QUARTERLY FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
By Doug Hammond, Artistic Director
Happy New Year, Tempo family and friends!
As we kick off 2026, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on an absolutely incredible few months and share what's ahead for our choir. Spoiler alert: big things are coming.
Looking Back: Fall 2025 Highlights
Where do I even start? This past season has been a masterclass in what happens when talent, passion, and community come together.
Our Naughty & Nice holiday concerts in December were a massive success, two sold-out nights at Hugh's Room Live, standing ovations both evenings, and some of the most enthusiastic audience responses we've ever experienced. Watching you all bring those arrangements to life, seeing the joy on your faces, and feeling the energy in that room reminded me exactly why I love what we do.
Beyond the stage, I've been continually impressed by the dedication our members bring to every rehearsal. Wednesday nights at The 519 have become something truly special: a space where we're not just rehearsing music, we're building something meaningful together.
What's Coming: Spring/Summer 2026
Alright, let's talk about what's ahead, because it's big.
ANNOUNCEMENT: WE'RE GOING TO VANCOUVER!
I'm thrilled to officially announce that Tempo Chorus will be performing at the Unison Festival in Vancouver this May. For those unfamiliar, Unison is one of the most prestigious gatherings of LGBTQ+ choirs in North America, and being a part of the Toronto contingent is a huge honour.
This means we'll be sharing the stage with choirs from across the continent, showcasing the incredible sound we've built together, and representing not just Tempo but Toronto's queer choral community. It's a big deal, and I couldn't be more excited to take this journey with all of you.
More details coming soon, including travel logistics, repertoire selections, and ways our community can support us as we prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Get your early bird registrations done before January 15th!
SUMMER Concert Plans
After Vancouver, we've got a summer concert in the works. We’re be back with our friends at Hugh’s Room on June 9 & 10 (more info coming in February), but expect a setlist that leans into the themes of renewal, celebration, and, because it's Tempo - a little bit of fun chaos. The team has sourced some exciting arrangements that I think you're all going to love.
Auditions for Winter/Spring Term
Our next round of auditions will take place in August/September 2026 for anyone interested in joining Tempo for our second season (September – December 2026). If you know anyone who might be a good fit: someone who loves to sing, identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+, and has a tenor or bass range, please send them our way. We're always looking to welcome a few new voices into this incredible community.
A Note of Gratitude
I don't say this enough, but thank you. Thank you for showing up every Wednesday, for putting in the work, for supporting each other, and for trusting me to lead this choir. What we're building at Tempo isn't just about great music (though we absolutely have that). It's about creating space, fostering belonging, and proving that when queer voices come together, magic happens.
Here's to an unforgettable 2026. Let's make it one for the books.
Onward,
Doug Hammond
Artistic Director, Tempo Chorus
Have questions or want to connect? Drop me a line at tempochorus@gmail.com.
Doug Hammond, Artistic Director - Tempo’s Naughty & Nice - 10 December 2025