Honouring the MCA Awards of Distinction 2026 Recipients
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
The Manitoba Choral Association Awards of Distinction were established in 2020 to honour individuals, choirs, institutions, corporations, and programs in recognition of their valuable contributions to the choral community of Manitoba. At our 50th Birthday Party, we announced the 2026 recipients of the MCA Awards & Scholarships.
Honorary Membership – Naomi Russell
Naomi Russell is one of the first MCA Honorary Members to have lived the work of MCA through every age and stage of her life. She participated in group singing through school and church, participating in her first MCA program – Provincial Honour Choir (now MB Sings) – in grade 8, followed by stints in Westman Youth Choir, Manitoba Youth Choir, and two recommendations to the National Youth Choir of Canada.
A long-time member of the Canadian Chamber Choir and the unconducted ensemble das Femmes, Naomi remains a dedicated, high-level chorister. She is also a conductor, directing Women in Harmony, a ladies barbershop chorus in Brandon, and guest directing the women's barbershop chorus at International Music Camp for the last 25 years. She has continuously served on the MCA board since 1990 – first serving as the MYC chair, then filling positions of Secretary, Vice President (multiple times), President, and now Past-President, always acting as an advocate for the Westman region. Read Naomi's full bio.
"Looking back to her first time in PHC in 1984, and now as a regular participant of Manitoba Sings, Naomi epitomizes what it means to be a chorister for life."
Bruce Waldie – Award for Artistic Excellence
The MCA Award for Artistic Excellence recognizes outstanding artistic achievement in choral music, and is awarded to a choral conductor, singer, collaborative pianist or choir exhibiting artistic excellence, innovation, and significant leadership in the choral arts. This year’s recipient, nominated by his choir La Chorale des Intrépides, is Bruce Waldie.
Bruce is a multi-faceted musician, music educator and administrator, making particularly lasting contributions in the province’s French school systems. Now retired, he has been a band teacher, choir conductor, divisional music supervisor, principal, and assistant superintendent.
Bruce served on the MCA board from 1986 to 1991 which included a term as president. He went on to serve as the Manitoba representative and national secretary of the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors, now known as Choral Canada. He currently sings with the Winnipeg Singers, serving as a choir representative on their board and their longtime Choir President. Director of La Chorale des Intrépides since 2014, a musical leader in his church, and a frequent host of house concerts for various charities, Bruce has consistently shared his passion for music and his expertise in service to his community.
Roots in Harmony – New Voice Award
The MCA New Voice Award is given annually to recognize emerging artists within the first 5 years of their careers, to an individual, choir, or program who inspires new projects, ideas, or displays artistic potential.
Roots in Harmony is a Winnipeg-based choir dedicated to celebrating Black music, culture, storytelling, and collective singing. Founded by Artistic Director Mwansa Mwansa, the choir brings together singers from a wide range of musical backgrounds to explore gospel, spirituals, contemporary Black choral music, and diasporic traditions in a space rooted in musical excellence, joy, and genuine community.
Since its founding, Roots in Harmony has become known not only for its vibrant performances, but also for the artistic growth, mentorship, and meaningful relationships cultivated within the ensemble. Through weekly rehearsals, performances, artistic collaborations, and community engagement, the choir seeks to honour the richness and diversity of Black musical expression while fostering authenticity and shared experience.
"Receiving the MCA New Voice Award is a meaningful recognition of the choir’s growing presence within Manitoba’s arts community. As Roots in Harmony continues to grow, the choir looks forward to expanding its outreach within the community while building collaborations with other Black-led student and community initiatives. Through this work, Roots in Harmony hopes to continue creating spaces where music, culture, and storytelling can thrive."
Crystal Kolt – MCA Spirit Award
The MCA Spirit Award is presented annually to individuals, choirs, institutions, corporations, or programs for contributions to the choral arts in Manitoba, through outreach, service, education, and advocacy. This year’s recipient is Crystal Kolt.
Crystal is a dynamic cultural leader and champion of choral music in Manitoba. She served on the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Choral Association in the early 2000s and again from 2022–2026, reflecting her long-standing commitment to strengthening and advancing choral music across the province, and particularly in the north.
Crystal is the Director of Culture and Community Initiatives for the City of Flin Flon and, alongside her husband Mark, co-founded the Flin Flon Community Choir in 1996. Under her leadership, the choir grew from a grassroots ensemble to an internationally recognized organization, performing at Carnegie Hall (2002, 2015, 2023) and Lincoln Centre (2013).
"Crystal’s work reflects her enduring belief: where there’s a will, there’s a way."
Over nearly three decades, Crystal and Mark have prepared the Flin Flon Community Choir for ambitious repertoire spanning major classical masterworks and new original works. In addition, she has produced many musical theatre productions for northern audiences.
Her leadership extends provincially and nationally, including service on the Manitoba Arts Council Board (2014–2017) and participation in the founding Culture Days task force. Crystal’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Order of Manitoba (2012), the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Volunteerism, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
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