Top Choirs In Philadelphia
The Philadelphia arts scene is fast becoming recognized for its excellence in all areas of the arts. With its amazing museums, art schools and orchestra, the vast talent in Philadelphia is unprecedented. To visit this city without exploring what it has to offer in the form of art and music would be a waste of a trip. We've come up with a best of Philly choir list for you to enjoy whether you are here to visit, live here or want to drive in for an excellent evening of entertainment by some of Philadelphia's greatest treasures.
Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale
1336 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 222-3500
www.phillyboyschoir.org
The renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir was founded in 1968 and is one of Philadelphia's greatest assets. The boys selected for the choir are all under the age of 15, and the group is known for its unique style that has been emulated by other choirs around the world. The Choir consists of three ensembles: the Beginning Cadets, Advanced Cadets and the Performing Choir, which includes the Men's Chorale. Most performances are scheduled for evenings, weekends and holidays to accommodate the boys' school schedules.
Related: Philadelphia Boys Choir Has New Home At Broad And Spring Garden
The Philadelphia Chorus
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(610) 352-3565
www.thephiladelphiachorus.org
Founded in 1951 by Dr. William Reese of Haverford College, the Philadelphia Chamber Chorus is now led by artistic director Raquel Garcia and has been for the last 29 years. The choir performs work on chorus literature from both the past and present day and is supported by the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts, Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts and PECO.
The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus
P.O. Box 30185
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
(215) 731-9230
www.pgmc.org
The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus started in 1981 and has since become a great contributor to Philadelphia arts society and the LGBT community. The chorus performs scheduled events in the months of December, March and June. It also performs at a variety of community events. The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus has been involved in many special events, including performing at an awards ceremony honoring actor and gay activist Sir Ian McKellen. The Chorus was the opening performer at the first Equality Forum celebration, and performed in an AIDS benefit with local idols Sally Starr and Juanita Holiday.
Choral Arts Society
Philadelphia, PA, 19110
(267) 240-2586
www.choralarts.com
The Choral Arts Society has a long and distinguished career. The group was the Philadelphia Orchestra's premiere choral group for the year, appearing in concerts and live recordings, and it has begun to take the act on the road and explore other choral opportunities outside of Philadelphia. The Choral Arts Society won the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America and Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly award during its 20th anniversary season. Choral Arts Philadelphia has had over 100 composers that have composed nearly 300 works since its inception.
Related: Top Vocal Groups In Philadelphia
St. Thomas Gospel Choir
The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
6361 Lancaster Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19151
(215) 473-3065
www.stthomasgc.org
The St. Thomas Gospel Choir is one of the most spirited and talented gospel choirs in the country. Not only does it perform at over 100 services yearly, it also performs throughout the city for special events. The St. Thomas Gospel Choir has performed at the African American Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pridefest. It has also performed on CBS 3 Talk Philly and traveled throughout the nation to share its spirit and music.
Christina Thompson is a freelance travel writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
