Conducting & Performing

Chorus America advances the artistry of choruses by providing masterclasses for choral conductors, sessions on repertoire and performance practice, convenings of artistic directors, research on conducting careers and transitions, information on performance trends and innovations, and forums for discussion of artistic issues.

Articles

On Tour with the Eric Whitacre Singers

On Tour with the Eric Whitacre Singers

Kelsey Menehan | Audiences, Conducting, Performance, Repertoire, Singing, Venue

The Eric Whitacre Singers recently made its debut U.S. tour in March, organized and presented by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY.) Chorus America asked four of the Singers to provide some insight into life on the road, performing in American venues, and working with a choral "rock star."    Read more

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Singing and Healthy Aging

Singing and Healthy Aging

Kelsey Menehan | Adults/Seniors, Health, Performance, Singing

Whether taking up a new activity or continuing a lifelong practice, older adults who sing are reaping a host of social and health benefits. Read more

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Conductor's Corner: Tips for Healthy Rehearsals

Conductor's Corner: Tips for Healthy Rehearsals

Kelsey Menehan | Conducting, Health, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

As wonderful and therapeutic as choral singing can be, the rehearsal process is sometimes stressful for both singers and conductors. Here are a few ideas for creating a hospitable and healthy space that enhances the body, mind, and spirit of all involved.  Read more

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Member Spotlight: Dominick DiOrio, Composer and Choral Conductor, Indiana University

Member Spotlight: Dominick DiOrio, Composer and Choral Conductor, Indiana University

Kelsey Menehan | Composing/Commissioning, Education, General, Impact/Value, Innovation, Participation, Performance, Professional, Singing

Dominick DiOrio is one of the youngest people ever to be hired on the conducting faculty at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He leads the Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, a 30-member auditioned ensemble that specializes in music of the last 50 years. Chorus America talked to DiOrio about his own compositions and his passion for finding and performing the music of contemporary composers. Read more

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Can Everybody Sing?

Can Everybody Sing?

Singer and Composer Melanie DeMore Says Yes!

Kelsey Menehan | Audiences, Community Outreach, Conducting, Diversity, Participation, Performance, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

Singer and composer Melanie DeMore enjoys nothing more than gathering together a group of people and forming a spontaneous choir. “I think that singing in a community allows people to have a certain bigness that they cannot have in a solitary way,” she says. In this Chorus America interview, DeMore talks about the importance of spreading the gift of choral singing far and wide.  Read more

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Member Spotlight: Jerry Rubino, Voices of Experience, Minneapolis

Member Spotlight: Jerry Rubino, Voices of Experience, Minneapolis

Kelsey Menehan | Adults/Seniors, Community Outreach, Conducting, Education, General, Health, Professional, Singing, Symphonic

After 23 years of many roles with the Dale Warland Singers, including associate conductor, Jerry Rubino is leading a new "artistically ambitious" choir of seniors called Voices of Experience. Chorus America talked to Rubino about what he calls his "ministry" of music—how he encourages singers to bring their full, expressive selves to singing. Read more

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Celebrating the Life of Diane Loomer, C.M. 1940-2012

Celebrating the Life of Diane Loomer, C.M. 1940-2012

Chorus America Staff | Careers, General, Profile

On December 10th, the choral world lost one of its celebrated and respected choral conductors. Diane Loomer died in Vancouver, Canada after a short illness. She was 72. Here Chorus America board members Susan Knight and Leonard Ratzlaff remember their colleague and friend. Read more

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Remembering Dave Brubeck

Remembering Dave Brubeck

Tom Hall | Careers, Composing/Commissioning, General, Impact/Value, Profile

Music director and radio host Tom Hall remembers his friend and colleague, jazz musician Dave Brubeck, who passed away just short of his 92nd birthday. Read more

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Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem

Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem

An Act of International Reconciliation

Dr John Evans | Audiences, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, History, Impact/Value, Performance, Repertoire

As the world celebrates the centenary of this central figure of 20th century classical music, noted scholar John Evans illuminates the power and impact of his great choral-orchestral work. Read more

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Conductor's Corner: When What You Say Is Not What You Get

Conductor's Corner: When What You Say Is Not What You Get

Axel Theimer | Adults/Seniors, Conducting, Education, Performance, Rehearsal, Research/Data, Singing

