This Is Hamilton's Choir
Hamilton deserves music that feels alive. Too often, classical music has been painted as stuffy, distant, or “not for me.” At Chorus Hamilton, we believe everyone should have access to music that stirs the heart and builds community.
That’s why we’ve been here since 1968: more than 70 singers from across the city — teachers, students, parents, retirees — gathering every week to make something bigger than ourselves. From Mozart to jazz to Canadian favourites, you’ll hear it all brought to life under the direction of Dr. David Holler and Dr. Erika Reiman.
We’re not just on stage. You’ll find us singing at St. Paul’s, in the park, carolling at Lime Ridge Mall, or showing up wherever Hamilton gathers. Our goal is simple: to use music to create moments of belonging.
If you love to sing, there’s a place for you here.
If you love to listen, there’s a seat for you in the audience.
And if you love your city, supporting Chorus Hamilton helps keep Hamilton’s cultural life thriving for the next generation.
Let’s make music, together.
In the past, Chorus Hamilton has performed with several groups throughout Southern Ontario, and partners regularly with Fanshawe Chorus London. Chorus Hamilton makes appearances in the community; at Lime Ridge Mall to sing Christmas favourites and spread Christmas cheer, with Dundas Concert Band at Dundas Driving Park, and various locations in the city when invited.
The Choir is very fortunate to have Dr. David Holler as its Musical Director and Dr. Erika Reiman as its accompanist, two talented and accomplished professional musicians.
Our Director: Dr. David Holler
Dr. Dave has been leading choirs and inspiring singers for more than 25 years. He studied at the University of Western Ontario and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, and completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at the University of Toronto with Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt. He has directed ensembles across Southern Ontario, taught voice, and performed widely as a tenor soloist.
Beyond his education and experience, Dr. Dave is known for his care and creativity. He pays attention to how people are treated, the meaning of the music he programs, and the bigger picture of what choral singing can do in a community. In rehearsal, he is equal parts teacher, entertainer, and storyteller — sharing wisdom through humour and keeping everyone engaged. A lifelong fan of Broadway (and no fan of country), Dr. Dave continues to bring passion, energy, and joy to his work after decades in the field.
In the Niagara region, Dr. Dave is the founding music director of the Mercredi Musique String Chamber Ensemble Chorus as well as serving as music director at St. Julia’s Church. As a tenor soloist, Dr. Dave has performed with York University’s Professional Opera Training Workshop, Summer Opera Lyric Theatre and in several oratorio performances with Niagara’s Choralis Camerata. He has appeared in several solo and chamber music concerts with the Niagara International Chamber Music Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake and continues to perform solo recitals in the Niagara region.
In Hamilton, Dr. Dave is currently the artistic director of Chorus Hamilton, and has directed the McMaster University Choir. Dr. Dave is also the artistic director of Fanshawe Chorus London and, for two years, was the director of the Men’s Chorus at the University of Toronto.
Our Accompanist: Dr. Erika Reiman
Erika is a pianist of rare skill, with training from Mount Allison and McGill Universities and a PhD in Musicology from the University of Toronto. She teaches at Brock University and has performed as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician throughout Southern Ontario.
She is also, quite simply, a genius.(1)
Erika can sight-read at lightning speed, has perfect pitch, and a mind that holds everything from obscure composer trivia to the latest internet memes. When she does make a mistake (not that anyone ever notices), she laughs it off with a perfectly timed pun. Her quick wit and deep knowledge balance David’s energy in rehearsal, creating a space that is as fun as it is musically rigorous.
Beyond the piano, Erika is a skilled coder and website builder — truly a Renaissance woman. She could be dazzling audiences around the world, but we’re lucky she chooses to make Hamilton her stage.
(1)The web developer wishes to clarify that she did not come up with the word “genius” to describe herself. Thank you for your attention. 🙂
