From the Podium
Friends,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Choralis’ 25th anniversary season.
As I reflect on the journey we have been on together these past many seasons, it is difficult to imagine a time when we have not been bonded by the myriad musical experiences we’ve shared. There have been numerous “firsts,” milestones, concerts, and collaborations. One of the most meaningful collaborations has been our long friendship with world-renowned composer Bob Chilcott. It seems fitting that this season will culminate with the world premiere performance of Rainbow, a co-commission by Choralis and the Children’s Chorus of Washington of a new, intergenerational work by Bob, with text by award-winning poet Charles Bennett.
For a quarter of a century, our voices have come together to create beautiful music, and this milestone is a testament to our dedication, passion, and the unyielding support of our community. In addition to championing timeless masterworks, Choralis’ dedication to bringing new works of art to life has been one of my greatest rewards. Choral gems such as Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem or Bach’s Mass in B Minor, have enriched people’s lives for decades, and new music by composers, like Bob, and performed by groups like Choralis can be such a force for good. After all, there are so many important events in our world calling for change, compassion, awareness, and action. Simply put, there can never be enough art and beauty in the world. By continuing to add new works to the repertoire we create more opportunities to celebrate the power of music to bring us all together.
I look forward to welcoming you in person at concerts or Choralis events, or seeing you virtually at one of our “Cocktails with Choralis” programs. I thank you for being part of the journey this far and look forward to the next 25 seasons.
Best,
Gretchen
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Join Choralis as we open our 25th Anniversary Season with a program for choir and organ. In addition to works by Mendelssohn, Milhaud, and Elgar, the concert will feature some of Duruflé's most exceptional works for choir and organ, including Requiem, Op. 9 and Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens, Op. 10.
October 20, 2024, 5 PM
Repertoire:
Pierre Cochereau Berceuse à la mémoire de Louis Vierne
Darius Milhaud Cantate de la Paix
Felix Mendelssohn Verleih uns Frieden
Edward Elgar. They are at rest
Gerald Near Solemn Prelude on a Theme of Thomas Tallis
Maurice Duruflé Quatre Motets sur des Thèmes Grégoriens, Op.10
Requiem, Op. 9
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Soloists
Kristen Dubenion-Smith, mezzo-soprano
Ross Tamaccio, baritone
Benjamin LaPrairie, organ
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Charity Partner
Through the Fallen First Responder Home Program, Tunnel to Towers aims to pay off the mortgages of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty, or to 9/11 related illness, and leave behind young children. The Foundation’s goal is to ensure stability and security for these families facing sudden, tragic loss.
Church of the Epiphany
1317 G St NW
Washington, DC 20005
Our beloved Christmas program, including the famed candlelight processional and audience carol sings, returns to the stunning National Presbyterian Church. An annual, not-to-be-missed sell-out!
Our beloved Christmas program, including the famed candlelight processional and audience carol sings, returns to the stunning National Presbyterian Church. An annual, not-to-be-missed sell-out!
December 8, 2024
Classic Brass Quintet
Charity Partner
FACETS is one of the largest social safety nets for families, children, and individuals in Fairfax County, Virginia. At FACETS, we meet people where they are, usually at the most vulnerable time in their lives, and help them build stronger futures.
National Presbyterian Church
4101 Nebraska Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
In March, we welcome former Associate Conductor and Keyboard Artist Todd Fickley back to the bench, as he joins Choralis and Maestra Kuhrmann for Bach's immortal Mass in B minor.
​March 16, 2025
Johann Sebastian Bach Mass in B minor
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Soloists
Zoe McCray, soprano
Roger Isaacs, countertenor
David Evans, tenor
Kerry Wilkerson, bass
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Todd Fickley, keyboard artist
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Venue:
Please stay tuned for venue information.
Join us as we close out our 25th anniversary season with the world premiere of Rainbow by Bob Chilcott. This stunning work features the poetry of award-winning English poet Charles Bennett, and was co-commissioned by Choralis and The Children’s Chorus of Washington. Also featuring John Rutter’s Mass of the Children.
May 18, 2025
RAINBOW
Repertoire
John Rutter | Mass for the Children
Bob Chilcott | Rainbow
National Presbyterian Church
4101 Nebraska Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016