Konektis Takes the Stage at Podium 2026
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Konektis is an adult choir based in Brandon, Manitoba. The name Konektis comes from the language of Esperanto and means “connected”. Indeed, the mandate of this charismatic choir is to connect to their music, their audiences, and to each other. Konektis formed in 2016 under artistic director Michelle Chyzyk, a recipient of the inaugural Manitoba Choral Association (MCA) Award for Artistic Excellence.
"Konektis began as a concept to give adults the opportunity for the magic and fun that many of us experienced in the Westman Youth Choir," says founder Michelle Chyzyk. "This is an exciting opportunity for Konektis. We are passionate choral musicians and in Victoria we will have the chance to show our unique personality as a choir and be inspired by wonderful choirs from across Canada."
Artistic Team
Today, the choir is led by three dynamic conductors: Michelle Chyzyk, Marla Fontaine, and Clint McLachlan, and accompanist Justine Burke. All four are graduates of the prestigious Brandon University (BU) School of Music, as are many members of the choir.
Now retired from 35 years of teaching elementary music and high school choir, drama, and musical theatre in Virden, Michelle Chyzyk has many distinguished awards, including BU's Gold Medal in Music Education, the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the University of Manitoba's Outstanding Teacher Award. Mrs. Chyzyk has been a clinician and guest conductor for MCA's Choralfest, MB Sings (formerly known as Provincial Honour Choir), Westman Youth Choir (WMYC), Eastman Youth Choir (EMYC), and the Winnipeg Divisional Honour Choir.
Soon after beginning the choir, Michelle added dynamic colleagues Marla Fontaine and Clint McLachlan to the team. It's true that much of the magic in Konektis comes from this team of vibrant conductors who bring different styles and strengths.
Originally from Flin Flon, Marla Fontaine joined Konektis in 2016. She conducts the Brandon Conservatory Chorale and teaches choir at Neelin High School. Marla has been invited to guest conduct the Western, Eastern and Central Manitoba Youth Choirs as well as MCA's MB Sings. A past president of the Manitoba Music Educators’ Association, she is passionate about music advocacy and professional development.
Tenor Clint McLachlan joined Konektis after completing his graduate studies at the University of Western Ontario's Don Wright Faculty of Music. An alumnus of the 2016 National Youth Choir of Canada, and Westman Youth Choir, he currently teaches choir/drama at Mecca Productions, Crocus Plains High School, and conducts the Novos Treble Voices—recipients of MCA's New Voice Award in 2024.
Justine Burke has been the accompanist with Konetkis since 2016. A graduate of BU's Music Education program, Justine specializes in middle and senior years instrumental music. Ms. Burke teaches grade 5-12 music at Carberry Collegiate and is currently chair of the Manitoba Band Association.
Konektis Singers
Hailing from ten different Manitoba communities, the 65+ Konektis singers range in age from 18 - 50 and are truly extraordinary. The group has many music educators and many aspiring music educators. The Westman area is fortunate to have many high school educators that have grown their skills and love of music. In 2021, MCA awarded this ensemble its New Voice Award.
"Konektis continues to strive to be true to the meaning of our name - "connected". We work to be connected to our music, our audiences, and to each other."
"At Podium we will be so proud to represent Manitoba. Manitoba is well known across Canada for the endless incredible choirs and camaraderie we have all worked together to create," says Michelle.
The depth of talent in Konektis is impressive. Five of their singers will be representing Manitoba in the 2026 National Youth Choir: Daelyn, Faye, Aaron, Bennett, and Jackson. These singers all study at Brandon University under the instruction of Vocal Professor Sarah Hall and Chorale Director Dr. Andrée Dagenais. "We are all very proud of them!" says Michelle.
Notable Choir Achievements
In its 9-year history, this talented ensemble has shared concerts with over 16 different choirs, performed at Carnegie Hall, traveled to Banff's Rocky Mountain Festival, and collaborates with local ensembles such as the Brandon Chamber Players.
Recent highlights include:
performing at Carnegie Hall under the batons of Vancouver Youth Choir's Carrie Tennant and Jamie Hillman, head of choral music at the University of Toronto.
performing with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra:
A Prairie Christmas Celebration in 2024
Performing on tour is not new for Konektis, as they regularly perform on the road in Westman communities such as Virden, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Souris, Killarney, Manitou, and Carberry.
This coming Saturday, April 18 Konektis will be performing at the Deloraine Winchester Theatre at 1:30pm and at the Virden Auditorium Theatre at 7:30pm. Click here to keep up with Konektis events by following them on Facebook. At the end of this month, Konektis will present the final concert of their ninth season before traveling to Podium, on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30pm at First Presbyterian Church in Brandon.
"We look forward to our 10th season and many more adventures as a choir!" says Michelle.
Konektis at Podium 2026
The process of applying to perform at Podium is an extensive one - recordings and previous programs are sent as well as description of the choir's mandate, past history, and the composition of members. The proposed concert program was another hurdle. The program length had to be limited to 21 minutes. A choir with abilities like the singers of Konektis has no limitations. Konektis' Podium showcase concert will include diverse repertoire and staging.
"We considered what makes us unique and interesting within the Canadian choral scene. We will be performing music by Jacob Narverud, Marques L.A. Garrett, Laura Jekabsone, and Rob Dietz, as well as presenting unpublished manuscripts from Majel Connery and Voces8's Blake Morgan. In addition, Monique Roy Keller of Brandon has created some innovative choreography for our performance, says Michelle. "I myself have a passion for music by Canadian composers and music from composers around the world."
Saturday, May 16
3:00 pm - CHOIRBURST performance at St. Andrew's Church, downtown Victoria
3:30 pm - CHOIRBURST performance at St. Andrew's Church, downtown Victoria
4:30 pm - Sharing session with Vancouver Youth Choir and Carrie Tenant
TIME pm - Group Supper at The Flying Otter Grill
Sunday, May 17
10:30 am - PODIUM Concert in Phillip T. Young Auditorium, University of Victoria
1:30 pm - PODIUM Concert in Phillip T. Young Auditorium, University of Victoria
"Podium is a celebration of the powerful experience of choral music." says Michelle Chyzyk. "We look forward to meeting new choral friends and reuniting with others."
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