Kokopelli's members range in age from 14 to 23 and come from across Western Canada. All are currently studying or working in Edmonton, and all are united in their passion for singing. The choir is known for a unique style of presentation, which combines high quality musical delivery and artistic staging, singing music ranging from canonical classical repertoire to experimental and avant garde contemporary works. Kokopelli pushes the boundaries of choral music, at times incorporating creative aspects into performances to create a multi-layered aesthetic experience for audiences. Choristers often double as instrumentalists, providing percussion and auxiliary instruments for various pieces. The organization also supports new Canadian music, having commissioned works from several emerging and established composers. Above all, the group is dedicated to sharing joy in song with each other, with other choirs, and with audiences around Edmonton, across Canada and abroad.
Highlights from the past 10 years include: Guest Festival Showcase Choir at the annual Canadian Rocky Mountain National Music Festival for the past 10 years, Podium, the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors National Conference in 2000 and 2004, ISME 2002 World Conference in Bergen, Norway, Cultural tour of South Africa and Namibia including performances with Pro Cantu (Cape Town) and choirs throughout both countries (2004), Stratford Music Festival guest performers – 2005, Festival 500 Choral Festival, Newfoundland, Canada (Òran Choir) – Numerous performances including the festival opening concert, ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) Western Conference 2006, Salt Lake City, USA, 10th Anniversary tour - Western Canada. Kokopelli with twin choir Mascato Coastal Youth Choir (Namibia) - 36 sold out concerts and much acclaim, May 2006, Return to Africa tour – July 2007 (performances with choir throughout Namibia, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa).
The Kokopelli organization has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. They have doubled their audiences, sold out their season tickets subscriptions, had many invitations to tour (all expenses paid) in Canada and the USA. Their staff has grown from 2 staff members in 2002 to a current staff of 9 including artistic advisors, conductors, collaborators and administrative staff. In addition Kokopelli hires numerous professional musicians and conductors to give workshops or performances with Kokopelli during the course of our artistic season.
The organization strongly believes in a non-competitive approach to music education, however they have been granted numerous awards for their accomplishments including the 1997 Edmonton Salute to Excellence Award for outstanding accomplishment in the arts. The choir is also the recipient of the National Children's Rights Award 2000 for excellence in the Arts.
