top of page

About the Ottawa Carleton Male Choir (OCMC)

Founded in 1997, the Ottawa Carleton Male Choir is a community-based ensemble of more than 25 men who share a passion for choral music and musical fellowship. Drawing singers from many walks of life, the choir performs a rich and varied repertoire that includes classical, sacred, spiritual, folk, and secular music in several languages. Under the direction of Christine Admiral, the choir continues its tradition of presenting inspiring performances for audiences across the Ottawa region and beyond.

​

Since its founding by Henk Huizenga, the choir has grown into a vibrant musical community with a strong commitment to excellence, fellowship, and service. The ensemble has collaborated with distinguished organists, conductors, instrumentalists, and guest choirs from Canada and Europe, and has undertaken concert tours throughout Canada, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Italy.

​

Community outreach remains central to the choir’s mission. In addition to regular concerts, the choir frequently performs in retirement residences and presents benefit concerts in support of charitable and community organizations. Through music, the Ottawa Carleton Male Choir seeks to encourage, uplift, and bring people together in a spirit of harmony and goodwill.

CHOIR LOGO 2026.png

Concert Tours and Community Support

Over the years, the Ottawa Carleton Male Choir (OCMC) has undertaken a number of memorable concert tours, both across Canada and internationally:

  • September 2023: A 10-day concert tour in Italy.

  • May 2011: A 10-day concert tour to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, with performances in Oxford, Tatamagouche, Halifax, Truro, and Charlottetown.

  • May 2007: A two-week concert tour to the Czech Republic and the Netherlands in celebration of the choir’s 10th anniversary. This tour also marked the retirement of Choir Director Archie Smith.

  • May 2002: A 10-day concert tour in the Netherlands.

 

Community Impact

Giving back has always been an important part of the Ottawa Carleton Male Choir’s mission. Through benefit concerts held over many years, the choir has donated a total of $57,900 to support healthcare, social services, faith-based initiatives, international development projects, and community care organizations. These contributions reflect the choir’s commitment to using music as a means of encouragement, compassion, and service.

​

Organizations supported through these charitable contributions include:

  • Dundas Manor, Winchester

  • Salvation Army

  • Kidney Foundation

  • C.H.E.O. (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario)

  • Perley & Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre

  • Winchester Hospital

  • Bone Marrow Transplant Fund

  • Churches and Organ Building Funds

  • Operation Go Home

  • Osgoode Township Care Centre

  • Ottawa Rotary Home Foundation

  • The Gideons

  • Canadian Cancer Society

  • Aphasia Centre

  • A.L.S. Society

  • United Ostomy Support Group

  • Canadian Council of the Blind

  • Salvation Army of Ottawa

  • Palliative Care Outreach Program, Ottawa

  • Queensway Carleton Hospital

  • Ryan’s Well Foundation

  • TEMBO (Tanzania Education and Micro-Business Opportunity)

  • Mental Health Association (Ottawa Branch)

  • Ottawa Hospital Foundation – Testicular Cancer Research (in memory of Robert Wubs)

  • Ottawa Inner-City Ministries

  • Ottawa Food Bank (donated twice)

  • Ottawa Mission

bottom of page