Founding of the Ottawa Classical Choir (OCC)
Maria Knapik co-founded the Ottawa Classical Choir in 2006, along with conductor Michel Brousseau. ottawaclassicalchoir.com+2StarOfService+2
The mission of the choir was to give amateur singers the chance to work with professional soloists and to bring high-quality classical music to the Ottawa community. ottawaclassicalchoir.com
Under her guidance and artistic involvement, the OCC has performed a wide range of major choral works: Verdi’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, among others. ottawaclassicalchoir.com
The choir has also premiered less commonly heard works, such as the North American premiere of Messe de la Délivrance by Théodore Dubois. StarOfService+1
Members of the choir have toured internationally (Italy, France, Romania, Scotland, England) and even performed at Carnegie Hall. ottawaclassicalchoir.com+1
In November (2016), the OCC celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a major concert at the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa. polishmusic.usc.edu
For this concert, Maria Knapik sang the soprano solo in Mozart’s Requiem, accompanied by Stéphanie Pothier (mezzo), Steeve Michaud (tenor), Marc Boucher (baritone), a 150-member choir, and an orchestra. polishmusic.usc.edu
The concert was held in collaboration with CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) and the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre, specifically supporting their music therapy programs. polishmusic.usc.edu
Charitable Concerts
In April 2008, Maria Knapik was involved in a fundraising concert (charity concert) for several causes, including the CHEO Foundation, a food program for schoolchildren in Nunavut, and an orphanage in a Polish village (“Dom Światełko”). komott.net
The concert featured the Ottawa Classical Choir, New World Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, and other choirs; Knapik performed as a soloist, and the program included works like Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and the Messe Solennelle de Saint-Rémi by Théodore Dubois. komott.net
Direction of “The Knapik Singers” Vocal Ensemble
According to a DOMS (Doors Open for Music) concert program, Maria Knapik leads a group called The Knapik Singers, composed of soloists and ensemble vocalists. doms613.com
In a Christmas concert on December 18, the ensemble under her direction performed a varied program: Handel’s Messiah selections (“The Trumpet Shall Sound,” “Every Valley”), Panis Angelicus (Franck), Nella Fantasia (Morricone), Rutter’s Candlelight Carol, Polish traditional carols (“Wesołą nowinę”), and others. doms613.com
In this role, Knapik not only performs but also coaches the singers in technique, style, and expressive delivery — drawing on her experience as a performer to mentor the ensemble. doms613.com
Community Building: Through the Ottawa Classical Choir, Knapik has significantly contributed to building a strong community of amateur and semi-professional singers, providing them with performance opportunities alongside professional soloists.
Charitable Impact: Many of the concerts she directed or co-directed had a charitable dimension, linking her artistic work with social causes (e.g., children’s hospitals, orphanage support).
Artistic Vision: Her leadership reflects a commitment to both mainstream repertoire (Mozart, Verdi, Handel) and more niche works (Dubois), showing her desire to educate audiences and choir members alike.
Mentorship Role: With The Knapik Singers, she acts as a mentor and coach, not simply a soloist — helping younger or less experienced singers develop their craft.
