About Us


Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, with permission from Banks Music Publications A high-definition version is also available.The Achill Choral Society began as a community choir in 1982, drawing our members from an area north-west of Toronto. Our name is derived from the tiny hamlet of Achill (ăk‧ĭlpronunciation), near Hockley in Adjala Township. Achill was settled in the early 1800’s by immigrants from Achill island, off the west coast of Ireland. Achill is Gaelic for eagle, and this is the reason for the feathers in our advertising. We gather each Wednesday evening in Hockley village to rehearse repertoire for the coming season’s concerts. Our membership is around 85, and we are a mixed, auditioned adult choir.

Each Christmas and Spring, we perform concerts in the churches and halls of our communities, including Alliston, Beeton, Bolton, Bradford, Caledon, Caledon East, Orangeville, Shelburne and Tottenham. We have also performed in Ottawa, London, Richmond Hill, Brampton, Sharon, Kleinburg and Toronto, including Roy Thompson Hall. In partnership with the Georgetown Choral Society, we have hosted visiting choirs from England and the Netherlands. Achill has also had the pleasure of three Spring concert tours, to the Netherlands, England and Ireland. Our Irish tour was in honour of our 20th Anniversary, and included a visit to Achill Island.

A. Dale Wood
A. Dale Wood, ARCT, B.EdA. Dale Wood is a gifted musician who readily shares his passion for choral music. His lifelong musical career presently includes directing the Achill Choral Society, Georgetown Choral Society and Georgetown Children’s Chorus, as well as teaching private and group lessons in Piano, Voice, Organ and Composition. He is a talented composer and choral arranger of new works for his choirs. As the founding director of the Achill Choral Society, Dale has taken the choir on four successful European tours.

Thanks to the commitment and vision of our Director, the choir maintains an excellent standard of performance, attracting guest soloists and accompanists of the highest calibre.

"The Achill Choral Society has given me the most pleasure as a guest soloist that I have had in my 35 year career. I enjoy the conductor, the choir members, the repertoire and most of all... the making of the wonderful music! This is a very special organisation worthy of great praise and admiration."

— Mark DuBois
World renowned Tenor

"The Achill Choral Society is a wonderful group of joyful singers striving for excellence under the guidance of an exuberant craftsman and community builder. The results enrich the lives of all who come to hear them. I have enjoyed every opportunity to share in the musical life of this choir."

— Daniel Lichti
Internationally renowned Bass-Baritone
recording artist and teacher

The Achill Choral Society is a member of the Choirs Ontario. If you are interested in having us sing in your community, or would like further information about membership or sponsorship, please contact Achill's President, Dan St. Pierre, at 519-925-0493.