Welcome to the website of the Freedom Gospel Choir(s). We know the URL says “freedomgospelchoir”, but actually, there’s two choirs. That’s right. Two. One in Duncan, and the other in Victoria. (In our defense, there was only one choir when we built the website.)
Both choirs are conducted by Ann Antonides, and accompanied by the incomparable Tanya Gillespie.
The Duncan Choir was founded in 2013, and is composed of singers from all over the Cowichan Valley – Mill Bay to Saltair.
The Victoria Choir was started two years later, after some people from there came to Duncan for a concert. They were so excited at what they heard that they asked Ann to start a choir south of the Malahat.
Excited, you say? By a choir concert? You bet! We are excited about making music together. Come to one of our concerts, and you’ll know why!
Our singers come from all ages and walks of life, and there’s varying degrees of musical training. What we have in common in a love of spirituals, African rythms, southern gospel, and folk music. Ask anyone in either group and they’ll tell you they’ve been profoundly blessed and energized through the joy and hope that is intrinsic to gospel music.
The choirs perform at local events and churches in both the Cowichan Valley and the Greater Victoria area, usually each presenting two concerts per year in the spring. We have also been known to get together for joint concerts on occasion. That’s an amazing experience! 80+ voices on stage! (Click here to see when the next concerts are scheduled.)
You should also know that the Duncan Choir is sponsored by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Duncan, where the choir rehearses every Tuesday night from September through May. (And we certainly appreciate their sponsorship and help.)
The Victoria Freedom Gospel Choir is an independent choir. Rehearsals are every Monday evening (September through May) at the First Church of the Nazarene at 4277 Quadra Street.
Interested in joining in September? Give Ann a call. 250.748.5752
Check us out and friend us on Facebook for up to date notices and reminders!
Past performances
Nanaimo Jazz Festival – Guest Appearance!
You are invited to attend FOR FREE to watch us do what we love! The Freedom Gospel Choir singers have been invited to participate in the Nanaimo Jazz Festival. Beginning on …
2018-2019 Singing Season Begins
Interested in joining the choir? Give Ann a call. 250.748.5752 PLEASE NOTE – WE ARE ALMOST FULL FOR WOMEN CHOIR MEMBERS IN BOTH CHOIRS!! PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE PRE-REGISTERED …
Our Director
Musical Director Ann Antonides has a history of more than 30 years of choral conducting on Southern Vancouver Island, including a dozen years at the helm of the Duncan Choral Society, as well as conducting elementary and high school choirs during her teaching career.
In September of 2013 Ann started the Freedom. Gospel Choir. Ann has always loved gospel music and sometimes you can catch her dancing to the tunes. Ann loves bringing together singers who are enriched by this music and want to share their joy with the community.
Tanya Gillespie
Yes, she plays guitar. And drums. And other instruments. But her real forté is the piano. She loves the gospel genre, and it shows in the way she plays. After graduating with first class honours in piano and harmony at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Tanya continued to expand her musical horizons by developing her preordained passion for singing, writing, and composing.
In 2006, she won the Monday Magazine designation as “Who Will Be Victoria’s Next Big Thing”, and took the runner-up prize in the category of Favorite Solo Artist.
She has produced 3 CD’s including a restful assortment of improvisational piano instrumentals entitled “Impromptu”, and an infectious Indie-pop collection produced by Juno-nominated musician/producer Matthew James.
