Penticton Tune-Agers is searching for a musical director to begin in September 2023.The Tune-Agers Choir and Orchestra have been sharing their music for over 50 years, usually offering concerts in early December and in April.
Rehearsals are weekly from September to mid December, and from mid-January through April. The choir practices Tuesdays mornings at the Penticton United Church, and the orchestra Thursday mornings at Oasis United Church.
The Director is paid an honorarium. For an interview and further details please contact Sarah Tupholme at
778-622-0762 or email: tupholme@telus.net.
Nicholas Ryan Kelly is a composer who draws inspiration from speculative fiction, science, and nature. He has been commended by the Vancouver Sun for his “sophisticated work of such immediate, glittery appeal” and called “a rising star in the constellation of Canadian composers” by Oregon Arts Watch.
Originally drawn to music’s storytelling power through symphonic film scores, he now brings a sense of cinematic drama to music for choirs, orchestras, and wind bands throughout North America.
His choral compositions have been performed and released on CD by some of Canada’s top choirs, including Chor Leoni, the Da Capo Chamber Choir, and Pro Coro Canada. In 2017 alone, he received five national awards for choral composition, and he is also a recipient of the international Edwin Fissinger Choral Composition Prize.
His instrumental music has been featured by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Victoria Symphony, and the West Point band of the U.S. Army, among many others.
Kelly has received many accolades for his compositions. Since 2015, both his choral and wind ensemble compositions have been recognized with numerous national and international awards, including the Edwin Fissinger Choral Composition Prize.
Originally from rural New York State, Nick is now a permanent resident of Canada and lives in BC’s beautiful Okanagan Valley, where he composes, conducts, and teaches private lessons. He is a graduate of Ithaca College (B.Mus.) and the University of British Columbia (M.Mus.)
An Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4FA10A3SLo
Taking Over the Helm
How did Nick become the Director of the Penticton Tune-Agers?
Nick was asked to lead the Penticton Tune-Agers’ Orchestra in the spring of 2018. He was a wonderful addition and the orchestra blossomed under his tutelage.
In the Fall of 2018, Nick was offered the position of Director of the Tune-Agers’ Choir in addition to the Director of the Orchestra. Nick embraced this new challenge with gusto. He brought his musical expertise, his energy and his young outlook to these “re-cycled teenagers” as the group has been lovingly referred to. His energy was catching, his expectations were achievable and his gentle persuasions brought out the best in the group.