Elmer Iseler (Choral Conductor)

Born: October 14, 1927 - Port Colborne, near Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Died: April 3, 1998 - Canada

The Canadian choral conductor, Elmer Iseler, studied piano and organ. Then he studied church music at Waterloo Lutheran University. Subsequently he completed his education at the University of Toronto, receiving Bachelor of Music in 1950.

From 1952 to 1964 Elmer Iseler taught music in high schools in Toronto. In 1964 he became conductor of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. He also taught choral music at the University of Toronto from 1965 to 1968, and founded the Elmer Iseler Singers in 1978. He edited the Festival Singers of Canada Choral Series. In 1975 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

He is generally acknowledged as one of Canada’s leading choral conductors. He was instrumental in the creation of professional choral singing and an inspiring body of choral repertoire in Canada. The legacy of this musical pioneer will endure through his numerous recordings and through the talents of the many choral conductors and singers whom he nurtured.

Source: Elmer Iseler Singers Website (2000-2001); Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of 20^th Century Classical Musicians (1997)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2001)

Elmer Iseler: Elmer Iseler - Short Biography | Lydia Adams - Short Biography | Elmer Iseler Singers | Recordings of Vocal Works

Recordings of Bach’s Instrumental Works

Conductor

As

Works

Igor Stravinsky

Choir Director

Bach-Stravinsky: Canonic variations on the Christmas hymn Vom himmel hoch, da komm ich her (II), BWV 769, transcribed for chorus & orchestra

Links to other Sites

Elmer Iseler Singers - Toronto's professional chamber choir