VIVA Singers
VIVA Singers Toronto is a registered Canadian charity operating eight choral programs for singers ages 4 through adult in the Greater Toronto Area, including an inclusive Every Voice Matters Chorus for singers with disabilities. Founded in 2000, it serves as Official Children's Choir of the National Ballet of Canada and Associate Choir of the Elmer Iseler Singers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersToronto, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What VIVA Singers does
VIVA Singers Toronto, Inc. is a registered Canadian charity (Charitable Registration 87887 0518 RR001) operating a portfolio of eight choral programs for singers ages 4 through adult in the Greater Toronto Area. Founded in 2000 by Carol Woodward Ratzlaff in response to public school arts-program cuts, the organization is structured as a feeder system spanning Preparatory Chorus (ages 4–6), Junior Chorus (7–9), Main Chorus (9+), SATB Youth Choir (grades 9–12), Every Voice Matters Chorus (teens/adults with disabilities, est. 2010), Chamber Singers (auditioned SATB, est. 2005), Community Choir (non-auditioned SATB, est. 2017), and VIVA Voices (adult advanced treble, est. 2025). The Every Voice Matters Chorus, supported by the TD Inclusion Program, is a distinguishing inclusion vertical. Operations are conducted from Trinity-St. Paul's Centre in Toronto under a Board of Directors governance model.
The organization's revenue model blends tuition fees (stated to cover less than half of operating costs) with tax-receipted donations processed through Zeffy and CanadaHelps, supplemented by grants from the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and Arts Access Fund. Ancillary programs include a Choral Mentoring & Leadership Program that supplies Teaching Assistants and future conductors, an annual Fall Performing Arts Camp, creation-based theory classes and sight-singing instruction, and a Bursary Program reviewed twice annually. The technology footprint is minimal — a Wix-hosted website, UserWay accessibility widget, and standard social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, SoundCloud) — with no proprietary digital product or AI infrastructure.
Distribution is direct-to-consumer via online registration and phone/email inquiry, with programming delivered through weekly rehearsals at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre and performances at venues including Roy Thomson Hall and alongside the National Ballet of Canada. VIVA holds strategic affiliations as the Official Children's Choir of the National Ballet of Canada and as Associate Choir of the Elmer Iseler Singers, alongside partnerships with the Toronto Consort, L'Arche Toronto Sol Express, and The Bentway. The organization is not VC-backed, has no parent company, and operates with a small administrative team (General Manager, Bookkeeper) augmented by a large volunteer and Teaching Assistant base.
VIVA Singers firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- VIVA Singers
- Legal name
- VIVA Singers Toronto, Inc.
- Website
- https://vivasingerstoronto.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- VIVA Singers Toronto is a registered Canadian charity operating eight choral programs for singers ages 4 through adult in the Greater Toronto Area, including an inclusive Every Voice Matters Chorus for singers with disabilities. Founded in 2000, it serves as Official Children's Choir of the National Ballet of Canada and Associate Choir of the Elmer Iseler Singers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
VIVA Singers industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Choral Music Education
- NAICS
- Fine Arts Schools (61161), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Musical Groups and Artists (711130)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Music Schools & Conservatory Prep (Pre-College) (EDAMANAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Private Voice Lessons (Vocal) (EDAMANAB), Performance Coaching & Competition Preparation (Auditions, Recitals) (EDAMANAL), Portfolio & Audition Preparation (Arts School Admissions) (EDAMAAAK), Children’s & Youth Theatre (MPAGABAE)
Keywords
Where VIVA Singers is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Toronto
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
VIVA Singers business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: VIVA charges tuition fees for choir participation. According to the organization, tuition fees cover less than half of their operating costs, necessitating additional funding through donations and grants.
