Canterbury Voices conductor talks about his last Civic Center show and where he'll go from there

Brandy McDonnell, Oklahoman
·5 min read
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For two decades, Randi Von Ellefson has routinely taken up his baton at the Civic Center Music Hall to conduct the Canterbury Voices symphony chorus.

"It's just such a wonderful, wonderful place. Of course, when they called me up and they were seeking people to apply all those years ago, one of the big selling points was the building of the music school at OCU (Oklahoma City University) and the new addition and the big complete remodeling of the Civic Center. ... It's a fantastic place to be," Ellefson told The Oklahoman.

The longest tenured artistic director in Canterbury Voices' 54-year history, Ellefson will step up to the Civic Center podium for the final time on March 9, when he will conduct the state's premier symphonic chorus, along with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet and a trio of soloists, in performing jazz legend Dave Brubeck's "To Hope! A Celebration."

The final concert in Canterbury's 2022-2023 Civic Center season also marks Ellefson's last conducting at one of OKC's most prestigious venues: He's retiring in May as he wraps his 19th year as artistic director at the nonprofit arts organization. A Champagne reception in his honor is planned in the Civic Center lobby following the March 9 performance.

"There are many things that Randi brings to the table that we'll miss greatly. He's a choral scholar to end all scholars. He just knows so much about the works that we perform ... and he tells it to the choir in such a way that it's infectious," said Canterbury Voices Executive Director Pam Mowry.

"But everything about Randi is infectious. The choir loves him — every one of the thousands of members that we've had since he's been here. ... He's had a great impact in our community."

Ahead of the concert, Ellefson chatted with The Oklahoman about "To Hope! A Celebration," his plans and his hopes for Canterbury Voices' future:

Q: What are your thoughts on taking that podium for the last time?

A: I'm just happy. I feel very confident that this is the right decision for me, and it's been great. And it's time to let somebody else take over.

Q: What makes Brubeck's 'To Hope! A Celebration' a fitting final Civic Center concert for you to conduct?

A: It's a piece that is very accessible to the audience, and it brings back something that I did early on in my career (here, in 2007) when Dave Brubeck came. And a year later, he won the Kennedy Center Honors, and then (a few years) later, he was not with us anymore. So, it was seemed like a natural choice to do something that we had done from the past, and his two sons are still in the quartet that's coming. So, I thought it was a nice bookend.

It brings back good memories. I have fresh insights into it, and I think it'll be a different performance because of the improvisation sections in the piece. ... So, it's always the same, or similar, but always new. That's what music is.

Q: How has your farewell season with Canterbury Voices gone so far?

A: I was very happy with and thought we had a really nice 'Elijah.' It was very creative. And '(Canterbury) Christmas' went well. It's nice to end with something unique with the Brubeck and bring back something from my life here. ... Then, we'll be working on the premiere for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic that they've commissioned for Clara Luper. So, I've got plenty to do.

Q: So, you'll go out with Canterbury working on new music? Does that seem like an appropriate exit for you?

A: Yeah. I've done a lot of new music while I've been here, a lot of commissions, and it's always exciting. So, it seems like an appropriate thing, especially recognizing Clara Luper, obviously somebody of huge significance in Oklahoma City.

Q: This will be your last Civic Center concert to conduct, but you have one more Canterbury event with the second annual 'Crescendo' May 18 at the Oklahoma History Center.

A: That went so well last year, so that's exciting. ... It's a different experience working with a group of 20 (singers) instead of 120 to 130. It's a different repertoire. I have about seven hours worth of music that I have listed on pages that I have to hone down to a reasonable concert. But I've got lots of suggestions and ideas waiting to solidify.

Q: What are your plans for retirement?

A: I'm keeping my church job at Chapel Hill Methodist. ... I'm going to enjoy just slowing down a bit and doing other things. I've got some plans for travel, which everyone says (and) I hope I really do it. ... But this is my home. That's why I'm staying. This is where I have friends and roots. There's no reason to move somewhere else and be away from people that now I have relationships with.

Q: Along with your job at Canterbury Voices, you're director of choral activities for Oklahoma City University. With Canterbury and OCU searching for your successor, do you have advice or hopes for that person?

A: I'm sure they're going to be looking for people that will, again, have their own vision for the position, which is a unique position combined between OCU and Canterbury. So, there's a balance between what you plan at the university and what you plan for Canterbury. ... I'm excited to see who Canterbury and OCU bring into the position. And I'll be there cheering them on.

Q. What do you think your relationship with music will be going forward into retirement?

A: I will be a great listener and a supporter of the arts in Oklahoma City, and I'll enjoy going to things that I can enjoy and have nothing to do with it.

CANTERBURY VOICES' 'TO HOPE! A CELEBRATION'

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Randi Von Ellefso is taking up the baton for his last Civic Center show