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Message from the Board of Directors Thank you for joining us at our first concert of the 23.24 Season. It was an evening of beautiful music shared in the company of friends and colleagues. Attendees of our opening concert may have encountered protesters or received a sheet with information regarding Pro Coro Canada. The Board would like to take this opportunity to assure you that Pro Coro Canada is an inclusive community which welcomes everyone, and that Pro Coro Canada is continuously striving to learn and grow as an organization. The contracting process for our choir members is one which has been in place and employed consistently for several years. We can assure you that this longstanding process was followed in this case. The professional singers in our choir earn their positions through an auditioning process, after years of hard work and dedication to choral performance and show shared commitment to making Pro Coro Canada the best it can be. We are aware that a few individuals have taken to social media to raise concerns about Pro Coro Canada, to suggest that their concerns are not being addressed, and that contracts have been terminated. In order to fully understand and address these concerns, representatives of the Board have been addressing this matter since it was first brought to the Board in mid-July. The Board met with the affected individuals to hear their concerns, which was followed by a proposal from the Board to work towards a resolution that considered all of the interests involved. To date, the Board has undertaken the following steps: Securing the services of a professional mediator with the desired experience and skills as requested by the parties to allow for open and fulsome dialogue with the intent of helping the involved parties re-establish a professional working relationship. Attempts at proceeding with mediation have not been successful to date. Reviewing the dress code policy and choir orientation materials to ensure balance between the choir having a professional and unified appearance, and diversity and inclusion. The Board continues to support the gender-neutral standard of dress adopted in 2020. Providing choir members with the ability to speak with the HR board liaison for ongoing support. Meeting with the singer representative as requested. Securing the services of a well-respected diversity and inclusion coach and mentor to support our organization in our continued commitment to, and growth in, this space.
As a long-standing and well-respected organization in the Alberta performing arts community, the manner in which this matter is being presented on social media is deeply concerning to the Board, the Artistic & Managing Director, and other contractors within the choir. The Board elected not to make public statements to protect the integrity of the contractors and contract process and to respect the sensitivity of the matter that was brought to the Board. We believe we have addressed the matter in a constructive, measured way and will continue to do so with the interests of Pro Coro Canada and its members as our first priority. The Board thanks you for your patience and continued support. We look forward to sharing our 23.24 season of fantastic choral performance with you as Pro Coro Canada brings the world of choral music to you.
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