Vienna Choral Society History

How We Got Started

In 1987 local citizens in Vienna, Virginia decided their town should have its own chorus "to provide music for events sponsored by the Town of Vienna, community organizations, and residents of Vienna and surrounding communities." They organized, wrote up a charter, and incorporated.

Past Directors

We have had several fine directors over the years:

  • Raymond Brown (former director of the Penn State University Chorus)
  • Mark Riddles (former Director of Music at Vienna Presbyterian Church)
  • Dr. Judith Harrison (former musical director of the Washington Revels)
  • Robert Leggett (from 1990 - 2004), who now directs his efforts to his vision -- the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship

Commissioned Works

Former conductor Robert Leggett commissioned Daniel E. Gawthrop to write a piece of music for the group. The Vienna Choral Society premiered Bless to Me, O God in 1999. This is an unaccompanied work. Its text is drawn from the Carmina Gaedelica, a collection of traditional early Christian prayers of the islands of Scotland, as compiled and translated by Alexander Carmichael.

Where We Get Funding

Ticket sales and fundraisers don't cover it all. We are a member of the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the Northern Virginia Choral Alliance, and get some money from Combined Federal Campaign (please contribute to #7100!).

Other Performances

In addition to our past concerts, we have participated in:

  • A Call to Arts Telethon
  • Town of Vienna Independence Day Celebration
  • Town of Vienna Holiday Celebration
  • Pageant of Peace Christmas Celebration on the Ellipse in Washington D.C.
  • J.F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Holiday Festival, Washington D.C.
  • Messiah Sing-along to benefit the Committee for Helping Others
  • "Community Outreach" concerts at nursing homes and retirement homes
  • "Viva Vienna!" Festival

Click here to read a review of our group.

Travels

We even went on a concert tour of London, England, with the London-based Gaudeamus Chorus.