Who We Are – BRIEF History

Each Christmas and Spring we perform concerts in the churches and halls of our communities, including Alliston, Beeton, Bolton, Bradford, Caledon, Caledon East, Orangeville, Shelburne and Tottenham. We have also performed in Ottawa, London, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Sharon, Kleinburg and Toronto, including Roy Thompson Hall. In partnership with the Georgetown Choral Society, we have hosted visiting choirs from England and the Netherlands. Achill has also had the pleasure of three Spring concert tours, to the Netherlands, England and Ireland. Our Irish tour was in honour of our 20th Anniversary, and included a wonderful visit to Achill Island on the west coast of Ireland.

The Achill Choral Society began as a community choir in 1982, drawing our members from an area north-west of Toronto. We gather each Wednesday evening from 7:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.,  at Westminster United Church, 247 Broadway, Orangeville, to rehearse our repertoire for the coming season’s concerts. Our membership is around 70, and we are a mixed, auditioned adult choir. (“Achill” is pronounced “Ackle”, similar to “tackle”.)

Our name is derived from the tiny hamlet of Achill, near Hockley in Adjala Township. Achill was settled in the early 1800’s by immigrants from Achill island, off the west coast of Ireland. Achill is Gaelic for eagle, and this is the reason for the feathers in our advertising.

Thanks to the commitment and vision of our Director, the choir maintains an excellent standard of performance, attracting guest soloists and accompanists of the highest calibre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can join Achill Choral Society?
  • We welcome experienced singers of all levels! If you have choral experience, can read music (even a little), and love singing in harmony, we’d love to hear from you. New members are usually welcomed at the beginning of each season.
  • Contact us about our annual Open Rehearsals and Auditions. There may be an opening waiting for you!
When and where are rehearsals held?
  • Rehearsals take place Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
    Upstairs at Westminster United Church
    247 Broadway, Orangeville, ON, L9W 2Z5
When can I join?
  • Our next New Member Night is Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
    Please email info@achill.ca in advance to receive a pre-registration form and get your vocal scores.
Will you send me notices about your upcoming concerts?
  • Email Achill and we’ll be happy to send you our news by email.
Could the Achill Choral Society sing at my community event?
  • We’d love to! Send us an email well ahead to begin the planning. Eighteen  months’ lead time is recommended.
How may I become involved in Achill productions?
  • Contact us and join our active group of volunteer ushers, kitchen helpers, concert stagers, ticket and poster distributors, and advertising sales agents. Many hands make light work, and every contribution is appreciated!
How can I support the choir?

Thank you for your interest in supporting us! Donations can be made:

    • Online via VISA or PayPal using our Donate button

    • By e-transfer to: treasurer@achill.ca (Subject: Donation)

    • By cheque mailed to:
      The Treasurer
      Achill Choral Society
      34 Blind Line
      Orangeville, ON, L9W 3A5
      Tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 or more.

      Donations of sheet music, printing materials, or equipment are gratefully accepted.
      (Registered Canadian Charity No.118777093RR0001.)