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a fully incorporated registered charity (Charitable Registration number: 87887 0518 RR001), VIVA accepts donations through multiple channels: online donation form via Zeffy platform (no transaction fees), CanadaHelps (4% transaction fee), cheque, Interac e-transfer, and credit card. Tax receipts are issued for all donations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Bursary Program |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
VIVA Singers product offering
Product offeringCore offering
VIVA Singers Toronto delivers weekly choral rehearsal and performance programs for singers ages 4 through adult at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre in Toronto. The portfolio comprises eight distinct choirs — Preparatory Chorus (ages 4-6), Junior Chorus (ages 7-9), Main Chorus (ages 9+), SATB Youth Choir (grades 9-12), Every Voice Matters Chorus (teens/adults with disabilities), Chamber Singers (auditioned adult SATB), Community Choir (non-auditioned adult SATB), and VIVA Voices (adult advanced treble). Tuition covers less than half of operating costs, with the remainder funded through donations and grants.
Product overview
VIVA Singers Toronto is an inclusive not-for-profit family of choirs offering a portfolio of eight distinct choral programs for ages four through adult. The portfolio includes: four youth choirs (Preparatory Chorus ages 4-6, Junior Chorus ages 7-9, Main Chorus ages 9+, and SATB Youth Choir grades 9-12); the Every Voice Matters Chorus for teens and adults with disabilities; and three adult choirs (Chamber Singers auditioned SATB, Community Choir non-auditioned SATB, and VIVA Voices non-auditioned advanced treble). Supporting educational offerings include a Choral Mentoring and Leadership Program, Annual Fall Performing Arts Camp, Creation-Based Theory Classes, and a Bursary Program. The organization operates from Trinity-St. Paul's Centre with the motto 'Every Voice Matters.'
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Preparatory Chorus Entry-level choir for children ages 4-6 introducing choral singing and performance through a play-based, Orff-based creation approach. Performs in two in-house concerts annually plus a Creation Showcase. Rehearsals Mondays 5:00-6:00 PM at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre.
- Junior Chorus Choir for children ages 7-9 developing musical knowledge through singing, team-building games, and creation of unique compositions through VIVA's creation-based literacy program. No prior choral experience required. Rehearsals Mondays 5:00-6:15 PM at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre.
- Main Chorus Choir for singers ages 9 and above studying treble repertoire with opportunities for professional engagements and annual in-house concerts. Includes creation-based theory classes. Rehearsals Mondays 5:00-7:00 PM at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre.
- SATB Youth Choir
Quantifiable outcome
- 25 years of continuous operation providing choral education
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use VIVA Singers
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
VIVA Singers technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
VIVA Singers partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Elmer Iseler SingerscoreVIVA Singers Toronto has an Associate Choir partnership with the Elmer Iseler Singers under the direction of Lydia Adams, C.M. This prestigious relationship allows VIVA Chamber Singers opportunities to sing in professional engagements alongside the Elmer Iseler Singers. Carol Woodward Ratzlaff has performed as a member of the Elmer Iseler Singers.
- National Ballet of CanadacoreVIVA Singers Toronto serves as the Official Children's Choir of the National Ballet of Canada. VIVA choristers perform as the Children's Chorus in productions including The Nutcracker. Laura Menard serves as Chorus Coordinator for The Nutcracker with the National Ballet of Canada.
- Toronto ConsortminorOngoing partnership for performances and artistic collaborations with the Toronto Consort.
- Trinity-St. Paul's Centre for Faith, Justice and the ArtscoreVIVA uses Trinity-St. Paul's Centre as its primary rehearsal venue for most choirs. The center serves as an ongoing partnership location for VIVA's activities and performances.
- Choirs OntariominorVIVA participates in Choirs Ontario activities and its founder received the President's Leadership Award from the organization.
- Choral CanadaminorVIVA maintains membership and participates in Choral Canada activities and events including Podium conferences.
- The BentwayminorCollaborative partner for performances including the Sand Flight event (June 12-15) at The Bentway.
- L'Arche Sol ExpressminorPartnership with L'Arche Toronto Sol Express (dance group) for artistic collaborations focused on community connections and inclusion.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
VIVA Singers competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Elmer Iseler Singers: Professional Toronto-based chamber choir with which VIVA has an Associate Choir partnership. Comparable as a Toronto choral organization with professional performance engagements, although VIVA is community/educational while EIS is a professional ensemble.
