Choral Arts Programs
Choral Arts carries out its mission through three core commitments:
- To share the beauty of high-quality choral music in a way that is transforming and special.
- To provide students meaningful experiences with choral music through our unique education programs.
- To honor the talents and contributions of our country’s composers and be a catalyst for the creation of new compositions by American composers.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Our unyielding commitment to artistic excellence is the foundation of who we are. Choral Arts’ program philosophy aims to create a profound connection between singers, composers and listeners through courageous and inspiring concerts that enliven the audience and engage people on a deeper level. Robert Bode's depth of knowledge, artistic imagination and passionate music-making inspires performances devoted to the idea that music has the power to transform people’s lives.
Above all, we hope to bring people together through the unmatched power of singing, to express those things that define and particularize us, and to celebrate all that we share. Robert Bode, Artistic Director
Our Commitment to Education
Every day we see firsthand the benefits of young people participating in chorus...we see it in their increased self-confidence, their artistic expression, and the joy on their faces as they interact with each other and make music together. Choral Arts offers unique and effective education programs designed to enhance students’ study of music and offer them opportunities to further deepen their understanding of the life-long impact choral music can have on them through:
- Finding your Voice poetry competition
- Bach-to-School visits with the ensemble
- performance opportunities for student choirs
- choral festivals with renowned composers
- free admission to concerts
- mentorships and special events
Our Commitment to New Music
A vital part of Choral Arts' repertoire is the performance and commissioning of new music by American composers. Promoting and encouraging new works by American composers is a courageous endeavor and extremely rewarding because in doing so, we get a sense of the cultural life of our time. This becomes very important, not only for those of us hearing it today, but also for audiences in the future. This music will give the listener 20, 30, 50, 200 years from now insight into our time and our culture.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Choral Arts' recent commission and performance of John Muehleisen's “Pieta” exemplifies our commitment to new music and was possibly the most audacious commission in our twenty-year history. This major choral work exploring the virtues of compassion, mercy and healing was both received instant acclaim not only in the performance and masterful composition, but for the courage showed by Choral Arts to commission such a work.
Kudos to artistic director Robert Bode and the board of Choral Arts who made the commission and the commitment to perform the completed work.” “It’s a major accomplishment which I hope other choirs will take up. - Music critic Philippa Kiraly, The Sun Break.
Hear
John Muehleisen talk about the Pieta commission on Choral Arts’ YouTube Channel.
The success and growth of our programs continue to inspire us, yet at the same time present ongoing needs. For example, on May 18, 2013 Choral Arts will host a day-long choral festival with composer Eric Barnum and over 200 students, culminating will an evening pre-concert conversation and concert devoted entirely to the music of Eric Barnum. Student choirs and Choral Arts will perform throughout the evening, including the world premiere of this year’s Finding Your Voice commission and a combined performance of Barnum’s new choral work, “Healing Heart.” Three days later Choral Arts will commercially record a first-ever all-Barnum CD.
We know that hosting events such as those on May 18
th is a huge undertaking but it is also a result of previous successes, careful planning and an unyielding commitment from our staff, board and singers. Choral Arts has developed well-defined, meaningful programs and we are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished with limited resources. It is only through the generosity of our supporters that Choral Arts can continue to offer our community such rich opportunities.
On behalf of everyone at Choral Arts, we would like to thank you for your continued support of our music, education programs, and commissioning projects.