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Top Choirs In Philadelphia

Music is the language of emotion, and for many, it's an enjoyable way to spend some recreational time. There are many different types of musical venues and artists to see in the Philadelphia area. If you wish to relive some of your choir days, are a big fan of Glee or just like to expand your musical palate, here are the top 5 Choirs in Philly to enjoy. This September is Classical Music Month, so you may want to take in one of these choirs.
The Philadelphia Chorus
Philadelphia, PA. 19101
(610) 352-3565
www.thephiladelphiachorus.org

The Philadelphia Chorus was founded in 1951 and includes about 55 members. Directed by Raquel Garcia, the chorus has a mission to incorporate the diversity of music, but show how it is all interconnected. On Oct. 18, the Chorus will perform a Cabaret-style show at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Church in Germantown you can come out to enjoy great music and light appetizers. If you are interested in becoming a member, auditions occur in September each year. You need to call ahead to schedule an appointment. Potential singers will need to sing scales, site read and perform a composition of their choice.

The Philadelphia Singers
1211 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19107
(215) 751-9494
www.philadelphiasingers.org

This group began in 1972 under director Michael Korn, and then was directed by David Hayes and is the Resident Chorus of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Which is not only notable, it is an exclusive honor making the Philadelphia Singers, one of the most important choirs in Philadelphia. The Singers primarily perform Renaissance-style and classical music pieces in concert, and their mission is to keep the choral heritage and traditions alive. The Singers have performed with the Pennsylvania Ballet, the New York Philharmonic and at Carnegie Hall; they have high standards and have represented the best of the best. This is their final season, as the Philadelphia Singers is closing. All concerts and events planned for 2015 will be performed (their year ends in June of 2016). This may be your last chance to see them before members converge to other choirs.

The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
(215) 731-9230
www.pgmc.org

The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus was founded in 1985, and they perform a wide variety of music from classical pieces from the 17th century through the pop music of today. A subscription to the chorus includes regular concerts in March, June and December. The chorus also performs at other public and private events throughout the year. The Gay Men's chorus strives to be leaders in the LGBT community and break down barriers of prejudice.  They also partner with groups Art Reach and Attic Youth Center, among others.

Related: Top Bars to Celebrate Pride Month

Philadelphia Boys Choir
1336 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19123
(215) 222-3500
www.phillyboyschoir.org

One of the most famous Choirs in Philly is the Philadelphia Boys Choir.  Established in 1960, this Grammy-winning choir has toured extensively all over the world. There over 200 performers in three different ensembles, including the Cadet Program, Performing Choir and Chorale. You can enjoy their performance with Philly Pops at the Kimmel Center for its main holiday event every December. On Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a celebration of the new building for both the Philly boy's and girl's choirs. This will include a performance and fundraiser. If interested in becoming a member, you can email the director and schedule an appointment, no additional preparations are necessary and auditions generally take about 15 minutes.

The Philadelphia Girls' Choir
1336 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19123
(215) 222-3500
www.phillygirlschoir.org

This choir is relatively new and began in 2012; it is open for girls seven and older and runs as an after-school program. Students are moved into further studies based on their proficiency, talent and age. As they progress, they are invited to audition for the preforming choir. The girls' choir has toured parts of Central Europe, including Vienna and Berlin, in the past and has had performances at the Kimmel Center and The National Constitution Center. In November, there is a silent auction and concert planned for the main hall of the choir building to run as a fundraiser.

Related: Top Blues Clubs Near Philadelphia

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.
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