is directed by Amy Appleton and accompanied by Janine Fisher.

Edmonton musicians Kate Blechinger, Lindsey Walker, Jenni Roberts and Giselle Parker come together to re-live and reflect on the impact of Lilith Fair, the era-defining time capsule of 90’s female-led music. Their enjoyment of playing these songs stems from four different relationships to the music: some discovery and some re-discovery. What unites them is the joy of sharing this music together and the drive for women to own their histories and futures.