Michael Zaugg - New Conductor of Pro Coro Canada

Pro Coro Canada—Alberta’s Professional Choir—is very proud to announce that Michael Zaugg of Montreal has accepted the position of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. Following the resignation of longtime Pro Coro conductor Richard Sparks, who took up a full-time teaching position in the US, an exhaustive eighteen-month search that fielded twenty-eight candidates from four continents culminated in spectacular audition concerts last fall by three finalists—Dr. Magen Solomon of San Francisco, CA, Mark Bailey of New Haven, CT, and Michael Zaugg of Montreal, QC.

The appointment of Mr. Zaugg to a three-year contract was approved by the choir’s board of directors, based on the recommendation of an ad hoc Search and Select Committee, which consulted with several distinguished members of the local choral community. Input was also solicited from the Pro Coro singers, and from audience members, whose knowledgeability and dedication made a great impression on the committee. Furthermore, Pro Coro Canada has been greatly assisted during this transitional 2011–2012 season by acting Artistic Director Trent Worthington.

[Mr. Zaugg’s biography is provided separately, and at http://www.michaelzaugg.info/]

Pro Coro Canada’s concert season continues with the world premiere of David Mott’s “Heart Meditations” on Feb. 12 at McDougall United Church, conducted by renowned Swedish conductor Erik Westberg and with the composer in attendance as guest soloist. The season rounds out with the beloved tradition of “Good Friday at the Winspear” on Apr. 6, including an orchestral string ensemble, conducted by Canada’s “Dean of Choral Conductors,” Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff.

Pro Coro Canada’s 2012–2013 season and future plans under new Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Michael Zaugg will be unveiled at the Winspear on April 6. In the meantime, for up-to-date information please subscribe to the choir’s e-newsletter, The Pro Coro Voice, at http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Subscribe.aspx?m=1146).