The Inspirito Vocal Ensemble was founded by director Sarona Mynhardt in collaboration with pianist Toby Aldren in January 2017.

We are an “upper voice” ensemble on the BC Sunshine Coast. Inspirito comes from the word “inspirit”that means to infuse spirit, to enliven, inspire and fill with vigour and energy! Just like every breath we take inspires every phrase we sing, at Inspirito we inspire, and share our joy, love, passion, and energy with each other and those who hear our song.

Our choir has performed in annual Spring and Christmas Concerts and participated in the Sunshine Coast Performing Arts Festival where we have received the community choir award twice. We also regularly volunteer to perform at Christianson Village and at the community Christmas dinners in Gibsons.

At Inspirito, we believe it is very important for any choir to be exposed to and challenged by an exciting repertoire spanning different genres, styles, and difficulty levels. We also believe that every choir should have the opportunity to work with as many fabulous composers, clinicians, and conductors as possible. Every experience has truly taken us as to the next level. In April 2019 we hosted our first Women’s Choir festival featuring 100 voices from the Coast, Vancouver and White Rock. In May 2023 we hosted the BC Choral Federation Chorfest under the incredible leadership of composer / conductor Rollo Dilworth here in Gibsons with 86 singers from across the province. Our Inspirito team pulled together an amazing event and created incredible memories for everyone that attended.

In October 2023, famous Canadian conductor/ composer Mark Sirett came to BC on a workshop tour. Mark is truly an icon when it comes to Canadian choral music and has received the Governor General award for his contribution to Canadian choral music. During our time with Mark we worked on three of his compositions that were included in our Winter concert program.

We have travelled to Whistler where we were hosted by the WHISTLER SINGERS and shared a concert with them. In February 2024 we travelled to Cuba as pasrt of the Canada / Cuba Cultural exchange program. During this trip we connected with, and share workshops and concerts with both VOCAL LEO and VOCAL LUNA, two of Cuba’s principal choirs. Another highlight was our workshop with NOVEL VOZ, an excellent professional a cappella/vocal jazz ensemble.

We currently have 32 voices that join together for weekly rehearsals every Monday evening in Gibsons, and are planning our next International trip to the Canary Islands in March 2027.