The Vancouver Cantata Singers have built a strong reputation for choral excellence. Under the artistic leadership of Eric Hannan since 2002, the choir has continued to enrich the cultural life of Vancouver and surrounding communities. Recently known for its innovative collaborations with regional and international artists and ensembles, the choir also commissions new works from critically acclaimed composers, ensuring the presentation of a rich variety of sought after works from baroque to contemporary repertoire. The Vancouver Cantata Singers' refreshing approach to music has propelled the group into the ranks of Canada's foremost choral ensembles. In the 2008 CBC National Choir Competition, The Vancouver Cantata Singers placed first in the Chamber Choir category in addition to winning the coveted Healy Willan Grand Prize, awarded to the choir giving the most convincing performance in musicianship, technique and program.

ERIC HANNAN, Artistic Director
Vancouver Cantata Singers

Eric Hannan is an experienced choral conductor who has built an enthusiastic and loyal following among Vancouver’s choral community over the past nineteen years.  Under his direction, the Vancouver Cantata Singers have kept alive their passion for choral excellence, and maintained their position among the ranks of Canada's foremost choral ensembles.

Eric completed a degree in music composition at the University of British Columbia in 1986, where he studied conducting for three-years with mentor James Fankhauser.  He then went on to graduate study in conducting at the Universities of Michigan and Illinois.  More recently, he studied conducting with Frieder Bernius at the International Academy of Advanced Choral Conducting.  Eric is on the music faculty at Douglas College, in his 16th year directing the choral program and teaching solo voice.  He has  taught conducting for the British Columbia Choral Federation’s Choral Directorship Course, and has taught alongside Nancy Argenta and Simon Carrington on the faculty of the Nelson Summer Songfest.  He is active locally as a choral clinician, and pays frequent visits to Greater Vancouver’s high school choirs to help foster our next generation of choral singers.