PRESS RELEASE: Lions Gate Chorus Named World Champions
Vancouver a cappella group breaks records and brings home the gold at international championship competition!
VANCOUVER, BC -- Lions Gate Chorus, a Vancouver-based chorus of 100 a cappella singers, secured the title of International Champions on November 4th 2023, at the 75th Annual Sweet Adelines International Convention and Competition in Louisville, Kentucky, with record-breaking scores.
This is the first time in the chorus’ 69 year history to win the coveted international gold medal. Not only did Lions Gate win the contest, but they were also the first chorus in Sweet Adelines history to receive a perfect score in any category from the panel of judges.
The group is well-known in the global barbershop singing community for their creative shows and musical excellence. Moments before the announcement of their championship title, Lions Gate was also named the audience's choice for “Most Entertaining Chorus” of the competition — an award they won in 2009, 2017, and 2019.
Watch their gold medal performances here: https://youtu.be/IgBz1jDRER4?si=FwqjI4LgK7juvsAf (semifinals) and https://youtu.be/AcLcQN6hGls?si=urvMV0AxquYfu8tf (finals)
Under the leadership of their Musical Director, Sandy Marron, Lions Gate has been in the top 5 of more than 500 Sweet Adelines International choruses worldwide since 2007.
“As soon as they announced 2nd place and it wasn’t us, I knew that after 32 years of directing this fabulous group of singers, we had finally achieved “the impossible dream” of becoming world champions. This was a life goal for me, and I couldn’t be any happier. These singers are not only my chorus members, they are my best friends," said director Sandy Marron.
“This truly is the Olympics of acapella singing where everyone is excellent!” said Cammi MacKinlay, Lions Gate member and Past International President of Sweet Adelines International. “It has taken years and years of hard work, determination, dedication, perseverance, a willingness to learn and grow and of course, lots of joy and laughter to finally be able to say ‘We did it!’”
Chartered in 1954 and based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Lions Gate Chorus is Canada’s longest-standing Sweet Adelines chorus. With over 100 singing members, they perform at concerts, local community events and in regional and international competitions. Lions Gate Chorus exists to create a place where members from all walks of life can come together and work toward a common goal of excellence in performance, singing, and leadership in a safe environment that centres on the experiences of women.
Lions Gate Chorus rehearses every Tuesday at 7:00pm at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver.
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About Lions Gate Chorus
Lions Gate Chorus, founded in 1954, is a renowned a cappella choir captivating audiences with their exquisite 4-part harmonies and exceptional showmanship. With over 100 members from diverse backgrounds, the auditioned choir performs a variety of popular styles. Under the direction of Sandy Marron, Lions Gate Chorus delivers performances that resonate deeply, offering a masterclass in musicality and emotion. In November 2023, they earned the title of International Chorus Champion and Most Entertaining Chorus from Sweet Adelines International. Beyond their musical excellence, Lions Gate Chorus fosters an inclusive and empowering intergenerational community, welcoming singers in a safe and accepting space. Members actively contribute, forging lasting bonds and celebrating the art of a cappella. Singers interested in auditioning can learn more at https://www.lionsgatechorus.ca/join-us. Lions Gate Chorus is a non-profit, charitable arts organization, run by volunteers, and funded through the generous support of donors, performances fees, and grants. Event organizers interested in hiring Lions Gate Chorus to perform can learn more at https://www.lionsgatechorus.ca/hire-us.
Media Contact
Stacey Rose // marketing@lionsgatechorus.ca
Bookings
Alice Benson // bookings@lionsgatechorus.ca
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