Beethoven, Mass in C | Bach, BWV 4 | Bonis, Motets

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, a tour-de-force for chorus, orchestra, and soloists, will be paired with J.S. Bach’s BWV 4, Christ lag in Todesbanden, and the beautiful motet "Adoro te," by French Romantic composer Mélanie Bonis, for City Choir’s grand season finale. Learn more about this concert in our newsletter, Allegro.

Featuring: The City Choir Orchestra | Rachel Tester, soprano | Lauren Maho, mezzo-soprano | Lejerian Williams, tenor | Andrew Adelsberger, bass. Click to Meet the Artists.

Please scroll down for a Special Offer for Federal Workers/Contractors

 Sunday, June 1, 2025 | 5 p.m. | National Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC

Free parking | Metro: Tenleytown

Special Offer for Federal Workers/Contractors: The City Choir of Washington believes that music is a balm for soul. If you are a Federal worker or contractor who has been affected by the recent budget cuts, City Choir would like to offer you a complimentary ticket our concert.

To receive your ticket, please send a brief statement about your job to Operations Director Zain Shariff at zain.shariff@citychoir.org.

From Cole Porter to Dolly Parton: 100 Years of Great American Song

Join us on March 23 as the City Choir of Washington tells the story of America through the rich history of our choral traditions in the lovely acoustics and charming atmosphere of the Church of the Epiphany in downtown Washington, DC.

From the heights of our classical tradition to homegrown innovations in spirituals, folk music, country, and jazz, from Broadway to the silver screen, City Choir’s exploration of “100 Year of American Song” honors the inspirational, intricate tapestry that is woven into our country’s musical landscape. 

Come explore the power of song with works by Aaron Copland, Moses Hogan and more. Dive into the lush depths of the American Songbook with Cole Porter, George & Ira Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, and Leigh Harline (of “When You Wish Upon a Star” fame). Find inspiration in our city with Washington, DC composers Duke Ellington, Ysaÿe Barnwell, and City Choir’s own Robert Shafer. And conclude your journey with us on a note of joy and hope as we look towards the “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” (imagined by Dolly Parton) and an “Unclouded Day” (promised by the ebullient gospel hymn).

Please scroll down for a special offer for Federal workers and contractors affected by the recent budget cuts.

Sunday, March 23 | 5 p.m. | Church of the Epiphany

Metro: Metro Center | Paid garage parking nearby (we recommend SpotHero to easily find parking)

The City Choir of Washington believes that music is a balm for soul. If you are a Federal worker or contractor who has been affected by the recent budget cuts, City Choir would like to offer you a complimentary ticket our concert.

To receive your ticket, please send a brief statement about your job to Operations Director Zain Shariff at zain.shariff@citychoir.org.

Bizet’s Carmen at 150: An Evening of Opera Choruses & Scenes

Don’t miss this special Saturday evening event celebrating the 150th anniversary of Georges Bizet’s popular opera Carmen - and much more! 

Although we won’t have actual bull fights, we will share with you some of the great opera choruses of all time, plus guest appearances by soloists from the Wolf Trap Opera Studio Artist program and the Washington National Opera Orchestra. All of this at Alexandria's flagship Schlesinger Concert Hall (just 15 minutes from Georgetown), with supertitles.

Featuring Wolf Trap Opera Studio Artist Alumni: Mia Mandineau, soprano | Rosario Armas, mezzo-soprano | Logan Wagner, tenor | Adam Partridge, baritone

And Special Guests: The Washington National Opera Orchestra

MEET THE ARTISTS

Saturday, January 25 | 5 p.m. | Schlesinger Concert Hall, Alexandria, Virginia

Tickets $5-$59

Free Parking | Projected Titles

Program:

Selections from Carmen – Georges Bizet (1838–1875); curated by Erin Freeman

~ Intermission ~

Priest’s Chorus from Die Zauberflöte – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)

