The Maple Leaf Singers originated in 1968 with 24 members under the creative leadership of George and Marie Gillis. What started off as a 24 member group grew to over 50 individuals ranging in age from 18 to 80 years of age. The Maple Leaf Singers draws its members from all parts of Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Highlights
- 1968: The Maple Leaf Singers founded by George and Marie Gillis
- 1971: First Annual Spring Show; James Cowan Theatre in Burnaby
- 1973: Official choir for Canada Summer Games; New Westminster
- 1973: Karen Magnussen's birthday; The Coliseum, Vancouver
- 1974: Grey Cup game; Empire Stadium, Vancouver
- 1977: Tribute to the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver
- 1977: New Westminster Silver Jubilee Celebration; Massey Theatre, New Westminster
- 1978: Royal Visit by Prince Phillip and Prince Andrew - salute to Captain Cook; Burnaby
- 1984: 125th Anniversary of the City of New Westminster
- 1985: Gala Italian Night: Orpheum Theatre; Vancouver
- 1986: Expo 86, Best of B.C. Talent; B.C. pavilion, Vancouver
- 1991: Music '91, BC Tel Centennial Community Showcase Road Show; Victoria
- 2001: George and Marie Gillis retire after 33 years; Wilson Fowlie becomes Music Director
- 2006: Salute to Troops in Afghanistan; Massey Theatre, New Westminster
- 2007: Lutheran Urban Mission Society; Vancouver Downtown Eastside fundraiser
- 2008: The Maple Leaf Singers celebrated their 40th anniversary
- 2010: Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- 2018: The Maple Leaf Singers celebrate their 50th anniversary and Wilson Fowlie retires after 17 years. Rob Gillis becomes Music Director
Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Maple Leaf Singers were honoured to help provide the world with a wonderful and world-class Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games experience.
If you tuned in to the broadcast of the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremonies on March 12, you heard our voices providing the foundation for the beautiful ‘We Rise Again’, with Nikki Yanofsky, and again as the background vocals for ‘A Spark Becomes a Flame’, sung by David Steele.
We thank Paul Airey, music director for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremonies, for the opportunity; we also thank engineer Steve and the staff at Sound Kitchen for welcoming us and bringing out our best sound.
The whole group was able to participate in our second Olympic Games-related event. For several days during the Vancouver 2010 celebrations, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) sponsored entertainment for its many, many international travellers in terminal 3, and we were pleased to be featured on February 28, the final day of the Games.
We thank Vancouver International Airport for hosting the event and Desiree Mamisao and the staff at Elletra Communications, who did a wonderful job of coordinating our show at YVR.
The Vancouver 2010 Games were a great opportunity to showcase our city, our talents and our love of music.