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 has built an enthusiastic and loyal following among Vancouver’s choral community over the past nineteen years.  Under his direction since 2002, the Vancouver Cantata Singers have established their position among the ranks of Canada's foremost choral ensembles, nourishing a passionate commitment to choral excellence.  As VCS artistic director, Eric has led collaborations with national and international performers including Brazilian guitar duo Sérgio and Odair Assad, marimba virtuoso Anne-Julie Caron, I Tromboni, and several of Vancouver's best professional ensembles: Turning Point Ensemble, Red Shift Music Society, Pacific Baroque Orchestra, and the modern dance company Dancers Dancing. 

Eric is currently on the music faculty at Douglas College where he directs the choral program and teaches solo voice.  This August Eric led the Choral Oratorio Course at Victoria Conservatory of Music's Summer Vocal and Choral Academy.  He has been an instructor for the British Columbia Choral Federation’s Choral Directorship Course and the Nelson Summer Songfest.  He is active nationally as a choral clinician, and locally as a singing and conducting teacher, and pays frequent visits to Greater Vancouver’s high school choirs to help foster our next generation of singers.