Witches' Chorus from Macbeth – Giuseppi Verdi (1813–1901)

Bell Chorus from Pagliacci – Ruggero Leoncavallo (1857-1919)

“Va, pensiero” from Nabucco – Giuseppe Verdi

Duet: “Au fond du temple saint” from The Pearl Fishers – Georges Bizet 

Humming Chorus from Madama Butterfly – Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)

Duet: Flower Duet from Lakmé – Leo Delibes (1836-1891)

“Balm in Gilead” from Shining Brow – Daron Hagen (b. 1961)

Chorus of Wedding Guests from Lucia di Lammermoor – Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)

Champagne Chorus from Die Fledermaus – Johann Strauss II (1825-1899)

7 Days of Creation - The Creation by Franz Joseph Haydn

Experience Haydn’s groundbreaking The Creation in a whole new light with the beautiful National Presbyterian Church as a backdrop, Philip Moody’s elegant English translation, and spectacular multidimensional elements.

With special guests Esther Tonea, soprano; Dashiell Waterbury, tenor; Rob McGinniss, baritone; and the Washington National Opera Orchestra.  

Meet the Artists

 Sunday, November 24, 2024 | 5 p.m. | National Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC

free parking/metro: Tenleytown

On our final concert of the season, the City Choir of Washington celebrates our favorite art with “An Homage to Music.” Join us at Schlesinger Hall on June 2, 2024—Edward Elgar’s birthday—for an evening of music about music, featuring Elgar’s rarely-performed The Music Makers, with works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Reena Esmail, and Robert A. Harris.

The texts—ranging from works by the 14th century Persian poet Hafiz to Shakespeare to Victorian poet Arthur O’Shaughnessy—will be projected behind the chorus for an immersive experience.

Featuring: Winona Martin, mezzo-soprano

with Chamber Ensemble | Karen Johnson, violin | Atticus Mellor-Goldman, cello | Peter Uhlir, piano

MEET THE ARTISTS

Robert A. Harris: Oh, How Can I Keep from Singing

Reena Esmail: When the Violin

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Serenade to Music

Edward Elgar: The Music Makers

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR AFTER ONLINE SALES CLOSE

Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall, Alexandria, Virginia

free parking | post-concert reception

It’s date night with City Choir! This romantic program will feature music by Johannes Brahms, Dede Duson, Jake Runestad, Eric Whitacre, and Roderick Williams, topped off with Irish songs of love and loss in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

Johannes Brahms: Selections from Liebeslieder Waltzes

Dede Duson: Of Love

Jake Runestad: Let My Love Be Heard

Eric Whitacre: Five Hebrew Love Songs

Roderick Williams: O Guiding Night 

Irish songs ~ to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR STARTING AT 4 PM

March 17, 2024 | 5 PM | MCCAC, 7995 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD

Free parking | Silver Spring metro

Celebrate Mozart’s 268th birthday with the City Choir of Washington! Be swept away by the beauty and solemnity of W.A. Mozart’s Grand Mass in C Minor on January 28, 2024 (the day after Mozart’s birthday) in the stark grandeur and quiet majesty of National Presbyterian Church.

W.A. Mozart: Grand Mass in C Minor, K. 427

Featuring soloists from the 2023 Wolf Trap Opera Studio Artist program:

Jazmine Saunders, soprano | Tessa McQueen, soprano | Micah Perry, tenor | Adam Partridge, bass-baritone

Meet the Artists

National Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC

Free parking | Metro: Tenleytown

Put your party hats on! A free reception/birthday party for Mozart will follow the concert downstairs in Stone Hall

Begin your holiday celebrations early, with “Magnificent Bach” at the start of Thanksgiving week. Amid the historic environs and glorious acoustics of the Church of Epiphany, Artistic Director Erin Freeman will lead chorus, soloists, and orchestra in J.S. Bach’s Magnificat in E-flat. You will not want to miss Bach’s original version of his Magnificat (premiered in 1723) at its 300th anniversary, complete with the rarely performed four Christmas interpolations. The concert will open with a cappella works inspired by the Christmas interpolations.

