Dr. Zimfira Poloz

Biography

Zimfira Poloz is an award-winning conductor and educator, internationally recognized as an adjudicator and clinician. Her distinguished career reflects a lifelong dedication to choral excellence, artistic development, and music education on a global scale. Zimfira has received numerous accolades, including being an Honoured Representative for Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan, receiving the VIP Award from the City of Hamilton, and the Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting from the Ontario Arts Council. She serves as Professor of Vocal Pedagogy at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto and is the Artistic Director of the world-renowned Toronto Children’s Chorus. Zimfira plays an active role in the international choral community as a Canadian Representative on the Interkultur World Choir Council, as well as a Board Member for the World Alliance of Children’s Choirs, and as a curator/editor for Cypress Choral Music. Over the decades, she has served as Artistic Director for the award-winning Hamilton Children’s Choir and has led Young Voices Toronto for 15 years, enhancing the artistic vision of ensembles and creating new opportunities for young singers. Zimfira's journey began in Kazakhstan where she founded and directed the nation’s choir school in 1983. She has conducted and adjudicated prominent choral festivals and competitions worldwide, and her commitment to nurturing musicians of all ages leaves a lasting impact on the international choral community.

Research Interests