The Vancouver Bach Choir has named Leslie Dala as its newest music director. As of July 2010, Dala takes over the direction of the 150-voice choir from outgoing director Bruce Pullan, who has served as the choir’s director since 1983.

Prior to his Vancouver appointment, Dala worked as the music director of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra for seven seasons, as well as acting as chorus director and associate conductor with the Vancouver Opera for five seasons. Dala was also chosen to become the principal conductor for the Vancouver Academy of Music Orchestra.

“This is one of Canada's most acclaimed choirs and it is a great honour to succeed Bruce Pullan who has left a remarkable legacy during the course of his tenure,” Dala said in a December 1 press release. “It is never an easy time when there is a changing of the guard, but I relish this opportunity and I look forward to the challenges ahead and to working with this wonderful ensemble in exploring the great works for chorus and orchestra.”

The Vancouver Bach Choir’s next performance is Christmas with the Bach Choir on December 5 at 3 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre and will also feature the Vancouver Bach Children’s Chorus and Youth Choir singing holiday favourites.

For more information, see www.vancouverbachchoir.com.