News

Join us for an open workshop with special guest Nicole Joy-Fraser. 
We welcome singers of all abilities.

Tues. Oct. 13, 7-9:30pm
Holy Trinity Church, by the Eaton Centre, accessible south doors.
19 Trinity Square, TMU/Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen.

This workshop/rehearsal is paid for by donation, suggested $20. cash in hat or On-line ticket here

Nicole Joy-Fraser (She/They-Tsa’tinée, Nehiyaw, Métis, Settler) is an award-winning, multidisciplinary artist with mixed Settler and Indigenous bloodlines from Horse Lake First Nation, AB. For over 25 years they have been storytelling for stage and screen, across Turtle Island and beyond, and they are also a regular facilitator of Community Arts, invited Cultural Carrier and Oshkabewis or “Helper to the Elder”.  As a proud Bear clan matriarch, 60’s scoop witness and 2Spirit Helper, supporting each other through healing and the Indigenous arts continues to be a passion of theirs. She is a regular cultural carrier at Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre, Niagara Chapter Native Women, Brock University and Niagara Catholic District School Board. She’s collaborated as a visiting artist for choirs in the Ottawa region including the Ottawa Children’s Choir, Castenchel Choir, the Ottawa-Carlton District School Board and spent two semesters with the Music Department of Mohawk College introducing Anishnaabe ways of knowing and creating. She has been birthing hand drum songs over the last 15 years and is grateful to the urban Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee Communities in Southern Ontario who continue to support Nicole’s healing journey and cultural reclamation.

Here is a video from Nicole that gives an idea of who she is and what she does and to learn the Welcome Song and the Song of Hope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-ONF0pf0Q0

If you would like to join us or have questions, please contact Anne:
info.echo@gmail.com

Photo by: Amber Lee Williams

Emma Whitla, Alto Section Lead

Emma Whitla is a performer, caregiver, translator, language lover, mender, and settler on the land known colonially as Toronto. She works collaboratively, especially in community striving toward right relations with the land and each other. Emma speaks and writes with high proficiency in Spanish and English, with excellent skills in French, and good knowledge of Portuguese. She has also consistently worked and volunteered in community arts contexts, knowing that community-building is critical for our social fabric. Some of her community connections include She has a BFA in Dance and a certificate in Spanish/English translation from York University. She’s worked with Northern Harmony, Danza Espiral, Free Flow Dance Theatre, Máchari, Guetcha Guaritcha, and Confluence Concerts, and has taught and performed internationally. Recent artistic projects include, featuring on Njacko Backo and Kalimbas at Work’s most recent album, an album collaboration with songwriter Michelangelo Iaffaldano, and production of an upcoming album with her vocal quartet Harmonious AChord — How’s the World Treating You?. She can be found across town singing with just about anybody, but she is excited to be newly working with singer-songwriter Erica Red, working with Robert McDonald under the name Tapsalteerie, and to continue collaborating with long-time musical partner Davey White. She also does recording work, loves to craft and contribute to the Gift Economy. For more about her see emmaso.ca photo by Alkan Emin

Allie Miller-Jeffery, Soprano Section Lead

Allie Miller-Jeffery is a Toronto-based soprano and actress! Originally from Fredericton New Brunswick, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (focusing on music and theatre) from St. Thomas University, in 2020. She enjoyed being in the ensemble of the Broadway by The Sea concert revue in St. Andrews, New Brunswick for three years in a row, which starred Fredericton-born and raised Broadway performer Tony LePage. Some of her favourite theatre credits in Fredericton include Katherine Plumber (Newsies), Miss Honey (Matilda: The Musical), and Mary Sunshine (Chicago). She is also a graduate of the musical theatre program at Randolph College for the Performing Arts, class of 2022. Some of her favourite theatre credits in Toronto include Sarah Brown in her graduating musical from Randolph, Guys and Dolls, and Squirelle 1/Penguin in TYT Theatre’s production of Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in A Play! She is also a regular performer at the newly established cabaret hotspot for emerging artists, The Dot Cabaret. She is a classically trained soprano who enjoys singing a wide variety of music genres, and has completed her grade 10 voice exam from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She is currently a soprano section lead with the Jubilee United Church choir, under the direction of Jeannie Wyse and she feels so fortunate to also be the new soprano section lead with the Echo choir! https://www.instagram.com/alliebjeffery/

photo by Dahlia Katz

You’re invited to sing with a welcoming community in a beautiful historic building.

