The Washington Master Chorale is a vibrant, sixty-voice professional and volunteer chorus that has quickly garnered a reputation throughout the Washington, D.C., region for vocal excellence and discriminating concert programming. Since its debut concert in 2010 under the baton of Artistic Director Thomas Colohan, the Chorale's performances have received repeated critical acclaim. The Washington Post hails the ensemble's singing as "remarkable for its beauty," "seamlessly blended," and "a sound worth hearing."
Equally at home singing the work of both American and European masters, the Chorale is noted for its innovative presentation of choral works within the context of their culture and time. The group focuses on choral repertoire from the 19th century onward, with a particular emphasis on music of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Chorale is also dedicated to the expansion of the choral canon and maintains that commitment through its annual commissioning of new choral works by leading American composers.
Speaking of the Chorale, renowned choral composer Morten Lauridsen says, "Maestro Colohan and his splendid singers are committed to choral excellence and will enrich the lives of all who experience their artistry." Choral icon Alice Parker says, "It was a pleasure to hear [this] excellent chorus. I was really impressed..."
In December of 2013 the Chorale released its first professional recording on the Albany label entitled The Earth and I: New American Choral Music. In 2016, the Chorale released a second CD on the ACIS label entitled This Endris Night: Christmas with the Washington Master Chorale. Both CDs are available for purchase online via Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby.
The Chorale has been invited to sing in a number of notable forums, including the concert hall of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Chorus America's 2014 National Conference in Washington, D.C.
Founded in October, 2009, the Washington Master Chorale is funded through ticket sales and grants, but primarily through your generous donations. To support the organization, please visit our Support page.