OUR TEAM

Carol Woodward Ratzlaff

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Artistic Director and Founder of VIVA Singers Toronto, Co-Conductor of  Main Chorus, Chamber Youth Leadership Chorus, Community Choir, Chamber Singers and Conductor of the Every Voice Matters Chorus.

As per Carol’s vision, at the heart of VIVA is exceptional programming for children and youth by "doing choir differently." VIVA choirs embrace choral music artistry through chorister creation, innovative vocal programming, inclusive practices, and the development of strong community connections. Carol’s commitment to innovation and excellence in community music-making has led to the development of unique foci for each of VIVA’s choirs, including those for adult singers at all levels of experience, and a leadership-based youth choir. An all-abilities, inclusive approach to choral music education and performance is central to the identity of  the Every Voice Matters Chorus for teens and adults with disabilities, and to each of VIVA’s seven choirs. From its founding, all VIVA choirs have fostered the mentorship of young musicians and emerging educators through the Choral Mentoring & Leadership Program. VIVA, with its dynamic artistic and administrative staff, and dedicated choristers, continues to engage in the creation of innovative musical spaces where artistic excellence is inclusive.
 
Carol maintains an active career as a choral conductor, educator, singer, and private voice teacher, after her retirement from the Toronto District School Board. Having recently joined the Faculty at the Oscar Peterson School of Music, Royal Conservatory of Music, Carol has also continued to share her passion for vocal music education as a Sessional Instructor at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto; and with Vocal Music Teacher candidates at OISE, University of Toronto and the Faculty of Education, University of Windsor. Through Carol’s diverse teaching outlets, her former students can be found in university music faculties, as award-winning singer/songwriters, as music teachers across the GTA and beyond, and as lifelong advocates for the power of choral music.
 
Carol has performed across Canada and internationally as a member of the Elmer Iseler Singers, the Elora Festival Singers, the professional core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Soundstreams’ Choir 21, and has been engaged as a guest artist with the Pax Christi Chorale, the Toronto Chamber Choir, and the Toronto Consort.
 
Carol continues to prepare singers for international and national choral competitions, festivals, and professional appearances, including with The National Ballet of Canada, the Toronto Consort, Jumblies Theatre, Canada’s Walk of Fame, the Elmer Iseler Singers, and L’Arche Toronto Sol Express. In 2006, she was a candidate finalist for the Leslie Bell Prize in Choral Conducting. In 2021, Carol was the winner and recipient of the President’s Leadership Award by Choirs Ontario.
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Carol is committed to sharing VIVA’s unique approach to choral singing at international conferences such as those presented by the International Society for Music Education, the American Choral Directors Association, Podium (Choral Canada), and the Ontario Music Educators' Association. Carol is a PhD student in Music Education at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. She holds a MMus in vocal performance from the University of British Columbia, with degrees in vocal performance and music education from Western University and the University of Toronto.

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