Conducting

David Wilson has studied conducting under Jon Washburn, Wayne Riddell, Eric Erickson, Leonard Ratzlaff, and Frieder Bernius. He counts David Ferguson as his greatest influence. In 1999, David received the Alberta Choral Federations’ Con Spirito Award for excellence in his field. He then moved to Edmonton to take a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting under Leonard Ratzlaff at the University of Alberta. In 2004, David was invited to the Évora Cathedral Music School in Portugal to present his Master’s Thesis, Manuel Cardoso of Portugal. He continues to lead over thirty choral workshops a year across Canada.

Since moving to Edmonton David has served as the Artistic Director for Vocal Alchemy for the 2005-2006 season, the Edmonton Recorder Orchestra from 2002-2008, and as Music Director for My Fair Lady (Festival Players), Dream King (Randy Mueller), Mikado (Elope), and RENT (Two One-Way Tickets to Broadway). 

SPIRITUS Chamber Choir & Performing Arts Ensemble

David founded SPIRITUS Chamber Choir in 1995; initially conceptualized as a semi-professional choir, Spiritus performed three concerts a year, paying the singers a modest stipend. Part of their mandate was to create concerts of ethnic diversity, integrating the rich heritage of western choral music with performances of folk musicians from all parts of the globe. While David served as Artistic Director, Spiritus became famous for their ability to perform repertoire of diverse genres (from high renaissance polyphony, proto-baroque mannerism, German romantic motets to African-American spirituals) with equal polish and artistic integrity. From 1995-2000 Spiritus created two recordings during David's tenure; their inaugural, award-winning CD Crossing Bridges (see review), and was a Semi-Finalist in the CBC National Choral Competition in 2000. They released their second CD, Never the Same River Twice in 2001

Spiritus is featured on the soundtrack of the 2003 Award-Winning Canadian short film "Alarium", directed by Dan Lee West.

In 1999, Spiritus Chamber Choir was nominated for a CARA Award by the San Francisco-based Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA). Crossing Bridges was nominated for "Best Classical Album", while their opening track, Anton Bruckner’s Os Justi, won "Best Classical Song". Other groups nominated for these 1999 awards include the Rustavi Choir from Georgia, Paul Hillier & Theater of Voices, Take 6, and the King's Singers. Below are clippings of the two Calgary Herald articles, the first announcing the nomination, the second, heralding the win.

1998) SPIRITUS CD: Crossing Bridges

Sample Tracks:

2001) SPIRITUS CD: Never the Same River Twice

Sample Tracks:

From the CASA press release:
"Spiritus, directed by David Wilson, is praised for it's respectful dynamics, impeccable pitch, exquisitely pure tone and seamless phrasing".

This concert preview from the Calgary Herald speaks to the philosophy of the choir and it's Artistic Director.

Spiritus continues to this day, now under the esteemed direction of Mark Bartel.

Visit the Spiritus website

The Calgary Renaissance Singers & Players

From 1991-2001 he served as Artistic Director of the Calgary Renaissance Singers & Players. Founded by Dr. Anthony G. Petti in 1970, CRSP is a mixed voice, auditioned ensemble with associated instrumentalists, dancers, and theatrical players. Their purpose is to inspire, entertain, and educate audiences through the music, culture, and history of the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Notable performances during David's tenure include "Music of the Sistine Chapel", and the "Music from the Courts of Europe" series that spanned two years of programming. Highlights include an Alberta Tour, the release of their 25th Anniversary Celebration CD The Spirit of Musick, and the Alberta première of the Thomas Tallis 40-part motet, Spem in Alium.

Sample Tracks:

This choir continues to this day, now under the esteemed direction of Jane Perry. Visit the CRSP website. 

Debut Opera Society

From 1993-1995 he was the Music Director for the Debut Opera Society, where he conducted The Gondoliers, Mikado, Messiah, Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, La Bohème, Carmen and La Traviata.

Edmonton Recorder Orchestra

David was the Artistic Director of the Edmonton Recorder Orchestra from 2002-2008. Under his direction the group grew is size and scope, becoming one of Edmonton's most unique tickets on the classical music scene. Programming highlights include "Toca y Canta: Music & Dance of Iberia", "England and France: Field on the Cloth of Gold", "Courts of Italia: Famiglie Competenti" and "Orchestral Favourites", which included Handel's Suite for the Royal Fireworks, Pachelbel's Canon & Gigue in D, Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Rosinni's William Tell Overture.

RENT!

Two One-Way Tickets to Broadway’s 2010 full production, double-cast, sold-out run.