We exist to enrich the lives of our choristers, families and the community through the arts and foster the next generation of choral musicians. We offer a rigorous instructional choral program for children aged 6 through 15 in five choirs (Prima, Viva, Concert, Chamber and Boys’), which includes musical training, rehearsals, performances, educational outreach, mentoring and social activities. 

The Ottawa Children’s Choir (OCC) was founded in 1958 as the Ottawa Board of Education Central Choir for musically gifted students. The Choir has been a registered charity since 1973 and was incorporated as a not-for-profit charitable organization with a board of directors in 1998.

The program began as a group of seventy young singers. Over time, with the decline in choral instruction in schools, and growing demand from students and their families, additional choirs were added:

1987 - two choirs: an advanced Chamber Choir and a training Concert Choir.
2001 - a younger training choir for 8-10 years old added: Viva Choir.
2016 - support choir for boys 10-15 years old with changing voices added: Boys’ Choir.
2017 - a younger training choir for 6-7 years old added: Prima Choir.  
2019 – a second class of Prima Choir was added.
 
The choir currently serves about 185 choristers aged 6 to 15 in five different choirs, conducted by three choral directors with the assistance of three accompanists. Our music curriculum includes elements of music and theory, performing, and critical thinking and analysis of music. It is intended to help children and youth develop an understanding and appreciation of music, as well as practical skills.  

The choir is active four nights a week at St. Joseph’s Church in downtown Ottawa, where it has been located since 2016. Previously, the Choir was housed at Dominion-Chalmers United Church and, before that, the Richard Pfaff School. 

Ottawa Children's Choir

Org chart

Teams

Offices

Ottawa Children's Choir

Org chart

Teams

Offices

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