Community Chorus

Based in Westerly, RI

Independent choral ensembles in the United States are not rare. Indeed, according to Chorus America, there are 12,000 of these organizations nationwide and more than 42 million Americans singing in some type of chorus, including several thousand Rhode Islanders. In this cluttered landscape, it is hard for a chorus to stand out. It is also hard to see a choral ensemble's lasting impact on its community. However, the Chorus of Westerly is unique.

Since 1959, the Chorus of Westerly (a not-for-profit performing arts organization) has offered New England music and arts programming of the very highest level of quality and excellence. In its 61 years, the Chorus has presented more than 550 performances to over 1.6 million people. The Chorus has performed over 90 major choral works always with fully professional orchestras and soloists, presented 12 major American premieres; toured internationally four times, singing in such venues as Smetana Hall, Westminster Abbey and St. Peter's Basilica, and received countless awards and recognition for its work. It has established regional traditions including Summer Pops, an event that annually attracts 25,000 people, and A Celebration of Twelfth Night, an event with over 350 performers annually. It has changed the lives of countless generations of New England residents. Over 2,500 area residents have been singing members of the Chorus, and 1,500 of them sang as children. the Chorus has purchased, restored, and expanded its own performance venue, the historic George Kent Performance Hall, and is now one of only three independent American choral organizations to own its own performance venue.

Founded - 1959.  

Contact The Chorus of Westerly