Robert Cooper is the Conductor Emeritus of Chorus Niagara, the Niagara Region’s premier symphonic choir and choral arts organization which he led as Artistic Director for 35 years. He has earned wide acclaim for his mastery of choral technique and programming, mentoring youth and travelling widely as guest conductor and adjudicator.

 

Robert’s impact on Chorus Niagara and the Niagara community has been profound. During those 35 years he more than doubled Chorus Niagara’s membership and led its transition from being the Niagara Symphony Chorus to its incorporation as an independent arts organization.

 

He established programs and opportunities for children, youth, and emerging artists in Niagara, including Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir, Side-by-Side High School Chorale, Robert Cooper Choral Scholars and Associate Conductor programs.

 

Professionalizing the arts milieu led him to be a major advocate and voice in the creation of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in Downtown St. Catharines, ensuring Chorus Niagara as a regular performing partner. Robert commissioned and premiered numerous new Canadian compositions, created innovative programming involving staging, cinema, projections, collaborations, along with concerts of social relevance, and conducted many Canadian premieres of international works, along with memorable performances of the major choral canon.

 

Robert Cooper is a recipient of the Order of Canada, an Honourary Doctorate from Brock University, Choral Canada’s prestigious National Distinguished Service Award, the City of St. Catharines ‘Key to the City’ and the Rotary Club of St. Catharines’ Paul Harris International Recognition Award. And so much more!

 

Mr. Cooper is available for consulting, workshops and guest conducting and can be contacted by clicking HERE.

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We look forward to his continuing involvement with Chorus Niagara in his role as Conductor Emeritus.