Community Chorus

Based in Westfield, NJ

Choral Art Society of New Jersey originated as The Suburban Symphony Chorus in September of 1962 under the direction of Peter Sozio. In September 1963, Evelyn Bleeke became director and in 1964 the chorus formed an independent organization under its present name and has grown in membership, earning the accolades of the public and critics since its beginning. Mrs. Bleeke served the organization as Director for 32 years prior to her retirement in May of 1995. She was followed by Thomas Booth and Kathleen Healy-Wedsworth and most recently James S. Little, who served for 14 years. In 2012, as the group progressed into its second half-century of singing, Martin Sedek was appointed Music Director.

The chorus is a group of avocational singers dedicated to the study and performance of the great choral masterpieces, performing works spanning many centuries and styles. Most of the major oratorios, cantatas, and masses of the master composers have been presented during its fifty-two years. The group's diverse performances include Orff's Carmina Burana, Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, Handel's Solomon, and most recently, one of the first U.S performances of Bob Chilcott's Requiem. Each year the chorus sponsors a community Messiah sing at the beginning of the Christmas season for the enrichment of the community.

Founded - 1962.  

Contact The Choral Art Society of New Jersey