Eva Toller, arr.: Ett barn är fött på denna dag | Jan Sandström: Gloria | Sergei Rachmaninoff: Bogoroditse Devo | Anton Bruckner: Virga Jesse Floruit | Elaine Hagenberg: Alleluia

J.S. Bach: Magnificat in E-flat (BWV 423a)

Featuring: Laura Choi Stuart, soprano | Janna Critz, mezzo-soprano | Oliver Mercer, tenor | Justin Harrison, baritone

Meet the Artists

Sixteen Centuries of Music Timeline & further reading

The Church of the Epiphany, Washington, DC

At Metro Center | Garage parking nearby (try SpotHero)

Old & New American Songs by Aaron Copland, Armando Bayolo, Jessica Krash, and Robert Shafer

Samuel Barber: Reincarnations

John Corigliano: Fern Hill

Gilda Lyons: Love Is When

The City Choir of Washington, Erin Freeman, Artistic Director

Special Guest: Catrin Davies, mezzo-soprano

The season rounds out with a celebration of American music old and new in June. To the set of Old American Songs by Aaron Copland, the City Choir of Washington will add commissions of “New American Songs” by DC Area composers, including Armando Bayolo, Jessica Krash, and City Choir’s own Robert Shafer.

MEET THE ARTISTS

Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Alexandria, Virginia

free parking

JOIN US FOR A POST-CONCERT RECEPTION IN THE FORUM

COVID notice: Given continued low transmission rates, we are looking forward to transitioning to a mask optional policy for performers and audiences alike for our June concert.

John Bennet: Weep O Mine Eyes

Sharon Farber: Ashkina
J.S. Bach: Cantata, BWV 21, Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis

Special Guests: Suzanne Karpov, soprano; Jacob Perry, Jr., tenor; Ian Pomerantz, cantor & bass-baritone

The City Choir of Washington, Erin Freeman, Artistic Director

March brings a concert of music by GRAMMY-winning film composer Sharon Farber paired with the mournful-turned-triumphant Cantata BWV 21 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Although oceans and centuries apart, Farber and Bach both tap into the human need for hope in times of grave despair. Featuring a full orchestra and traditional Middle Eastern instruments, including Ney, Oud, Flamenco Guitar, and Doumbek.

MEET THE ARTISTS | MEET THE TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS

Temple Sinai, Washington, D.C.

3100 Military Rd NW Washington DC 20015

Parking: Temple Sinai’s lot will be reserved for handicap parking. If you do not have serious mobility issues, please park in the Carnegie Institute parking lot behind Temple Sinai (see a map HERE); there is also ample street parking along Military Road and neighboring streets.

COVID notice: Please note that we currently requiring all audience members to wear masks in the concert hall. Although transmission rates are low, due to the intimate size of Temple Sinai, we have made the decision for our March concert to continue with our current masking requirement. Our soloists, wind players, and featured musicians will be able to unmask given a negative test. All players and singers are vaccinated. Given continued low transmission rates, we are looking forward to transitioning to a mask optional policy for performers and audiences alike for our June concert.

Celebrating the year of the Rabbit with music of Ola Gjeilo, Florence Price, Elaine Hagenberg, Huang Ruo, Chen Yi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss, Jr, and Giuseppe Verdi.

With music of Ola Gjeilo, Florence Price, Elaine Hagenberg, Huang Ruo, Chen Yi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss, Jr, and Giuseppe Verdi, a star vocal duo, and top-notch instrumentalists, this performance will get you ready for an inspiring 2023.

