ABOUT BRAVADO!
Bravado!, Barrie’s show choir, was formed in 1996 with a vision towards creating a multi-artistic experience. Under the new musical direction of Ellen Wells, the choir continually challenges traditional notions of choral music by layering vocal excellence with the visual appeal of staging and choreography.
Bravado! performs all music from memory, getting “off the page” and allowing a more personal connection with their audience. Bravado!’s choral-fusion style transitions fluently from Classical through Gospel, Jazz and Broadway to Rock without sacrificing musical excellence.
Bravado! performs two shows per year, at Christmas and in the spring. Bravado! also sings at charitable fundraisers and private functions, and have been guest performers at musical concerts throughout the Simcoe Region.
Bravado! reaches out to the community by holding their popular Voices at Large public rehearsals, hiring regional musicians, and encouraging youth to participate in performances both behind the scenes and onstage.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
ELLEN
WELLS
Ellen began her musical studies in the rich culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. At the age of five, her family purchased a used piano, and she began teaching herself to play the piano and read music. This was the beginning of a life-long passion for music. This passion led her to study piano performance and music education at Memorial University, where she received Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees.
Since completing her studies, Ellen has enjoyed many opportunities to share music through performing, conducting and teaching. Highlights of her career in Newfoundland include conducting the St. John’s Community Choir at the inaugural Festival 500 International Choral Festival, as well as the Newfoundland premiere of Celtic Mass for the Sea by Canadian composer Scott MacMillan.
In the year 2000 Ellen and her family moved to Barrie. She continues to teach and perform and currently she teaches vocal and instrumental music at Pickering College in Newmarket, where she conducts the Junior School Choirs, Middle School Jazz Band, and directs the Junior School Musical Theatre productions. This year she is looking forward to conducting the 300 voice Junior Choir at the Canadian Independent School Music Festival at Roy Thompson Hall.
Ellen believes in the power of music to change lives and build community, and loves sharing the traditional music of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is excited to be working with Bravado!
What is Choral Fusion?
Bravado presents 2 self-produced concerts each year in May and December. We support our community by performing for charitable events and we can also be hired for private functions.
STAY IN THE KNOW.
Join our mailing list for updates on what we’re up to.