ECHO’S Fall/Winter Season begins Tuesday, September 8, 7–9pm,
finishing on December 6 with a concert.

Holy Trinity Church, by the Eaton Centre, accessible south doors.
19 Trinity Square, Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen.

WHAT’S NEW THIS TERM
We have formally changed our name to ECHO Choir to emphasize our inclusivity as an adult treble-voice, non-auditioned choir which welcomes women, trans and non-binary folks. We remain a strong, inclusive, mutually supportive community in the heart of Toronto, which has been committed to a unique and eclectic repertoire focusing on social justice, musical excellence and passionate expression since 1991.

We look forward to working with Katie White as our new Artistic Director. Katie has experience in a variety of musical contexts, including opera, musical theatre, and choral leadership. She has worked with our former Artistic Director, Alan Gasser, for the past three years and is eager to build on our legacy as well as to introduce new repertoire to the choir. 

We bid farewell to our longstanding Artistic Director, Alan Gasser, who contributed so much to Echo over his 33 years of leadership. Alan will continue to support Echo in a consultative role.

Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and the occasional Saturday at Church of the Holy Trinity. (See schedule below.) We will have a workshop with fall guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser, an open rehearsal, orientation for new members, sectionals, break-end singing, and more! We will be learning and practising new songs in preparation for our winter concert.

Season Fees are $200. (Sept. 8 – Dec. 6)
We make singing accessible to all through sliding scale membership fees.

If you would like to join us or have questions, please contact Anne:
info.echo@gmail.com

Echo accepts donations through Canadahelps

Echo Fall Schedule  
Church of the Holy Trinity

September  *all Tuesdays 7-9pm (6:30- 9pm)
Tues. 8
Tues. 15 Orientation for new members
Tues. 22 Open Rehearsal & Welcome Tea
Tues. 29
October 
Tues.  6
Tues. 13
Tues. 20
Sat. 24 Workshop 10-12:30pm (guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser)
Tues. 27
November
Tues. 3
Tues. 10 AGM  
Tues. 17
Tues. 24 No rehearsal at Holy Trinity, sectionals at member homes
December
Tues. 1
Sat. Dec. 5, Dress Rehearsal, 10-2pm (9:30pm arrival)
Sun. Dec.6, Concert 7:30pm with guest artist Nicole Joy-Fraser and
Becca Whitla guest piano accompanist.

Thank you everyone for a great concert!

Holy Trinity Church, by the Eaton Centre, accessible.
19 Trinity Square, Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen.

Lynn Harrison
Known for beautifully memorable songs that celebrate life, love and the human spirit, Lynn Harrison has been an inspiring presence on Canadian roots music stages for decades. Her 7th album “Treasure” (2023) was described by Americana Highways magazine as “better than medicine…will put you in a good mood if you’re not” with comparisons to Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes. In January 2026, she published “Songwriting as Soul Work: Songs and the Inner Life” an inspirational companion for songwriters, and she releases new songs regularly on her “Chapel of Song” Substack. Also an ordained minister in the inclusive Unitarian Universalist tradition, Lynn creates heartfelt connections with every audience, offering uplifting songs for complicated times. 

Join us for an open choral workshop with special guest Lynn Harrison. Everyone is welcome!
Sat. April 4, 10am-12:30pm
Holy Trinity Church, by the Eaton Centre, accessible south doors.
19 Trinity Square, Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen.