The City Choir of Washington, Erin Freeman, Artistic Director

Arianna Zukerman, soprano | Ben Pattison, tenor

Karen Johnson, violin | Meredith Riley, violin | Allyson Goodman, viola | Britton Riley, cello | Peter Uhlir, piano

MEET THE ARTISTS

George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Alexandria, Virginia

free parking

COVID notice: Please note that we currently requiring all audience members to wear masks in the concert hall. All of our singers will be masked; the Artistic Director and soloists may forgo masks with a series of negative Covid tests leading up to the concert.

Gioacchino Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle

also featuring Rossini’s La Passeggiata and I Gondolieri

With Special Guest Soloists from Wolf Trap Opera’s 2022 Studio Artist program: Sophia Hunt, soprano; Winona Martin, mezzo soprano; Travon Walker, tenor; Tshegofatso Clement Baloyi, bass

The City Choir of Washington, Erin Freeman, Artistic Director

Peter Uhlir, piano | Karen Keating, piano | Todd Fickley, organ

MEET THE ARTISTS

The season opens with Gioacchino Rossini’s grand Petite Messe Solennelle. This monumental piece, which pays homage to Palestrina, Bach, and Mozart, all while referencing the humor of Rossini’s comic operas, will highlight the voices of City Choir and the virutosity of keyboard artists Peter Uhlir, Karen Keating, and Todd Fickley. Featuring a stunning solo vocal quartet composed of 2022 Studio Artists from Wolf Trap Opera. 

National Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C.

free parking

COVID notice: Please note that we currently requiring all audience members to wear masks in the concert hall. All of our singers will be masked; the Artistic Director and soloists may forgo masks with a series of negative Covid tests leading up to the concert.

Grant Us Humanity

Don’t miss Maestro Shafer’s final concert as Artistic Director of the City Choir of Washington, as he conducts what Brahms called his “human” Requiem, in the grandeur of Washington National Cathedral.

This concert is dedicated to the people of Ukraine: In memory of the victims of the war in Ukraine, and for those who mourn.

Her Excellency Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, is the honorary patron of this concert.

The City Choir of Washington will be joined by Choralis; a full orchestra; and soloists Katelyn Aungst, soprano and James Shaffran, baritone.

Brahms, Ein deutsches Requiem

Shafer, A Prayer for Ukraine

Elgar, Nimrod from Enigma Variations

Ticketed reception to follow the concert at the Cafritz Refectory of the St Alban’s School, adjacent to Washington National Cathedral.

FREE PARKING IN THE CATHEDRAL GARAGE | MULTI-TICKET DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

A free livestream of this concert will be available on our YouTube channel at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Please visit https://youtu.be/uq8WhhPJG_4 to watch.

For a map of the short walk from Washington National Cathedral to the post-concert reception at the St. Albans School Refectory, please click on the map at left, or here.

OUR COVID POLICY:

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required before entering the concert hall, and masks must be worn at all times while indoors at the concert venue. Proof of vaccination may be in the form of an original CDC vaccination card, a photograph or photocopy of the card, or official immunization record (electronic or physical) provided by your state health authority.

All members of the choir are fully vaccinated and will be masked throughout the performance.

Grant Us Inspiration

Experience the world premiere of Robert Shafer’s new work inspired by the impact of the coronavirus on musicians, paired with the comforting message of the Fauré Requiem.

Britten, Jubilate Deo in C

Shafer, In Memoriam (Super Flumina Babylonis)

Fauré, Requiem

Please note that ticket holders for the cancelled Twelfth Night concert can use those tickets for this concert.

Multi-ticket discounts are available

OUR COVID POLICY:

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required before entering the concert hall, and masks must be worn at all times while indoors at the concert venue. Proof of vaccination may be in the form of an original CDC vaccination card, a photograph or photocopy of the card, or official immunization record (electronic or physical) provided by your state health authority.

All members of the choir are fully vaccinated and will be masked throughout the performance.

Grant Us Celebration: Cancelled

We regret to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Twelfth Night concert on January 9, given the recent spike in COVID cases. The health of our patrons and singers is our top priority. This is of course very disappointing for all of us because we were looking forward to sharing some great holiday music with you.

