Dianne Peterson

Executive Director Emerita, The Washington Chorus

Dianne was honored with the title of Executive Director Emerita of The Washington Chorus (DC) when she retired in June of 2016 after leading the organization for over 30 years. Since September of 2016 she has served in a part-time role as Director of Conference and Programs of Chorus America. Ms. Peterson has an extensive background in the performing arts and business management, as well as music education. As General Manager/Executive Director of the Grammy-winning Washington Chorus for three decades, Ms. Peterson led the Chorus to become one of the region’s premier arts organizations and one of the largest-budgeted choruses in the nation.

In addition to her executive leadership role, she sang with The Washington Chorus for 22 years. Prior to her many years with the Chorus, she had a career in fashion as a buyer for a national retail firm. In addition to being a life-long solo and choral singer, her early work experience includes teaching vocal music in the NYC area and in Paris, France.

She has served on numerous arts panels and boards throughout her career, including serving as a board member and an officer of Chorus America. She was also a trustee and past Vice President of the Washington, DC Chapter of The Recording Academy. She currently serves on the board of the New Orchestra of Washington. During her tenue, The Washington Chorus received the Alice Parker ASCAP Award and the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence.

 

Ms. Peterson is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacob School of Music where she received a BA and a MA in vocal performance and musicology