New West Symphony & Chorus
New West Symphony & Chorus is a powerhouse of music and passion, blending a full-voice choir with a dynamic orchestra to create unforgettable performances. Since 2010, this vibrant adult ensemble has dazzled audiences with its eclectic repertoire, spanning classical, contemporary, gospel, and pop music.
From soaring melodies to powerful harmonies, New West Symphony & Chorus captivates audiences, bringing every note and lyric to life in ways that leave a lasting impression.
New West Symphony & Chorus’ rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings at New West Centre for the Arts.
Henric Ideström, NWSC Music Director, is known for his ability to create art as he conducts. He challenges his musicians – chorus and orchestra members alike – to not just sing words or play notes, but to fully connect with each song’s lyrics and notes so that the audience is able to hear, see and feel the music.
Henric joined New West Symphony & Chorus as Music Director in 2017. Prior to moving to Calgary, Henric lived in the New York, where he founded SymphoNYChorus. In fact, Henric continues to be the Director of SymphoNYChorus in addition to his position with NWSC, thanks to the science of flight, an incredible level of commitment to both organizations, and an astounding amount of energy.
After receiving his Masters in Conducting from Azusa Pacific University in California, Henric was hired as the Music Director at Centre Street Church. Prior to moving to New York, Henric was the Chair of the Arts at Rocky Mountain College in Calgary for 8 years, where he taught and mentored many music students – some of which are current members of New West Symphony & Chorus!
Natalie Prando, NWSC Associate Music Director, is a Brazilian-Canadian conductor, cellist, singer and music educator. Natalie Minczuk Prando is a passionate musician who joined NWSC in the fall of 2023. Here is what Natalie has to say about joining this team: “New West was the very first ensemble I had the opportunity to be part of when I first moved to Canada, and it brings me back to good memories from my journey as an immigrant. The thing that I love most about New West is that I have the opportunity to perform all kinds of great music with such a talented group of people. The strong sense of community and the faith-based foundation the group is built on is a special thing to be part of.”
Natalie has been an active conductor in the Alberta choral scene, serving as assistant conductor for both Vocal Alchemy choir, in Edmonton, and the professional choir Luminous Voices, in the 2022/2023 season. She holds a Masters degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Alberta, where she studied under the tutelage of maestro Tim Shantz.
Natalie is also the Music Director of New West Children’s Choir, launching in September 2025. Outside New West, Natalie is a musicianship instructor and voice coach for Cantiga and Cantilena Choirs from Cantaré Children’s Choir Society, and is the founder and music director of the First Evangelical Free Church Choir.
