Chorus America Philanthropy Award Celebrates Jeffrey Barnett

The Chorus America Philanthropy Award is given to individuals, corporations, or foundations whose financial support of Chorus America and the choral art has been especially significant. 

Chorus America is honored to present the 2026 Philanthropy Award to Jeffrey (Jeff) Barnett for his immense generosity and support of the choral field. A Stanford MBA and longtime leader in the investment world, currently serving as CFO and partner of Dorsal Capital, which he helped found in 2009. Barnett brings both financial expertise and a musician's perspective to his philanthropy. He is also a former professional lyric tenor with a career spanning early music ensembles, recitals, and chamber music. 

After earning a BA in music and political science, Barnett worked as a manager of the internationally acclaimed Dale Warland Singers and as a special assistant to the Dean of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.  In his 35-year career as a singer, Barnett performed professionally with ensembles including The Dale Warland Singers, Emmanuel Music of Boston, Philharmonia Baroque, Apollo's Fire, and as soloist/section leader for cathedral choirs in Cleveland, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. He has served as a board member or advisor to numerous arts organizations, among them Early Music America, Apollo's Fire, and the Board of Visitors of the New England Conservatory of Music. His philanthropy has supported dozens of musical causes, including Chorus America, Bing Concert Hall at Stanford, Music@Menlo, the commissioning of several new works from the renowned composer William Bolcom, and construction of the new Pasi organ at Saint John’s Abbey in Minnesota.   

Barnett's multi-faceted support of Chorus America reflects a lifelong commitment to choral and classical music. He has inspired others to join him in philanthropy at Chorus America’s annual Conference through leadership matching gifts.

“Music has given more to me than I can possibly give back or express in words. It remains my greatest joy,” says Barnett. “The work of Chorus America is not always glamorous, but it’s critically important as we work to provide everyone in our country with the opportunity to build community through singing. I urge everyone who loves music as I do to give as generously as you can to Chorus America and to local ensembles you care about.  Thank you for this tremendous honor.”