Choral Arts Philadelphia (formerly Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia) is a 40-voice

choir A choir ( ; also known as a chorale or chorus) is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform. Choirs may perform music from the classical music repertoire, which ...

with an 8-voice professional core and semi-professional and amateur auditioned volunteer singers. The ensemble was founded in 1982 in

Philadelphia Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...

as a symphonic chorus of 120+ voices. It is currently directed by Matthew Glandorf, who also serves on the faculty of the

Curtis Institute of Music The Curtis Institute of Music is a private conservatory in Philadelphia. It offers a performance diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in opera, and a Professional Studies Certificate in opera. All students attend on full scholarship. Hi ...

. The group has performed nearly 200 works by more than 100

composer A composer is a person who writes music. The term is especially used to indicate composers of Western classical music, or those who are composers by occupation. Many composers are, or were, also skilled performers of music. Etymology and Defi ...

s. In 2002, while under direction of

Donald Nally Donald Nally (born December 27, 1960) is an American conductor, chorus master, and professor of conducting, specializing in chamber choirs, opera, and new music. He is conductor of the professional new-music choir, The Crossing, based in Philadelp ...

, the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia was awarded the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, presented to a single chorus each year by

Chorus America Chorus may refer to: Music * Chorus (song) or refrain, line or lines that are repeated in music or in verse * Chorus effect, the perception of similar sounds from multiple sources as a single, richer sound * Chorus form, song in which all verses ...

. That same year, the group was named '' Best of Philly'' by

Philadelphia Magazine ''Philadelphia'' (also called "''Philadelphia'' magazine" or referred to by the nickname "Phillymag", once called ''Greater Philadelphia'') is a regional monthly magazine published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the Lipson family of Philadelphia ...

. Throughout its history, the Choral Arts ociety ofPhiladelphia has been dedicated to the commissioning and performance of new music. The choir has performed world

premiere A première, also spelled premiere, is the debut (first public presentation) of a play, film, dance, or musical composition. A work will often have many premières: a world première (the first time it is shown anywhere in the world), its first ...

s of works by Robert Convery, Edward Bilous,

Jake Heggie Jake Heggie (born March 31, 1961) is an American composer of opera, vocal, orchestral, and chamber music. He is best known for his operas and art songs as well as for his collaborations with internationally renowned performers and writers. B ...

, Robert Maggio, Neely Bruce, Thomas Jennefelt, Jonathan Harvey, among others. In 2007, as part of its 25th anniversary season, the group presented a world premiere by

Roxanna Panufnik Roxanna Panufnik (born 24 April 1968) is a British composer of Polish heritage. She is the daughter of the composer and conductor Sir Andrzej Panufnik and his second wife Camilla, née Jessel. Panufnik was born in London. She attended Bedales ...

. In 2012, Choral Arts Philadelphia recorded an album of choral music by composer

David Ludwig David Ludwig may refer to: * David Ludwig (physician), American physician * David Ludwig (composer) (born 1974), American composer {{Hndis, Ludwig, David ...

. In addition to presenting a three- or four-concert season of its own each year, Choral Arts has been a frequent collaborator with other Philadelphia cultural groups including the

Philadelphia Orchestra The Philadelphia Orchestra is an American symphony orchestra, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of the " Big Five" American orchestras, the orchestra is based at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, where it performs its subscription ...

, the

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia is an American chamber orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its principal concert venue is the Perelman Theater of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, of which the orchestra is a founding ...

, Piffaro, The

Pennsylvania Ballet The Philadelphia Ballet, formerly known as Pennsylvania Ballet until rebranding in 2021, is Philadelphia's largest ballet company. The company's annual local season features six programs of classic favorites, as well as new works, including the Ph ...

Tempesta di Mare Tempesta may refer to: * ''The Tempest'' (Giorgione), a famous Renaissance painting by Italian master Giorgione dated between 1506 and 1508 * ''Tempesta'' (film), a 2004 thriller film by Tim Disney See also * Tempesta (surname) {{disambig ...

. In 2013, Choral Arts Philadelphia launched "Bach At Seven" Cantata Series, an hour-long mid-week programs featuring a Bach cantata along with theme-related choral, solo and orchestral works from all periods. The series take place at Saint Clement's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and continue throughout the season, mostly on a monthly basis.

External links

Choral Arts Philadelphia website
Musical groups from Philadelphia Culture of Philadelphia Choirs in Pennsylvania Choral societies Musical groups established in 1982 1982 establishments in Pennsylvania {{Philadelphia-stub