Director Matthew Jaskiewicz leaves behind a legacy of unity and talent with the Toronto Concert Choir

By Terri Edward

On a quiet Monday night in Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Kerr Hall, a classroom suited for small lectures had a group of novice and advanced singers come together. Cracking jokes and exchanging stories, they carry folders of sheet music to use for the night. These members meet every week, full of dedication and excitement to practice their craft; classical choral music. 

This weekly celebration of music is a regular routine for the Toronto Concert Choir, a TMU affiliated classical choir founded in 1984 previously under the name Oakham House Choir. Leading the group is experienced music director Matthew Jaskiewicz, who founded the choir alongside Marie Dowler in 1984. 

Jaskiewicz’ musical journey began in Poland where he conducted the Warsaw University Choir. Since immigrating to Canada in 1984 and founding the Toronto Concert Choir, Jaskiewicz has made it his mission to keep traditional music alive on campus by providing a space for musicians of all skill levels to grow and experience the gift of classic choral music.

After over 35 years of choral performance, the choir is approaching its final performance on Dec. 2, 2023.

Jaskiewicz’s experience in classical music has shaped the way he directs the Toronto Concert Choir as he said that he “keeps doing what [he] used to do.” From Poland to Canada, Jaskiewicz has nurtured the foundations of music and the choir has continued this tradition, nurturing both the music and him. He has referred to the choir as his “adopted family” and Canada his “adopted home.”

“This is a very special kind of group, those are all sensitive people, people who like and know how to work together for a common goal,” Jaskiewicz expressed. “They are very loyal, wonderful people, [they] are my best friends.”

Although there was a decline in the choir’s membership after the COVID-19 pandemic, the sense of community is undeniable — something reiterated by Akua Benjamin, a longtime member of the choir.

“You have people who are trained, but you [also] have people like me [who] just love to sing.” Benjamin said, praising Jaskiewicz’ ability to bring together vocalists from different backgrounds and giving everyone the opportunity to express their love for choral music.

The communal and supportive energy present during rehearsals is apparent from the moment you step through the door. Mingling and laughter fill the small room, with many members describing the choir as a found family. A majority of the 28 members came prepared with thick binders of sheet music, showing their dedication to the space and to Jaskiewicz’ direction. Not only is Jaskiewicz a main contributor to the positive environment of the choir, but a recipient of the positivity. Members are eager to support and assist Jaskiewicz, even offering to help him find his missing page and with the pronunciation of French lyrics.

“Everyone’s very welcoming,” said choir member Eleanor Bishop, toward others in the group. “[Jaskiewicz] brings a lot of passion and patience to the choir, and we couldn’t do without him.”

Shelagh Cowie began singing with the Toronto Concert Choir in the 90s. To her, the community was especially important during the pandemic, as it was one of the few ways people could connect with each other.

“[Jaskiewicz is] absolutely vital, without him there wouldn’t be this community. He’s the reason we exist.” Cowie said when asked about Jaskiewicz impact on the choir’s community and overall energy.

Despite the passionate members, an inspired director and supportive staff, a lack of interest and financial support have left the choir with nowhere to turn.

The Toronto Concert Choir’s last concert will take place this Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Knox Presbyterian Church. The concert titled The Very Best Time of Year will feature the work of Franz Hubert and incorporate traditions and songs from around the world. The concert aims to blend choral classics with contemporary Christmas carols.

“After this concert, we will be left with nothing,” said Theresa Adams, the choir’s administrative director. “We are knocking on a lot of doors.”

Yet, the knocks of the choir seem to be going unanswered as the date of their final performance goes closer.

As community members celebrated the choir, Jaskiewicz had a lingering question.

“We are very proud of our history, but what’s the future?”

The closing of the choir leaves a gap at TMU, and Jaskiewicz fears that this space will not be filled. While his history and experience facilitate his role in the classical music sphere, his encouragement for other groups to explore more genres is profound. He expressed joy at an hypothetical of the university hosting several choirs as both Jaskiewicz and Adams agreed on a need for arts and music at TMU.

The choir has acted as a community for a wide range of people to come together and create music alongside one another. They were able to fight through a global pandemic and continue performing during a decline of interest in classical music.

“[COVID-19] killed a lot of choirs, but we didn’t want to let it kill ours.” Adams said, describing the choir’s sense of feeling “lost” after the pandemic.

Jaskiewicz and the Toronto Concert Choir have a profound history of perseverance and adaptability; they have created a large impact and a lasting legacy at TMU. However, instead of solely celebrating the choir, Matthew asked that we think towards the future, forging a space for “artistic life” on campus.

You can get tickets to the Toronto Concert Choir’s final performance on Eventbrite.