Do you feel like the instructions you are giving your singers in rehearsal are not getting the desired result? Conductor Axel Theimer, the founder and artistic director of the Twin Cities-based Kantorei, has developed new approaches that align with research on how humans learn best. Consider his strategies for putting your singers at ease and tapping into their abilities. Read more

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Resources

The Choral Works of Hamish MacCunn (1868–1916)

The Choral Works of Hamish MacCunn (1868–1916)

Jennifer Oates | Audiences, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, History, Performance, Repertoire, Research/Data, Singing

This issue provides insight into the music of Hamish MacCunn, Scottish romantic composer, conductor, and teacher. Jennifer Oates gives us a complete listing of MacCunn's choral works, including audio file examples. Read more

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David Hamilton’s Music for Choir and Instrumental Ensemble

David Hamilton’s Music for Choir and Instrumental Ensemble

Chorus America Staff | Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Performance, Rehearsal, Repertoire, Singing

Research Memorandum Series No. 202 This issue provides insight into the music of David Hamilton, prolific composer and music educator from New Zealand. Jennifer Morgan Flory gives us a complete listing of Hamilton's works for choir and intstrumental ensemble. Read more

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John Corigliano's Of Rage and Rememberance

John Corigliano's Of Rage and Rememberance

Community and Ritual in the Age of AIDS

Chorus America Staff | Repertoire

American Choral Review 54 includes an analysis of John Corigliano's work inspired by the AIDS crisis as well as reviews of summer festivals. Read more

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The Choral Works of Stephen Chatman

The Choral Works of Stephen Chatman

Chorus America Staff | Conducting, Repertoire, Research/Data

Research Memorandum Series No. 201. This issue provides insight into the music of Stephen Chatman, internationally known Canadian composer and teacher. Graeme Langager gives us a complete listing of Chatman's published and unpublished choral compositions. Read more

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Renaissance and Baroque Performance Practice: Invaluable Resources for the Choral Conductor

Renaissance and Baroque Performance Practice: Invaluable Resources for the Choral Conductor

Chorus America Staff | Conducting, Research/Data

Research Memorandum Series No. 200. A thorough and definitive compilation of resources in Renaissance and Baroque performance practice spanning, approximately, the past 70 years. This issue provides a broad yet in-depth overview of the manifold issues faced by choral conductors in preparing performances of music from these time periods. Read more

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Navigating a Music Director Transition

Navigating a Music Director Transition

An Online Seminar

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Conducting, Governance, Operations, Strategic Planning, Technology

Responding to survey data that revealed that 33% of responding conductors were founding directors that anticipated retiring from their ensembles within 5-10 years, Chorus America created this online seminar, Navigating a Music Director Transition. Packed full of video interviews with leaders in the field who have addressed this transition from all different roles (departing music director, incoming music director, board president, executive director, search committee member, etc.), as well as practical worksheets and tools, the 4-part seminar is a vital resource for any choruses anticipating an artistic change. Read more

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Kent Tritle on Monteverdi Vespers

Kent Tritle on Monteverdi Vespers

Kent Tritle | Conducting, Performance, Repertoire

Conductor Kent Tritle, who conducted Monteverdi's Vespers at the 2011 Berkshire Choral Festival, offers his insights on the challenges of singing this seminal choral work. Read more

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Arthur Farwell’s New York City “Song and Light Festival”

Arthur Farwell’s New York City “Song and Light Festival”

Chorus America Staff | Research/Data

American Choral Review 53.2 Read more

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Singer Audition Form

Singer Audition Form

Chorus America Staff | Evaluation, Operations, Recruitment, Sample/Template, Singing

A sample form for conductors to use when evaluating potential singers. Read more

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Orchestra Contract

Orchestra Contract

Chorus America Staff | Legal/Licensing, Operations, Performance, Sample/Template

Use this basic sample contract when your chorus is retained to perform by an orchestra. Read more

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Events

¡Figaro! (90210), In Concert

¡Figaro! (90210), In Concert

151 Bank Street, New York, NY

GBFpress | Performance

Figaro! (90210) showcases Mozart’s celebrated music from The Marriage of Figaro note-for-note with a new English libretto by Vid Guerrerio.  Read more

