Under the direction and guidance of Leroy Wiens, the OFS has developed into one of the foremost choral ensembles in the BC Interior.  They have created their own unique place in the hearts of Okanagan audiences with their biennial baroque performances of Handel’s Messiah

The OFS was founded by Leroy Wiens in the spring of 1986 for a performance of Handel’s Israel in Egypt with the Elmer Iseler Singers of Toronto.  This was such a wonderful experience that the choir decided to continue forward and has been making inspired music ever since. Our dedicated, auditioned members attend weekly rehearsals from as far south as Penticton and north to Revelstoke and all points in between. 

The OFS repertoire includes large classical works, such as:  Handel’s Messiah, Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, Bach’s Mass in B Minor, and Haydn’s Creation, to name but a few.  The choir also features many “a cappella” concerts, Canadian composers and musical works from the 14th to the 21st Centuries.  For the past several years, the OFS has participated in regional choral festivals & community events. 

 Meet our Artistic Director & Conductor since the choir's inception in 1986 - Leroy Wiens

A live recording of our highly successful Christmas 2008 concert "A World of Christmas" was released in the fall of 2009 and will be on sale at our concerts or by emailing claireburns@telus.net.

Produced in 2006, An Okanagan Christmas is the first Christmas CD recorded by the Okanagan Festival Singers. Under the direction of Leroy Wiens, Artistic Director, this recording includes music performed by OFS in our bi-annual Okanagan Christmas Concert in Kelowna, BC, December 2005. Highlights include a number of beautifully arranged a capella pieces plus others accommpanied by the choir's pianist, Elizabeth Wocks. The CD also includes a medley titled "Carols of the Nativity" arranged by Stephen Chatman and a medley of Sleigh songs. Cost: $20 plus shipping.

Produced in 2003, Sacred Classics is the first CD recorded by the Okanagan Festival Singers. The recordings include a collection of traditional hymns and sacred music. Cost: $16 plus shipping.