Masterwork Chorus, founded in 1955, is an auditioned chorus of approximately 100 voices. Guided by our Mission and Goals, the chorus is dedicated to enrich, delight and support the cultural life of the community through high-quality inspiring choral performances. The non-profit chorus has a performance history that includes not only the traditional masterworks, but also masterpieces spanning a variety of musical periods and styles. Some are well-known, others less so, but all are equally beautiful.
Andrew Megill (2000-2014), Chris Shepard (2015-present)
The chorus rehearses on Wednesday evenings, typically presents three major concerts each year, and has performed in venues throughout New Jersey as well as in New York City at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and in Washington, DC at the Kennedy Center. Since 1961, the chorus has returned to the Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall every year for its signature performance of Handel’s Messiah. The group’s Messiah history is iconic, and, although Messiah performances now exceed two hundred sixty in number, the magic of the music and the performance space continues to enrich and delight audiences and singers alike. For major events, the chorus is supported by the professional Masterwork Orchestra and renowned soloists.
Joining forces to make beautiful music is a growing Masterwork tradition. In the spring of 2014, the chorus traveled to Germany to perform with Cäcilien-Chor of Frankfurt, continuing the “Voices Unite” series that began with joint performances in 2013 in the United States. Masterwork also appeared with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and Ann Hampton Calloway in two 2012 holiday concerts at State Theatre, New Brunswick and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
The Masterwork Women’s Ensemble is its chamber ensemble which provide small-group singing opportunities for members of the full chorus. These are auditioned groups that are made up of experienced singers with a passion for performing in more intimate settings and tackling challenging and varied repertoire for the enjoyment of singers and audiences alike.
The Masterwork Alumni Association is active and thriving. The chorus has an extensive community outreach program. Its annual Summer Sings are held each June and July with several weeks of informal readings of great choral masterpieces under the baton of prominent area conductors. The second Sunday in December is always celebrated with Masterwork’s Messiah Sing when anyone in the community may participate. Twice yearly, Masterwork singers offer ReachOut performances, short concerts for senior citizens in assisted living and health care centers, as well as patients in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.
The Masterwork Chorus is a warm and welcoming group of people whose music-making spirit is characterized by generosity. Many singers are long- time members, and only four conductors have called the Masterwork Chorus home since our founding in 1955.
Come participate or merely relax and listen and enjoy the joy of great choral music. You’re always welcome.