- Canadian Children's Opera Chorus: Canada's premier children's vocal ensemble based in Toronto, performing opera and major works. Directly comparable to VIVA's Main Chorus and SATB Youth Choir in repertoire ambition, auditioned membership, and professional performance opportunities.
- Amadeus Choir: A Toronto-based auditioned SATB choir performing classical and contemporary choral repertoire. Comparable to VIVA's Chamber Singers in repertoire, auditioned membership, and performance programming within the Toronto choral ecosystem.
- Orpheus Choir of Toronto: A Toronto-based auditioned SATB choir presenting a wide range of choral repertoire. Comparable to VIVA's Chamber Singers in auditioned structure, repertoire diversity, and presence in the Toronto performing arts community.
- Toronto Children's Chorus: A Toronto-based children's choral organization that trains young singers through a multi-level program and performs in major venues. Directly comparable to VIVA's youth choirs in target audience, audition structure, and concert-based programming.
Broad incumbents
- Toronto Mendelssohn Choir: One of Canada's largest and oldest choral organizations, performing major works with the Toronto Symphony. Comparable as a Toronto choral brand with educational and outreach programming, though at a much larger scale and professional orientation.
- Royal Conservatory of Music: A leading Canadian music education institution offering private lessons, theory, and certification programs. Comparable to VIVA's theory classes, exam preparation, and vocal training components, though RCM is a broader credentialing institution.
- Canadian Opera Company: Canada's largest opera company with a professional chorus and extensive education/outreach programs. Comparable to VIVA in arts education mission and Toronto performance ecosystem, but operating at much larger professional scale.
Regional players
- Canadian Children's Choir (Choral Canada): A national-level youth choral organization that convenes treble choirs from across Canada. Comparable to VIVA's Main Chorus and SATB Youth Choir in youth choral training and performance, though operating at a national rather than single-city scale.
Emerging players
- Sistema Toronto: A Toronto El Sistema-inspired program providing free ensemble music education to underserved children. Comparable to VIVA in Toronto youth music education and bursary-supported access, though focused on instrumental rather than choral instruction.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
VIVA Singers social profiles
Digital presenceVIVA Singers compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
VIVA Singers financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
VIVA Singers leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles18 records
VIVA Singers funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
VIVA Singers M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about VIVA Singers
What does VIVA Singers do?
VIVA Singers Toronto delivers weekly choral rehearsal and performance programs for singers ages 4 through adult at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre in Toronto. The portfolio comprises eight distinct choirs — Preparatory Chorus (ages 4-6), Junior Chorus (ages 7-9), Main Chorus (ages 9+), SATB Youth Choir (grades 9-12), Every Voice Matters Chorus (teens/adults with disabilities), Chamber Singers (auditioned adult SATB), Community Choir (non-auditioned adult SATB), and VIVA Voices (adult advanced treble). Tuition covers less than half of operating costs, with the remainder funded through donations and grants.
Is VIVA Singers a public or private company?
VIVA Singers is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was VIVA Singers founded?
VIVA Singers was founded in 2000. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is VIVA Singers based?
VIVA Singers is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, in the North America region.
How does VIVA Singers make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are donations and Charitable Contributions.
Who are VIVA Singers's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Elmer Iseler Singers, Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, Amadeus Choir, Orpheus Choir of Toronto and Toronto Children's Chorus. Broad incumbents are Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Royal Conservatory of Music and Canadian Opera Company. Canadian Children's Choir (Choral Canada) is listed as a regional player. Sistema Toronto is listed as an emerging player.
Does VIVA Singers have an API?
No public API is recorded for VIVA Singers.
What industry is VIVA Singers in?
VIVA Singers's product category is Community Choral Music Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMANAE, Music Schools & Conservatory Prep (Pre-College), with a secondary code of EDAMANAB, Private Voice Lessons (Vocal). Its NAICS code is 61161 and its SIC code is 8200.