The Polonia Choir was founded in 1999, to take part in the staging of the opera Harnasie by Karol Szymanowski, by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s (ESO) then under the direction of Grzegorz Nowak. For the last twenty four years, the choir, under the baton of Oksana Ostashevska, has been performing and participating in the life of the Polish community in Edmonton, taking part in patriotic celebrations, giving charity concerts in retirement homes and singing during Christmas events organized by the University of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta. From the beginning of its existence, Polonia Choir has also tried to be an ambassador of Polish culture, bringing it closer to its Canadian friends and neighbors.

In 2000, the choir was invited to sing a few songs at the opening of the "Solidarity 1980" exhibition at Edmonton City Hall. The following year, several members of the Polonia Choir took part in the opening ceremony of the 8th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, which took place in Edmonton.

The Polonia Choir celebrates each five-year anniversary of its existence in a special way, by preparing a musical, combined with dinner and dancing for the audience. For example, for the 15th anniversary, the choir staged "Gypsy Wedding." 

In 2007, the Polonia Choir took part in the festival of choral music in Montreal and Laval, PQ. In 2008, the choir performed in Chicago, in an event called "Taste of Poland," and in 2011, took part in the Polish Heritage Festival in Holmdel, NJ. Four years later, Polonia Choir participated in the international choral music festival "Serenade" in Washington, DC.

The culmination of eighteen years of the choir's existence was winning the Cardinal Hlond Cup and first place in the classification of mixed choirs, at the competition organized by the Polish Singers Alliance of America in Philadelphia, PA. Oksana Ostashevska, Artistic Director, received the first prize in the classification of conductors.

In 2019, the Polonia Choir celebrated its 20th anniversary. Therefore, in addition to the musical "Midsummer Night," the choir organized a gala concert, with guest performances by Walenty Michalik's "Polonez" dance group, and students of the Edmonton School of Ballet. Many guests were invited to the event, including city and provincial authorities. The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland, Frank John Szumlas, presented the order "Merit to Polish Culture,” awarded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, to Oksana Ostashevska, artistic director, and Andrzej Łabędz, a longtime member and one of the founders of the choir. Mary Lou Wyrobek, president of the Polish Singers Alliance of America, presented a certificate of appreciation to the artistic director of the choir, Oksana Ostashevska.

Year 2023, Buffalo, NY - Polonia Choir wins again the first price, defending its title of the best choir among the members of the Polish Singers Alliance of America.

So far, the Polonia Choir has recorded four CDs: two with Christmas carols, one with folk songs, and one with patriotic songs (titled "Ojczyzno Ma").

In April 2024, Polonia Choir is going to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.

On September 5, 2024, the Polonia Choir starts a new season under the direction of a new Artistic Director, Lidia Khaner.

Since 2024 is the Jubilee year, the Choir - following its tradition - will be preparing a production of a cabaret. The show's title is "Sea Tales" ("Morskie Opowieści"), and it will take place on the 19th of October 2024 at the Polish Hall.
You can call Eugenia at 780-994-0239, or Renia at 780-984-0767 to get the tickets. The tickets will be also sold after noon Masses at both Polish Churches.