About the choir: our director

We are delighted to have Lionel Tanod as our Artistic Director. Lionel holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of London, England and a Master of Arts Degree in Music from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Before moving to Nanaimo in 2004, Lionel was the Director of Music at Ashbury College in Ottawa for 20 years. There, he was responsible for the entire music program including choirs, bands, theory, music history and music appreciation.

His extensive conducting experience includes small a cappella groups, large school choirs, concert and jazz bands, chamber ensembles and community choirs. His music interests are eclectic, ranging from classical to jazz, folk to Broadway.

In addition to his work with Island Bel Canto Singers, Lionel has immersed himself in Nanaimo's vibrrant music scene. He directs Harbour City Singers, a mixed-voice choir he founded and presents as a Seniors course at Bowen Park Recreation Centre. He is a founding member of The Island Consort Chamber Choir. As the Chair of the Nanaimo Sings! Music Committee, Lionel is actively involved in planning and organizing Festival 2011 which will be held in April 2011.