• Biography
  • Selected Works
  • Media & More
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Lydia Adams has collaborated with many Canadian composers such as Louis Applebaum, Berthold Carrière, Harry Freedman, Srul Irving Glick, Christos Hatzis, R. Murray Schafer, Harry Somers and Ruth Watson Henderson. She is also an arranger of choral music, notably of songs by fellow Nova Scotians Leon Dubinsky and Allister MacGillivray, and has composed other choral works, eg, "Mi'kmaq Honour Song." She edits the Amadeus Choir Choral Series published by Gordon V. Thompson.

Lydia Adams was honoured by the City of Scarborough (1996), the Women's International Network (1997), the Ontario Choral Federation (1996), and Mount Allison University (distinguished alumni award, 2000). In recognition of her contributions to Canadian music, Adams was named a Canadian Music Centre ambassador in 2009. She currently works as conductor and artistic director of the Elmer Iseler Singers.
Selected works​​
  • Mi'kmaq Honour Song* - Treble or Mixed chorus. This piece is based on the Mi'kmaq traditional song "I'ko". This piece inspires a chant-like quality, with a two part ensemble singing the traditional song, while the rest of the chorus sustains a chromatic cluster from C4 - Bb4. Nature sounds made by the choir and a hand drum are also incorporated into this work. While research is needed to properly educate your choir and audience to the history and culture of this piece's origins, it would be something very different to place in your program.

  • We Rise Again - SATB or SSAA, with piano. This uplifting, anthemic piece originally by Leon Dubinsky, arranged for choir by Adams, proclaims the theme of 'life goes on' and the overcoming of battles. With a possible solo feature and rather easy voicings throughout, this piece would be an excellent encore for any choir and the instrumentation can easily be expanded to include a full pop rhythm section as well.

  • Here's To Song - SA or SATB*, with piano. Comparable in writing style to We Rise Again, this piece takes a more somber and reflective tone, with text and music originally written by Allister MacGillivray speaking about parting, friendship, and connections made through music. This sweet, sentimental arrangement will be easily accessible to any children or youth choirs, and would be a emotional note to end a program with.

* = available in the Choir Alberta library
Adams is currently a Visiting Associate Professor in choral studies at Western University and has most recently received an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University. She will also be stepping down as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Amadeus Choir after 35 years at the helm.