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Figaro! (90210), In Concert

Figaro! (90210), In Concert

151 Bank Street, New York, NY

GBFpress | Performance

Figaro! (90210) showcases Mozart’s celebrated music from The Marriage of Figaro note-for-note with a new English libretto by Vid Guerrerio.  Read more

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Pacific Chorale presents "The Moon, the Sea and the Stars"

Pacific Chorale presents "The Moon, the Sea and the Stars"

Costa Mesa, CA

Ryan McSweeney | Performance

Pacific Chorale and Pacific Symphony perform music invoking rivers, seas, and starry nights, featuring the world premiere of Frank Ticheli's first choral-orchestral work, "The Shore," on text by poet David St. John. Read more

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A Tribute to William Appling: The Celebration Continues!

A Tribute to William Appling: The Celebration Continues!

296 Ninth Ave (at West 28th St), New York, NY 10001

21C Media Group |

      A Tribute to William Appling: The Celebration Continues! (A program of music & readings) Date & time:  Saturday, June 29, 2013, 1:30pm Venue:Church of the Holy Apostles, 296 Ninth Ave (at West 28th St) Artists:  William Appling Singers & Orchestra; Jim Hall, guitar; Ian Frazier, writer; Matthew Oltman, conductor; a choir of Appling’s students, colleagues & friends Program: Includes “Have Ye Not Known?” and “Ye Shall Have A Song” from Randall Thompson’s The Peaceable Kingdom Tickets:$25 general admission; available at http://www.muzen.com/waso.html  or by calling 201-854-7483 A reception with food and beverages immediately follows the program in the church Read more

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Figaro! (90210)

Figaro! (90210)

151 Bank St, New York, NY 10014

GBFpress | Performance

The debate over immigration reform takes center stage in this multi-cultural adaptation of Mozart’s opera “The Marriage of Figaro” set in present-day Los Angeles. Figaro! (90210) also makes the opera more accessible to contemporary audiences by distilling the action of the show to two and a half hours, including a fifteen minute intermission.   Read more

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San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents "Tell It!"

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents "Tell It!"

Pasadena, CA 91101

San Gabriel Val... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, CA News, Community Outreach, Conducting, Performance, Repertoire, Singing

The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company presents a concert entitled “Tell It!”  Complete with soloists and instrumentalists, this rousing concert features folk songs, spirituals, and American classics by Aaron Copland, Stephen Foster, and more.  Tickets are now available at the cost of $9 to $15 for two performances:  June 8 at 6:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia and June 15 at 5:00 p.m. at All Saints Church in Pasadena.  More information can be found at www.choralcompany.org or by calling 626-579-2433. Read more

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San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents "Tell It!"

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Presents "Tell It!"

Monrovia, CA 91016

San Gabriel Val... | Adults/Seniors, Conducting, Families, Performance, Repertoire, Singing

The San Gabriel Valley Choral Company presents a concert entitled “Tell It!”  Complete with soloists and instrumentalists, this rousing concert features folk songs, spirituals, and American classics by Aaron Copland, Stephen Foster, and more.  Tickets are now available at the cost of $9 to $15 for two performances:  June 8 at 6:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia and June 15 at 5:00 p.m. at All Saints Church in Pasadena.  More information can be found at www.choralcompany.org or by calling 626-579-2433. Read more

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Highland Park Chorale and Orchestra

Highland Park Chorale and Orchestra

Dallas, TX

Greg Hobbs | Performance

Magnificat Johann Sebastian Bach Mass in D György Orbán Read more

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Highland Park Chorale and Orchestra

Highland Park Chorale and Orchestra

Dallas, TX

Greg Hobbs | Performance

Stabat Mater Emanuele d'Astorga The Spirit that Sets Us Free Stephen Paulus Missa in Solstitio Andrew Smith Read more

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Highland Park Chorale and Orchestra

Highland Park Chorale and Orchestra

Dallas, TX

Greg Hobbs | Performance

When David Heard Richard Burchard Be Not Afraid Knut Nystedt Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing Herbert Howells Ein feste Burg, ist unser Gott Johann Sebastian Bach Read more

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Dialogue

Questions During Rehearsal?

Questions During Rehearsal?

Anonymous | Rehearsal, Singing

Conductors, do you let your singers ask questions during rehearsal? What are the pros and cons? Read more

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