Melanie Tellez appointed Artistic Director of Hamilton Children’s Choir

Melanie Tellez, who takes over as Artistic Director of the renowned Hamilton Children’s Choir (HCC) on 1 July 2022, was selected from an international field of applications from choral conducting experts in Canada, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States.

A graduate of the University of Alberta, Tellez has been a member of HCC’s artistic team since 2010 and was appointed Assistant Artistic Director in 2015. She is highly regarded across Canada as an inspiring and energetic choral artist and music educator specialising in adolescent vocal pedagogy and performance.

Since settling in Ontario, Tellez has worked with leading organisations including McMaster University, Toronto Children’s Chorus, High Park Choirs of Toronto (now Young Voices Toronto), Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir and Hillfield Strathallan College.

Melanie Tellez said, ‘I am thrilled and grateful to lead this new chapter in HCC’s story. I believe that the future of HCC’s success lies in reaching toward and supporting young singers of all kinds within our community. To me, this means that our programming can provide achievement and artistry along with intentional paths toward connection, raising new and underserved voices.

‘I believe that Hamilton offers a wealth of organisations, collectives, and populations in our city that remain unexplored for artistic and cultural collaboration. I am excited to steer an HCC which welcomes young people to grow together, while they celebrate being themselves.’

Tellez takes over from Zimfira Poloz who served as Artistic Director for almost 20 years.

Poloz said, ‘This is a great day for Hamilton Children’s Choir. Melanie is an excellent choice because she offers high-calibre musicianship, a nuanced and developed pedagogical skill set, an open, nurturing personality, as well as the abundant positive energy the HCC’s Artistic Director needs.’