Dear Friends of The Festival Chorus,

The Festival Chorus announces Cody Obst as Artistic Director

The Festival Chorus is delighted to announce the appointment of Cody Obst as its newest Artistic Director. Cody will lead the Chorus helping to build upon its six-decade legacy within the  Calgary arts community.

“It is my desire to continue to bring the high-quality music that our audience expects—music from the great composers of the past, as well as current works that reach new places and shed light on contemporary ideas. We are exploring ways to grow our audience by diversifying our concert offerings, connecting more with young people, and creating vivid concert experiences that nourish both the audience and performers alike,” says Cody.

A distinguished choral conductor, Cody Obst brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as Artistic Director of the Festival Chorus. An alumnus of Brandon University and the University of Calgary, his musical career spans more than two decades and includes working with a dozen choirs. His community engagement extends to immersive choral intensives with the Vancouver Chamber Choir and the University of Michigan, as well as participation in international symposiums in Copenhagen and Seoul.

Currently serving as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Calgary Women’s Chorus and Music Director at Lakeview United Church, Obst is also a seasoned Festival Chorus collaborator, having previously served as accompanist, assistant conductor and as the guest conductor.

Cody has a long-standing history with the Festival Chorus, both as an audience member and as the accompanist for three seasons. Last spring, he was called upon to support the Chorus during the Artistic Director’s leave of absence. The Festival Chorus Board of Directors is delighted to extend a warm welcome to Cody as it’s new Artistic Director. We look forward to his leadership in guiding the Festival Chorus into its next chapter of artistic growth, community collaboration, and choral excellence.