Syracuse Chorale, Inc.

Lead by Artistic Director Dr. José "Peppie" Calvar, Syracuse Chorale is a non-profit community organization dedicated to the art of fine choral singing. The group was founded in 1953, with 25 singers. Over the years, Chorale membership grew to more than 100 members, and now averages about 60 members each year. We are a non-audition choir whose members have a variety of musical backgrounds and training. Chorale provides professional leadership and an opportunity for new and experienced singers to perform great choral works in a variety of musical styles. These include classical masterpieces such as the Requiems of Brahms, Mozart, and Berlioz, Bach's St. John Passion, Mendelssohn's Elijah, as well as the contemporary works like jazz, musicals and ballads. Chorale performs three major concerts each year in December, April and June. We employ professional musicians as director and accompanist, instrumentalists for many major concerts and, on some occasions, professional soloists. A nine-member volunteer board of directors, elected by the membership, administers the affairs of our self-supporting organization. Chorale offers singers a unique opportunity to perform the very best in choral music. Chorale creates programs that are diverse enough to appeal to a broad audience. Past programs have included the works of Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven, as well as Rogers and Hammerstein and Gilbert and Sullivan. Contemporary composers as diverse as John Rutter and George Gershwin are often added to the mix as well. The purpose, of course, is to keep the singers interested, and the audience inspired. Chorale provides new and experienced singers an opportunity to expand their horizons and have fun at the same time. Syracuse Chorale is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by our members. Any member may run for election to the Board, and Board members may serve two consecutive, three-year terms. The primary responsibilities of the Board include (1) managing business transactions for the Chorale, (2) setting the direction of the group and (3) coordinating the efforts of other members. Members will receive a copy of the Chorale's constitution and bylaws.