Lynn Harrison
Known for beautifully memorable songs that celebrate life, love and the human spirit, Lynn Harrison has been an inspiring presence on Canadian roots music stages for decades. Her 7th album “Treasure” (2023) was described by Americana Highways magazine as “better than medicine…will put you in a good mood if you’re not” with comparisons to Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes. In January 2026, she published “Songwriting as Soul Work: Songs and the Inner Life” an inspirational companion for songwriters, and she releases new songs regularly on her “Chapel of Song” Substack. Also an ordained minister in the inclusive Unitarian Universalist tradition, Lynn creates heartfelt connections with every audience, offering uplifting songs for complicated times. 
photo credit Sarah Bodri

This workshop/rehearsal is paid for by donation, suggested $20. cash in hat or on-line ticket here
We’ll have tea and snacks too, provided by us:)

Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. Toronto MAP

Thank you for a great evening a fabulous night of music 
with Special Guest, Jennifer Foster, Echo and more!

Fabulous Silent Auction, free snacks, cash bar.
All proceeds support Echo, a non-profit community choir and registered charity.

“Jennifer Foster’s new album Powerline is a wonderful collection of songs. No shortage of sweet melodies or intimate lyrics, and all sung in a voice that is lovely and unpretentious.”
– Ron Sexsmith

Jennifer Foster is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter whose music blends classic pop-folk songwriting with warmth, curiosity, and emotional honesty. Her songs are hooky and heartfelt, inviting listeners in with melody and and drawing them closer through her vivid storytelling

Her new album Powerline, out in April, is an acoustic-driven collection and her most personal songwriting to date. Part love letter, part map, many of the songs were inspired by the New Brunswick farm where she grew up – colourful snapshots of the landscape and her inner world – reflections on relationship, loss, and change. 

Powerline marks Foster’s fourth release. Her previous album earned a JUNO nomination for Producer of the Year (Michael Phillip Wojewoda), and she has collaborated widely across the Canadian music community with artists including Ron Sexmith, Carole Pope, Lori Cullen, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Moe Berg, and The Pursuit of Happiness. You might also recognize her from five seasons singing as a “Jazzagal” on Schitt’s Creek. Whether performing solo or with her four-piece band, Foster’s warmth and authenticity create an intimate, captivating live experience.

photo credit – Edward Gajdel

Echo Open Rehearsal & Welcome Tea
January, 20, 7-9pm at Holy Trinity Church

A new season of singing has begun at Echo, and it’s not too late to join!

 Want to sing and make friends?
Echo might be the perfect fit for you!
Sing with a welcoming singing community in a beautiful historic building.
If you’re a woman in Toronto, you’re invited to come try us out at 
Church of the Holy Trinity (an accessible space). Join us for the season if you like! 
19 Trinity Square by the Eaton Centre (TMU/Dundas Subway)MAP
Enter through south doors. Evening parking under Bell Trinity Square 
(entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen)

Questions? Contact Anne:
 info.echo@gmail.com 

*********
About Echo:
Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and the occasional Saturday. Activities include a workshop, open rehearsal, orientation for new members, an audience, sectionals, break-end singing, and more! We will be learning and finessing new songs in preparation for our Spring concert, May 10.

Echo established in 1991 is a group of harmonizing women of all
ages and from all backgrounds directed by Alan Gasser and Katie White.
We are non-auditioned. The ability to read music is helpful but not required.
We are accessible to all through both sliding scale
membership fees and concert tickets.

What we sing: traditional folk songs from around the world, original Canadian
compositions, diverse spiritual music, socially conscious music about women, peace, environmental justice with musical excellence and passionate expression.

Spring Season Fees are $200. (Jan. -May)
We strive to make singing accessible for everyone with a sliding scale policy.
We also accepts donations through
CanadaHelps

Echo Mission Statement
Echo provides a strong, inclusive, mutually supportive, community in the heart of Toronto for women who love to sing. The choir is committed to a unique and eclectic repertoire with a focus on social justice, musical excellence and passionate expression.  We collaborate frequently with musicians who enrich our repertoire with music from a range of genres and diverse cultures.

www.echochoir.ca  
Illustration by Allison Sletcher.

Greetings,

Sing with a welcoming singing community in a beautiful historic building.
Our Spring Season starts on Tuesday, January 6, 7-9pm at Holy Trinity Church.
You are welcome to join us!

We will also host an  Open Rehearsal and Welcome Tea on January 20, 7-9pm at Holy Trinity Church.

