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 Music of Healey Willan: Part II

The Choral Music of Healey Willan: Part II

Chorus America Staff | Composing/Commissioning, Repertoire, Research/Data

Research Memorandum Series No. 188 Read more

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The Choral Music of Healey Willan: Part I

The Choral Music of Healey Willan: Part I

Chorus America Staff | Composing/Commissioning, Repertoire, Research/Data

Research Memorandum Series No. 187 Read more

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The Choral Music of R. Murray Schafer

The Choral Music of R. Murray Schafer

Chorus America Staff | Composing/Commissioning, Repertoire, Research/Data

Research Memorandum Series No. 184 Read more

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Events

Show Choir 80th Anniversary Holiday Concert

Show Choir 80th Anniversary Holiday Concert

8300 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024

Houston Choral ... | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, General, History, Participation, Performance, Singing, Venue, Volunteer

  Houston Choral Showcase celebrates 80 years of singing with a fun-filled holiday show at 3pm on Sunday, December 16th, at Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 8300 Katy Freeway in the Memorial Area. This community show choir will present jazzy arrangements of holiday tunes, songs from favorite Christmas movies, holiday classics old and new, comedy, and more. The choir has previously used the names of Greater Houston Chorus and Houston Community Chorus, and any former members in attendance at the show will be invited on stage for a special time of recognition. Tickets for this performance are $15 at the door, with discount pricing for advance purchase online. http://www.houstonchoralshowcase.org. Read more

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The Walden School Alumni Composers Forum

The Walden School Alumni Composers Forum

455 Fair Oaks St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Seth Brenzel |

Join us in San Francisco - bring friends and family for an afternoon of new music and discussion! Moderators: Alex Christie and Dana Jessen Performers: Katy Luo, piano Composers: Nick Benavides Alejandro Poler Loretta Notareschi Niko Korolog and more! Read more

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Kalamazoo Children's Chorus Concert of "Holiday Delights"

Kalamazoo Children's Chorus Concert of "Holiday Delights"

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Leona Gould-McElhone | Performance

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The Holly and the Ivy: British Music for Christmas concert

The Holly and the Ivy: British Music for Christmas concert

4101 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washiington, DC 20016

The City Choir ... | Performance

TCCW presents its annual concert of Christmas music with brass and organ. Read more

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Celebrate!

Celebrate!

Winston-Salem NC

Paul Musick | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Community Outreach, Diversity, Singing

Triad Pride Men’s Chorus announces its 14th season, "A Season of Pride."  The winter concerts are entitled “Celebrate!” Read more

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Celebrate!

Celebrate!

Greensboro, NC

Paul Musick | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Community Outreach, Diversity, Performance, Singing

Triad Pride Men’s Chorus announces its 14th season, "A Season of Pride."  The winter concerts are entitled “Celebrate!” Read more

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A Brethren Epiphany

A Brethren Epiphany

6935 Columbia Pike

Brethren | Audiences, Community Outreach, Conducting, Performance, Singing

Come and join DC's finest professional men's ensemble as we celebrate the season with advent, christmas and epipahny anthems. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. www.brethrengroup.com Read more

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BRAVA! Sings . . . We Wish You the Merriest!

BRAVA! Sings . . . We Wish You the Merriest!

6200 Colonial Way, Edina, MN 55436

Mary Scott |

The women of BRAVA! invite you to a festive holiday concert! Read more

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Christmas in Merced

Christmas in Merced

Merced, CA

Pacific Boychoi... |

Enjoy a Christmas Concert in the magnificent surroundings of the newly renovated Merced Theatre.   Read more

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Christmas in Merced

Christmas in Merced

Merced, CA

Pacific Boychoi... |

Enjoy a Christmas Concert in the magnificent surroundings of the newly renovated Merced Theatre.   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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