NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir (NPC), officially established in 2023 in Canada, is a federally registered non-profit choral art group composed of vocal enthusiasts from various professions who love choral singing and pursue their musical goals. The choir shares one common mission: to demand singers with professionalism in rehearsals, to treat audiences with professionalism in concerts. NeoVoce boasts extensive performance experiences, encompassing a wide range of Western traditional choral works, contemporary choral arrangements and compositions representing diverse cultures and languages. These are showcased through NeoVoce’s regular rehearsals, annual concerts, workshops, open rehearsals, and international tours.
Since 2020, under the baton of the Artistic Director and Conductor Leo Li, NeoVoce has undergone a systematic and rigorous choral training; the choristers’ choral literature and skills have been improved rapidly. The choir provides tiered training based on the musical background and abilities of its members. This includes the NeoVoce Singers for professional and semi-professional vocalists, the NeoVoce Choir for semi-professional and non-professional members, and the NeoVoce Amateur for non-professional enthusiasts. Additionally, NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir has established a classical strings quartet to offer high-quality performance opportunities for younger generation of overseas Chinese. Leo Li has been appointed as the composer, arranger, and conductor of the NeoVoce Philharmonic Strings Quartet.
In 2022, NeoVoce was selected in the Connections Series – Open Rehearsal at PODIUM, Canada’s national biennial bilingual choral conference and festival for choral and group singing arts in Toronto. From 2022 ~ 2023 music season, NeoVoce has started to host the concert series of Hearing the East. In 2024, NeoVoce participated in the Digital Horizons Series Concert at PODIUM, in Montreal.
In 2024, NeoVoce participated in the 17th China International Chorus Festival, earning the prestigious “International Peace and Friendship Award” along with Silver and Bronze awards, competing against over 300 choirs and singing groups around the world.
In October 2024, NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir, in collaboration with the Tsinghua Alumni Performing Arts Group and the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra, successfully presented the 85th Anniversary Memorial Concert of Yellow River Cantata and 75th Anniversary of Its Canadian Premiere, under the baton of Artistic Director Leo Li.
In 2025, NeoVoce has launched a series of events, including open rehearsals, choral workshops, concerts, and international tours, in collaboration with renowned global conductors and experts and leading domestic choirs and singing groups. These events celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China.
Bylaws of NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir
Chapter I. Name and Registration
Article 1. Organization Name
1.1 The official Chinese name of this choir is 馨声爱乐合唱团. Its federally registered English name is NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir (abbreviated as NPC).
1.2 The Choir is a non-profit organization registered in Canada and abides by the relevant laws and regulations of Canada and Ontario.
Chapter II. Purpose and Mission
Article 2. Purpose
2.1 To promote cultural exchange and multicultural inclusion through the art of choral music, and to enhance the public’s appreciation of music.
2.2 To enrich members’ cultural and recreational life, improve musical literacy, and cultivate mutual respect, cooperation, and fellowship.
Article 3. Mission and Goals
3.1 To become a musically leading Chinese-Canadian amateur choir in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
3.2 To provide members with professional-level choral training, enhancing ensemble skills and stage performance.
3.3 To actively participate in community cultural and musical activities and promote the art of choral singing.
3.4 To host public concerts, fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in the community.
3.5 To engage in international cultural exchanges, showcasing the diverse charm of choral music.
Chapter III. Organizational Structure
Article 4. Governing Bodies
4.1 Board of Directors – The highest decision-making body of the Choir, elected by all members, responsible for major resolutions.
4.2 The Board consists of the Chairperson, Secretary-General, Financial Supervisor, and other Directors.
4.3 Artistic Committee – The Board appoints the Artistic Director/Conductor, who forms the Artistic Committee, responsible for artistic direction, rehearsals, and performance quality.
4.4 Administrative Team – Includes one President (appointed by the Board), one or two Vice Presidents (appointed by the President), and departments such as Finance, Publicity, Logistics, and External Relations, formed by the President.
Chapter IV. Membership System
Article 5. Membership Eligibility
5.1 Any individual aged 18 or above who accepts these Bylaws, complies with the regulations, has a passion for the art of choral music, and demonstrates team spirit may apply to join.
5.2 The Board has the right to terminate membership in cases of misconduct or serious violation of Choir rules.
Article 6. Member Rights
6.1 To participate in rehearsals, performances, training, and activities.
6.2 To vote, elect, be elected, and make proposals at the General Assembly.
6.3 To access internal materials and learning resources.
6.4 To freely withdraw from membership.
Article 7. Member Obligations
7.1 To comply with these Bylaws, regulations, and rehearsal discipline.
7.2 To pay membership fees on time.
7.3 To actively participate in rehearsals and performances, upholding the Choir’s reputation.
Article 8. Membership Fees
8.1 The membership fee amount shall be determined jointly by the Board and the Administrative Team.
Chapter V. Activities and Performances
Article 9. Forms of Activities
9.1 Regular rehearsals
9.2 Annual concerts
9.3 Workshops and open rehearsals
9.4 Community outreach and charity performances
9.5 Domestic and international choral festivals, competitions, and tours
Article 10. Musical Standards
10.1 Rehearsals must be professional, and performances must be audience-centered, adhering to high artistic standards.
Chapter VI. Finance and Asset Management
Article 11. Financial Principles
11.1 Funding sources include membership fees, donations, sponsorships, ticket sales, and government grants.
11.2 All funds must be used exclusively for activities consistent with the Choir’s purpose and not for personal gain.
11.3 Financial operations must be transparent. An annual financial report must be submitted to the Board and the General Assembly for review.
Chapter VII. Rules and Amendments
Article 12. Regulations
Based on the nature of the Choir and its organizational roles, corresponding rules and regulations shall be established or amended with Board approval.
Article 13. Amendments to the Bylaws
Any amendments must be approved collectively by the Board before taking effect. The right of interpretation of these Bylaws belongs to the Board of NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir.
These Bylaws were drafted by the “Bylaw Drafting Committee” under the leadership of the Board, discussed and approved by the Board, and shall take effect on ___ (year) ___ (month) ___ (day).