Hark! St. Michael's Choir School Sings!

For many Torontonians it is a Christmas tradition to attend the St. Michael's Choir School Christmas concert at Massey Hall. This year marks the school's 50th Christmas concert at the Shuter Street venue.

St. Michael's Choir School was founded in 1937 by Monsignor Edward Ronan, who was the music director at St. Michael's Cathedral. Originally at the elementary level, it provided boys with education in music theory and performance, Gregorian chant, as well as academics. Over the years, more grades were added, and the school moved into its own building on Bond Street. In 1955, the school became affiliated with the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music. Students from the choir school have traveled the world, and have performed for Prime Ministers, Popes, and the Queen. The school's choristers have continued to provide music at the Cathedral since the beginning.

Some of the gems in the St. Michael's Choir School archival collection include:

The original poster from the St. Michael's Choir School Christmas concert at Massey hall, 1967. 

Programme from the 1965 Massey Hall Christmas concert.

Photo of choir members from the 1966 Massey Hall Christmas concert programme.

A choir boy poses with a Christmas wreath.

Choristers practice with a Nativity scene.

A winter hike.

For tickets to Saturday's or Sunday's performance, visit christmasconcert.ca .