We rehearse on Tuesday nights 7-9pm and the occasional Saturday (see schedule below) at
Holy Trinity Church, by the Eaton Centre, accessible south doors.
19 Trinity Square, Dundas Subway Station MAP
Paid parking under Bell Trinity Square, entrance on the east side of Bay, north of Queen.

Now in our 35th year, Echo is an inclusive, non-audition community choir, a group of harmonizing women of all ages. We are open to all women who can make the weekly rehearsal commitment. The ability to read music is helpful but not required. Echo loves to sing traditional folk music from around the world, celebrating all the cultural traditions that are alive and vibrant in our city. We sing original Canadian compositions, diverse spiritual music, socially conscious music about women, peace and environmental justice. We aim for musical excellence and passionate expression. We are social-justice oriented.

Echo Mission Statement
Echo provides a strong, inclusive, mutually supportive, community in the heart of Toronto for women who love to sing. The choir is committed to a unique and eclectic repertoire with a focus on social justice, musical excellence and passionate expression.  We collaborate frequently with musicians who enrich our repertoire with music from a range of genres and diverse cultures.

Activities include a workshop, open rehearsal & welcome tea, orientation, sectionals, break-end singing, community outreach singing and more! We will learn and finesse new songs in preparation for our Spring Concert on Sunday, May 10.

Season Fees are $200. Spring 2026 (Jan. – May)
We make singing accessible to all through sliding scale membership fees. e-transfers: echotransfer3@gmail.com (automated) Please identify the purpose of the transfer. For example: Spring fees.
We also accept donations through Canadahelps

Please contact Anne if you would like to join us next season starting on Tuesday, January 6 or have questions:
info.echo@gmail.com

Photo: Tim Wainwright

**********

Echo Spring Schedule 2026 Church of the Holy Trinity 19 Trinity Square (beside the Eaton Centre) Accessible

*Saturday Workshop 10-12:30pm tba

January   

Tues. 6   *all Tuesdays 7-9pm 

Tues. 13   Orientation for new members

Tues. 20  Open Rehearsal & Welcome Tea

Tues. 27 

February Spring Fundraiser tba

Tues. 3  

Tues. 10 

Tues. 17
Tues. 24

March 

Tues. 3
Wed. 4 Singing opportunity for International Women’s Day with Penthalia choir event

*Tues. 10 No rehearsal for March Break, but we’ll have sectionals at peoples homes instead

Tues. 17

Tues. 24

Tues. 31

 April

Tues. 7

Tues. 14 

Tues. 21

Tues. 28

May

Tues. 5 

Sat. 9, Dress Rehearsal, 10-2pm (attendance is essential)
Sun. 10, Concert 3pm arrive at 1pm  

Thank you for a wonderful concert!
Join us for a celebration of community through harmony
with Special Guests Las Brujas del Barrio. 

Las Brujas del Barrio is a Toronto-based Latin American folk ensemble founded by Chilean vocalists Valentina Harper and Alejandra Alvarado, joined by multi-instrumentalist Daniel Saavedra, Oriana Barbato and other guest musicians. 
Through traditional, folk, Indigenous, and protest songs, the group revives the voices of their ancestors and the struggles of Latin America with haunting harmonies and political soul. 
Blending Chilean roots with Pan-American rhythms, their music celebrates resistance, memory, and the enduring power of community.

Questions, please contact Anne:)
info.echo@gmail.com

Thank you for supporting Echo! We met our goal and beyond!
We’ll let you know when your orders are ready and the pick up location! 
Orders can be picked up in early December, in time for the holidays at an
East or West End location. 

Echo is proud to be partnering again with Peace by Chocolate, a company founded by a Syrian family, whose chocolate business in their homeland was destroyed by war. When they settled in Antigonish, Nova Scotia as refugees they rebuilt their chocolate company and founded Peace by Chocolate in 2016. The company supports a range of non profit organizations and 3 – 5% of all company returns is now donated to the Peace on Earth Society, an organization registered in 2018 in Nova Scotia that contributes to peace building projects around the world, including wildfire relief in Canada. 
Every purchase you make helps support Echo Women’s Choir.