Ep #38: Thomas Burton-Bresba: Narrative Concert Programming For Choir Directors

A choir concert can be technically impressive and still feel forgettable. Russell Scott sits down with Canadian choral conductor and educator Thomas Burton-Bresba to get into what makes an audience lean forward: programmes that move like stories, transitions that keep the room focused, and performance choices that feel motivated rather than gimmicky. If you are a choir director looking for better concert programming, this is a masterclass in intention and pacing. 

We talk about building a programme from a single “must sing” piece, then mapping emotional peaks and valleys like a three-act play or a hero’s journey. Thomas shares why he sometimes asks audiences to hold applause, how silence can create tension, and how running pieces together can transform their meaning. We also explore immersive choral experiences, from surrounding the audience to choosing alternative venues that fit the theme and help more people feel welcome. 

On the rehearsal side, we dig into culture building: creating a non-judgemental space, taking small risks over time, and staying patient when progress is slower than you hoped. Thomas is refreshingly honest about ego, the value of bringing in guest experts for different styles, and what choirs should ultimately aim for: leaving listeners more connected to each other through text, storytelling, and shared human feeling. 

Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this sparks ideas for your next concert, share it with a fellow choir director and leave a rating and review.

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More about Thomas Burton-Bresba:

Website: www.thomasburtonmusic.com
Instagram: @conductorburton

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