About Me
The Polonia Choir was formed in 1999 as part of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s preparation to stage the Polish opera “Harnasie” by Karol Szymanowski. Since then, working under the artistic direction of Ms. Oksana Ostashevska, the choir has been performing in various venues around the City and elsewhere. In 2000, we sang in the City Hall, at the opening of the exposition “Solidarity 1980“. We also traveled to sing in Calgary and in Vegreville we participated in the Ukrainian Pysanka Festival. In 2001, several of our members took part in the opening ceremony of the 8th World Championship in Athletics, which took place in Edmonton. In 2007, the Polonia Choir sang in a choir festival in Montreal and Laval. In 2008, we traveled to Chicago to participate in “Taste of Polonia“, an annual festival celebrating Polish culture. In 2011, we traveled to New York to sing at the Polish Heritage Festival in nearby Holmdel, New Jersey. In 2015, Polonia Choir was accepted as a participant in the international choral festival Serenade! in Washington, DC.
In May 2017, the Polonia Choir, a member of the PSAA, participated in the 51st convention of the PSAA for the first time. The convention took place in Philadelphia. We also took part in the choir competition which is a traditional part of the convention. Our Choir won first place in the mixed choirs category and first place in the general category, as well we received the Cardinal Hlonda’s trophy which was established by the Polish government in 1933.
Every other year in December, the Polonia Choir presents Polish and English carols in the beautiful Alberta Legislature. It also takes part in the annual festival of central European Christmas music organized by the University of Alberta Wirth Institute and the Polish Culture Society.
Since its beginning, the Polonia Choir has become the Edmonton Polish community’s ambassador with a mission to bring closer to their Canadian friends and neighbors what is most beautiful in Polish culture.
As of September 1, 2024, the Polonia Choir is under a new direction, as Oksana Ostashevska has retired after 25 years of work.
Ms. Lidia Khaner has become the new Artistic Director of the Choir.
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