York County Choral Society

The York County Choral Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the performance of choral masterworks and diverse contemporary classical music. Founded during the 1981-82 season by David Lowry and Shirley Fishburne, the group performs with the composers’ intended accompaniments, offering a rich musical experience to its community.

History

The York County Choral Society was initiated with an organizational meeting that drew over 140 attendees, far exceeding the founders' expectations of about two dozen participants. The inaugural performance took place on April 4, 1982, featuring Handel’s Messiah, Parts II & III, at Winthrop’s Byrnes Auditorium. Since then, the society has remained strong, consistently boasting over 50 voices.

Over the years, the society has achieved several notable milestones:

• 1984: It performed Poulenc’s Gloria with the Charlotte Symphony under conductor Leo Driehuys.
• 1985: The chorus presented Albright’s A Song to David at the American Guild of Organists Region IV Convention.
• 1989: It performed Mozart’s Solemn Vespers at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul in Charleston for Piccolo Spoleto.
• 1991: Collaborations with the Raleigh Oratorio Singers included performances of Mozart’s Grand Mass in C minor in Raleigh and Rock Hill.
• 2000: The society conducted its first United Kingdom tour, with a residency at St. David’s Cathedral in Wales and concerts at Durham and Lincoln cathedrals.
• 2002: The society presented a complete performance of Handel’s Messiah, marking the first such performance since the Robert Shaw Chorale in 1967.
• 2012: David Lowry's final performance as director was the Verdi Requiem, followed by the appointment of Dr. Katherine Kinsey as the new director.
• 2023: After Dr. Kinsey's retirement, the society began its 42nd season under co-directors Elizabeth Mixon and Dr. Randy Imler.

Performances and Structure

The York County Choral Society comprises two performing choirs: the Main Choir and the Chamber Singers. The organization accommodates singers from age 16 through adulthood, with auditions required for membership. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings. Typically, the society hosts 2-3 concerts annually, featuring large-scale choral works accompanied by orchestras and diverse contemporary classical music.

Mission and Impact

The society's mission focuses on enriching the community through high-quality choral music performances. It contributes to the cultural fabric of York County by engaging audiences with classical and seasonal repertoire, fostering a sense of intergenerational musical community.