The world-renowned, all-female vocal group Durham Girls Choir is this year’s recipient of a Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award from Oshawa Music Awards – The OMAs.
The 2022 Oshawa Music Awards will take place Thursday, September 29th, and are proudly presented by Durham Region Economic Development and Tourism, 360insights, Spark Centre, Trent University Durham GTA, and Durham College.
First convened in 1964, the organization was established when the Oshawa Folk Arts Council asked local musician Elsie Drygala to form an ensemble to perform for an annual celebration. They adopted the name Oshawa Festival Singers. In 1972 Drygala re-established the group, registering their formal charitable status as a community choir — and the rest, as they say, was history.
Approaching the choir’s 30th anniversary in 2002, the organization was rebranded as Durham Girls’ Choir.
Today, accomplished director Kristine Dandavino guides and challenges the singers, while collaborative pianist Alanna Kurt lends an artful sophistication to their sound. Throughout the many changes over the years, the choir itself remains constant — performing a variety of secular music that expands participants’ musical talents and entertains audience members.
Friendships are made, peers are found, and most importantly — beautiful music is always shared.
Tickets are available at www.TheOMAs5.eventbrite.com
