The Vancouver Chamber Choir was founded in 1971 by Jon Washburn. The choir
commissioned and premiered more than 170 new choral works under his direction
until 2019. The ensemble has toured extensively across North America, Asia, and
Europe, earning numerous honors worldwide. Washburn received the Order of Canada
as well as Queen Elizabeth II Silver, Golden, and Jubilee Medals for his
contributions. In March 2019, Kari Turunen was appointed as the new conductor,
beginning in September 2019.