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The Canadian counter-tenor, composer, organist, and choral conductor, Zachary Windus, holds undergraduate degrees in vocal music and geology from McMaster University. He obtained his Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Ottawa, where he studied with renowned counter-tenor Daniel Taylor and bass-baritone Ingemar Korjus. Subsequently he completed post-graduate studies at the Victoria Conservatory of Music under Nancy Argenta.
As a counter-tenor, Zachary Windus specializes in choral and vocal repertoire from the Baroque and Classical eras. He is a professional member of the JUNO Award-winning Ottawa Bach Choir (2011–2014 & 2020-present; Director: Lisette Canton) and has performed with other prestigious groups including the the Men and Boys Choir of Ottawa’s Christ Church Cathedral, The Tallis Scholars (Director: Peter Phillips), Arcady, the JSB Ensemble of the Bachakademie Stuttgart (Director: Hans-Christoph Rademann), and the inaugural Weimar Bach Cantata Academy. He has been featured as an alto soloist in major works such as J.S. Bach's Mass in B minor BWV 232 and George Frideric Handel's Theodora.
Zachary Windus is a prolific composer of sacred choral and vocal music. His compositions have been performed across Canada as well as in the UK and Europe. They have won national and international competitions, been included on multiple professional recordings, and broadcast on Radio-Canada. He has received commissions from the Grand River Chorus, the Vox Humana Chamber Choir, and the Choir of Christ’s Church Cathedral in Victoria. He was selected as the winning composer of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir's 2019 Debbie Fleming Prize for Choral Composition for his new Christmas Carol In Bethlehem Upon That Morn. His compositions, including O Magnum Mysterium, are published by Cypress Choral Music. His music is noted for its sensitivity to text.
Zachary Windus has served as the Assistant Artistic Director for the McMaster University Choir. He has held positions as Organist and Director of Music at various churches within the Anglican dioceses of Hamilton, Niagara, and Victoria, including St. Luke’s Anglo-Catholic Church in Hamilton. He is currently based in Ancaster, Ontario. Outside of music, he is passionate about wildlife and nature photography. |
