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

Events

Harpsichord & Vocal Recital and Wine & Cheese Reception

Harpsichord & Vocal Recital and Wine & Cheese Reception

San Francisco, CA

Tricia Bell | Performance

Benefit for the San Francisco Bach Choir Read more

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SA Choral Society presents The Choral Works of Brahms

SA Choral Society presents The Choral Works of Brahms

205 James St., Boerne, TX 78006 & 227 W. Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212

Gustavo Rios Jr | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Civic Engagement, Community Outreach, Conducting, Diversity, Education, Families, Fundraising, Participation, Performance, Singing

This season we are proud to be a part of the 2013 Brahms Festival, sponsored by the San Antonio Symphony. Read more

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Music of the Soul

Music of the Soul

Westborough

Robert Eaton | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Children/Youth, Families, General, Performance, Schools, Singing

The Peaceable Kingdom- Randall Thompson With Algonquin Regional High School Chamber Singers- Kathrine Waters, Director Five Hebrew Love Songs- Eric Whitacre Dark Night of the Soul- Ola Gjeilo The intensity and starkness of The Peaceable Kingdom provides sharp contrast with the tenderness and intensely moving Five Hebrew Love Songs. Gjeilo merges voices, piano, and violin into symphonic waves of lush sonorities which plunge the listener deep into their soul and leaves one awe struck with wonder. Read more

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Voices of Light: The Passion of Joan of Arc

Voices of Light: The Passion of Joan of Arc

Southborough, MA

Robert Eaton | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Education, General, History, Impact/Value, Innovation, Performance, Singing, Technique/Tool, Technology

Voices of Light merges the legendary silent film masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc, widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made, with a live performance of a ravishing score by award-winning composer Richard Einhorn. An incredibly moving composition for solo voices, chorus and orchestra, Voices of Light has been hailed as "a triumph" (Los Angeles Times) and "an overwhelming experience" (Chicago Tribune). Read more

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"BROADWAY AT THE 92Y" Chorus concert  February 10, 2013

"BROADWAY AT THE 92Y" Chorus concert February 10, 2013

1395 Lexington Avenue, New York NY

Broadway at 92Y... | Performance

The concert will include songs from KISS ME KATE, DESERT SONG, THE FULL MONTY, GUYS AND DOLLS, SHE LOVES ME, and a special tribute to Marvin Hamlisch. Read more

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J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City

J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City

Kansas City, MO

Spire Chamber E... | Professional

J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion Spire Chamber Ensemble Sunday, March 24, 7:00 pm Period Performance featuring the Spire Baroque Orchestra and Soloists from the Choir Read more

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Sing For Their Supper Concert

Sing For Their Supper Concert

1000 Elm Street, Glenview, IL 60025

Sheryl1017 | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Community Outreach, Conducting, Families, Fundraising, General, Participation, Performance, Singing

A mid-winter concert to shake off the chill!  To benefit the Northfield Township Food Pantry.  Come enjoy solo voices performing music from the Sally Clonts Memorial Music Library, Bill Dawson playing bassoon, a vocal octet, two selections by the Chancel Choir, directed by Stephen Blackwelder - even a Sing Along Sound of Music! Read more

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BACHday Bash 2013

BACHday Bash 2013

Pittsburgh, PA

BriGuySinger | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Civic Engagement, Diversity, Fundraising, General, History, Impact/Value, Venue

We hope you can join us as the Bach Choir celebrates its 78th season with scrumptious food & superb libations, an exciting silent auction, and a grand new venue - the historically restored Mansions on Fifth Hotel. All proceeds will benefit the Choir as it continues to present unique and dramatic choral productions. Read more

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Spirit / Breath / Voice

Spirit / Breath / Voice

171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL 60540

Matt Greenberg |

  Please join the nine singers of Chicago a cappella for Spirit/Breath/Voice, an inspiring program celebrating generosity, compassion, peace, and joy.The acclaimed vocal ensemble’s new concert includes a joyous Renaissance mass, uplifting Shaker tunes, and the Midwest premiere of Gwyneth Walker’s Songs of Ecstasy.This concert will be musically directed by William Chin, the accomplished assistant director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. Don’t miss this deeply moving and blissful musical experience! Read more

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Spirit / Breath / Voice

Spirit / Breath / Voice

1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL

Matt Greenberg |

  Please join the nine singers of Chicago a cappella for Spirit/Breath/Voice, an inspiring program celebrating generosity, compassion, peace, and joy.The acclaimed vocal ensemble’s new concert includes a joyous Renaissance mass, uplifting Shaker tunes, and the Midwest premiere of Gwyneth Walker’s Songs of Ecstasy.This concert will be musically directed by William Chin, the accomplished assistant director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. Don’t miss this deeply moving and blissful musical experience! 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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