We look forward to seeing you at our next concert on March 27, 2022, featuring the world premiere of Robert Shafer’s Super Fumina Babylonis and Gabriel Faure’s Requiem. It will be a beautiful concert.

For ticket holders of our January 9 concert, you can use the same ticket for our March concert, receive a refund, or donate your ticket.  If you would like to use your ticket for the March concert, you do not need to take action now. If you choose refund or donation, please write to tickets@citychoir.org and indicate your choice. For donations, we will issue an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes.

Thank you for your loyal support of the City Choir of Washington. We hope to see you soon.

Please stay safe and best wishes for the New Year.

Please do not hesitate to contact City Choir president Ben Tsai at president@citychoir.org if you have any questions or concerns.

OUR COVID POLICY:

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required before entering the concert hall, and masks must be worn at all times while indoors at the concert venue. Proof of vaccination may be in the form of an original CDC vaccination card, a photograph or photocopy of the card, or official immunization record (electronic or physical) provided by your state health authority.

All members of the choir are fully vaccinated and will be masked throughout the performance.

Grant Us the Sublime

Join the City Choir of Washington on a journey into the ethereal and sublime with an all-French program that explores the mysteries of the divine.

Duruflé, Requiem

Duruflé, Choral Variations on “Veni Creator,” Op. 4

L. Boulanger, Pie Jesu

OUR COVID POLICY:

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required before entering the concert hall, and masks must be worn at all times while indoors at the concert venue. Proof of vaccination may be in the form of an original CDC vaccination card, a photograph or photocopy of the card, or official immunization record (electronic or physical) provided by your state health authority.

All members of the choir are fully vaccinated and will be masked throughout the performance.

Multi-concert and multi-ticket discounts are available

PLEASE NOTE: THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Program:
Bach Mass in B minor

Soloists
Crossley Danielle Hawn, Soprano
Kristen Dubenion-Smith, Alto
Norman Shankle, Tenor
Kerry Wilkerson, Bass
Todd Fickley, Organist

Please note the start time of 7:30 PM

Musicologist Ted Libbey emphatically stated, “The Mass in B minor is as lofty in design, scope and expression as anything written by the hand of man.” Indeed! The City Choir of Washington will ring the curtain down on its 2019-20 season with a stirring and spectacular performance of Bach’s monumental, and most memorable, masterpiece.

THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN INDEFINITELY POSTPONED. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE YOUR TICKETS, OR GET A REFUND.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Concert Program:
Poulenc Litanies of the Black Virgin
Duruflé Requiem

Featuring:
Composed in the immediate aftermath of World War II, Duruflé’s Requiem (1947) is both ethereal and transcendent. Again joining the City Choir of Washington for an unforgettable evening of collaborative music making are the West Springfield (VA) High School Madrigals, directed by Dustin Brandt; and the Shenandoah University Cantus Singers directed by Dr. Karen Keating. 

THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE YOUR TICKETS, OR GET A REFUND.

Bring the joy of the season into the new year by celebrating Twelfth Night with The City Choir of Washington! Celebrated on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany, Twelfth Night has a long history of varied traditions from around the world. This year’s concert will feature music from the fifteenth through the twentieth centuries, including Gabrieli, Bach, Britten, and Vaughan Williams. Sing along to favorite carols with the City Choir and, of course, Handel’s Hallelujah chorus.

In addition, we will continue our long-standing tradition of showcasing another exceptional, local high school choir as our Partner in Song. This year’s choir is the Freedom High School Chamber Choir (Chantilly, VA), directed by Laura Lazarevich.

Join us as we explore the rich musical offerings of the extended season! This concert is always a sell-out, so we encourage you to order your tickets early.

