Willingdon Choir shifts into gear for Montreal Grand Prix performance
Posted June 11, 2025 4:50 pm.
Last Updated June 11, 2025 5:44 pm.
Before the roar of engines and the flash of cameras signal the start of the Canadian Grand Prix this Sunday in Montreal, a group of elementary school students will step into the spotlight for a moment they’ll never forget.
For the first time in Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix history, youth will take part in the official opening ceremony.
The Willingdon Elementary School Choir will sing “O Canada” on the track in front of thousands at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve — and millions more watching around the world.
‘A dream come true‘
The choir is led by music specialist Nick Batzios, who dreamed up the idea and made it a reality.
“Sunday, it’s going to be extraordinary. It’s a dream come true,” Batzios said.
“My choir is going to sing the National Anthem at the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix. I can’t believe I’m saying that.”
Batzios took a leap of faith by reaching out directly to Formula 1 organizers.
“They’re so nice,” he said.
“I presented what I have to offer, what the choir has to offer. And they said we’d love to have you.”
What followed was months of collaboration, preparation — and the chance of a lifetime for the students.
From the classroom to the world stage
Grade 6 student Amelia Christensen said no one saw this coming.
“We were all really excited. I mean, I don’t think any of us went into Grade 6 knowing we’d be singing at F1,” she said.
“But it was really cool, and we’ve been practising a lot.”
For classmate Ella Goldberg, it’s not just about performing. It’s about breaking barriers.
“I’m really excited, because this is a really big event, and we’re the first choir to go there,” she said. “And we’re also the first people of our age to be there.”
A message beyond music
While the performance will be broadcast worldwide, Batzios said the true goal is something deeper.
“The mindset is something that I try and do all the time — to dream big without limits,” he said.
“In our minds we have no limits, and to act on those dreams. Because sometimes people don’t achieve what they want to achieve, because they think it’s not possible. Because it’s too far away for them to achieve that. So they dream smaller. But you have to not only dream it, but you have to do it. Because you never know.”
That lesson has resonated with students.
“He told us like that he was trying to get us into F1,” said Christensen. “And I felt like, no way… but then he did it. And I think that’s really inspiring.”
Goldberg echoed that belief.
“We really learned that anything’s possible,” she said. “And if you try hard, you can really do anything.”
More than music and motorsports
The F1 performance is the latest in a series of high-profile appearances for the Willingdon choir.
In 2022, they sang the national anthem at the Bell Centre ahead of a Montreal Canadiens game. That experience, Batzios said, was “surreal.”
“We were there singing together a cappella… it was just, again, a chance of a lifetime,” he said. “And the people at the Bell Centre are just extraordinary.”
Batzios, who has worked at Willingdon Elementary for 27 years, sees music as more than just an art form — it’s a tool for growth and connection.
“I want (students) to feel like they’re winners. That they’re smart. That they’re valuable. That they’re a masterpiece,” he said.
“We have a lot of negative clutter all around us and distractions. But I want them to break right through that, and to believe in themselves — to be their own hero. And to continue to pursue their dreams and never give up.”
A personal victory
For Batzios, a lifelong F1 fan, the upcoming race is the ultimate blend of passion and purpose.
“I’m just putting together two of my passions — music and cars,” he said. “So it’s, on a personal note, really fun for me… I get to be at the place which I love, and we’re singing with my students. It’s like a big win-win for everybody.”
The choir has been practising all year, even before official confirmation came in. Batzios had faith from the start.
“I’ve been preparing for this moment from the beginning of the year — thinking that I will receive a yes from them even before I asked,” he said.
The countdown begins
As Sunday approaches, anticipation is reaching new heights.
“They’re incredibly happy and they just can’t wait,” Batzios said of his students.
Goldberg admitted she’s a bit nervous, “but yeah, mostly excited,” she added with a smile.
While the checkered flag will eventually wave and engines will fade, the impact of this moment will last far beyond the race.
As Christensen put it: “When we’re older, we’ll be like, oh yeah, I sang the national anthem at F1.”
