• Biography
  • Selected Works
  • Media
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Erica Phare-Bergh obtained her M. Mus. in Choral Conducting from McGill University. A native of Montreal, Phare-Bergh formerly conducted the Vanier College Choirs, FACE Young Singers, and the McGill Conservatory Choirs. In Calgary, she directed the William Aberhart High School Choirs, Westwinds Green Choir, Kairos Young Singers, the Savridi Singers and taught Music and French with the Calgary Board of Education. Her choral ensembles have performed in festivals both nationally and internationally. She is in demand as an adjudicator and presenter (ChoralFest, MCA, Podium) and was the guest conductor for the 10th Anniversary of the CBC-McGill Youth Gala. In 2008, she spearheaded the Montreal première of Oratorio Terezin, a large-scale work involving 270 performers at Place-des-Art. In July 2006, she traveled to Uganda to work with the African Children’s Choir Literacy Schools. She and her husband, Rick, currently reside on Vancouver Island, BC. Together, they write children’s books (A Song with Every Story Series) in which Erica incorporates both original songs and classical music into children’s stories. Erica is a published arranger with Cypress Choral Music.
 Selected works​​​
  • Riu riu chiu - SA or SAB, with recorder and percussion. This ancient Spanish Christmas melody which dates back to the 16th century has been given an uptempo and energetic treatment by Phare-Bergh which would be great fun to prepare and perform with your youth or school choirs.
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  • Voilà le père Noël - SSA or SATB with piano and violin or accordion. This 16th-note driven piece is a rousing challenge in both speed and text for the university or community choir looking for a different (secular) flavor on their program for winter concerts.
    ​"Mary Travers (known as “La Bolduc”) wrote mainly political and satirical songs, but also a number of New Year’s songs. However, this song is actually a Christmas song in which children are being admonished to go to bed early to ensure that when Santa arrives with his reindeer and gifts, he will be in a good mood." - Cypress.