Concert Program:
Britten Rejoice in the Lamb
Pärt Salve Regina
Pärt Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten
Haydn Missa in Angustiis (Lord Nelson Mass)

Soloists:
Katelyn Aungst, Soprano
Madelyn Wanner, Mezzo-soprano
Matt Hill, Tenor
James Shaffran, Bass
Todd Fickley, Organist

In the summer of 1798, Haydn composed arguably his greatest choral work against the backdrop of Napoleon’s campaigns in Syria and Egypt, and in an era beset by turmoil.  The composition’s name – Mass for Troubled Times– speaks to the uncertainty of the world in which Haydn lived and composed, while the piece itself spectacularly captures and conjures the chaos of the time. 

The concert is complemented by Britten’s jubilant cantata, Rejoice in the Lamb, based on the Christopher Smart poem depicting the praise and worship of God by all beings; and the Washington premiere of Pärt’s austere and otherworldly Salve Regina, commissioned in 2001 to commemorate the founding of Essen Abbey in 845. 

Note new concert time: 5:00 pm

Concert Program:
Gabrieli Viva la musica
Schütz Magnificat (Uppsala), SWV 468
Handel Excerpts from Messiah
Mozart Requiem, K. 626

The City Choir of Washington concludes its twelfth season with one of the most popular choral works ever written: Mozart’s immortal Requiem. Maestro Shafer invites you to explore the baroque influences that shaped Mozart’s masterpiece, including excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, and the Uppsala Magnificat by German composer Heinrich Schütz. Schütz studied in Venice and took their poly-choral practices back to Northern Germany. It is a thrilling and rarely-heard piece for three choirs and orchestra.

Featuring:
Crossley Danielle Hawn, Soprano
Kristen Dubenion-Smith, Mezzo-soprano
Norman Shankle, Tenor
Kerry Wilkerson, Bass

Concert Program:
Fauré Cantique de Jean Racine
Franck Organ Chorale No. 3 in A Minor
Duruflé Quatre Motets sur des thèmes
grégoriens
Duruflé Sanctus from Requiem
Poulenc Gloria

In March, The City Choir of Washington and Maestro Shafer transport you to France, with a program of works in the great tradition of French choral music, including Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, the Poulenc Gloria and the Duruflé Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens. We are also pleased to welcome back acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano, Danielle Talamantes. This concert will take place in the intimate setting of Saint Luke Catholic Church in McLean, VA, as part of the Music in McLean series.

Featuring:
Danielle Talamantes, soprano
Peter Uhlir, piano
Paul Skevington, organ

Bring the joy of the season into the new year by celebrating Twelfth Night with The City Choir of Washington! Also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, Twelfth Night has a long history of varied traditions from around the world. This year’s concert will feature Rutter’s delightfully jubilant Gloria, as well as a selection of new and old holiday favorites that bridge the gap between Christmas and Twelfth Night.

In addition, we will continue our long-standing tradition of showcasing another exceptional, local high school choir as our Partner in Song. This year’s choir is the West Springfield High School Madrigals under the direction of Mr. Dustin Brandt. 

Join us as we explore the rich musical offerings of the extended season! This concert is always a sell-out, so we encourage you to order your tickets early.

The City Choir of Washington opens its twelfth season on the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Join us and special guest conductor Gretchen Kuhrmann as we commemorate this historic occasion with music by composers who were all very deeply affected by the Great War. Hubert Parry’s Jerusalem became an unofficial anthem during the war, and Parry himself would succumb to the Spanish flu in 1918. We will also present two pieces by Gerald Finzi—A Farewell to Arms and In terra pax—who lost three siblings in the war. The highlight of the concert is Vaughan Williams’ stirring cantata, Dona nobis pacem, written in the turbulent time between the first and second World Wars. Despite being quite old for military service, Vaughan Williams himself fought during World War I.

A military color guard will present and retire the national colors.

Please join us after the concert for remarks and a Q&A session with Maestra Kuhrmann and Andrew Woods, Research Historian at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park.