Forte came together in 1997 after the 3 founders attended a Gay and Lesbian Chorus Association (GALA) festival in Tampa and simply fell in love with the sound of a men's chorus. For the next 14 years, Forte has consistently entertained with an annual Holiday/Winter show, followed by a Spring concert or cabaret series, as well as touring and participating in many community events such as the Official Pride Week Flag Raising ceremony, annual AIDS Vigil, national and international choral festivals, and performing with artists such as Margaret Cho, Billy Newton Davis, and Mary McCandless.
Forte is now a 30-voice men's chamber choir under the leadership of Edward Connell, one of Canada's finest choral directors. Its membership is drawn primarily from Toronto's talented and diverse gay community. But hey, we've got members from surrounding cities 50 miles way and a super-talented straight guy!
In 2008, Forte was a National Semi-Finalist in Choral 2008, the bi-annual CBC National Radio-Canada Competition for Amateur Choirs, and a National Finalist in the 2010 National Choral Competition!
Who We Are
Under the direction of Edward Connell since 2002, Forte has developed into an amazing male choral ensemble of thirty voices. Our repertoire ranges from Broadway, pop and doowop, to classical and contemporary. Their unique sound is due, in large part, to the special arrangements created by Connell and other Forte members. Forte is, perhaps, the best kept secret in the Toronto Arts Community.
Edward Connell
Mr. Connell has been the Music Director of Forte—The Toronto Men's Chorus, since 2002. During his tenure, he has led Forte through several highly-successful concerts, tours as far afield as Ottawa and Vancouver, and deep into the realms of classical music. Anyone listening to the chorus will immediately recognize the artistry and personality of his extraordinary musical leadership, which has led to Forte's reknown in the Canadian choral world.
Chorus Members
Our chorus members come from all walks of life and include accountants, bankers, teachers, programmers, a doctor, at least 2 retired chaps, and a PR specialist. We have one or two professional musicians and song writers/composers. We range in age from late 20's to late 60's. We are not paid, but rather pay annual dues to cover music and rehearsal space. We sing for the pure joy of it!
You saw us where?
Forte has performed at virtually every gay community event in town, though not in the same year: Pride Flag Raising, TICOT Coronation, MLT Competition, Pride Day, AIDS Vigil, AIDS Run, PLUS singing anthems for a Blue Jays game, Sounds of Toronto. We've also performed in Hamilton, St. Catharines, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Buffalo NY, and San Jose CA; on Breakfast TV and radio with Mad Dog and Billie. And don't forget our annual Christmas and Spring concerts and shows.
