The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh

The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is a renowned nonprofit choral organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1908 and has since become one of the most distinguished choruses in the United States. The choir serves as the choral partner to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, a role it has maintained for nearly a century.

Composition and Members

The Mendelssohn Choir is composed of a professional core of about 20 singers, supplemented by volunteer singers from diverse backgrounds. These members include professionals from various fields such as medicine, engineering, education, and more. Despite their amateur status, they perform at a professional level, contributing to the choir's acclaimed performances.

Artistic Achievements and Innovations

The choir is known for its innovative programming and collaborations. It has premiered works such as Steve Hackman's The Times They Are A-Changin' and Stewart Copeland's Satan’s Fall, showcasing its ability to engage diverse audiences through versatile musical genres. Notably, the Mendelssohn Choir has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Educational Programs

The Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh (JMCP), founded in 1988, is the choir's educational arm. It offers comprehensive choral training and performance opportunities to high school students, attracting talented young singers from across the region.

Social Impact and Mission

The Mendelssohn Choir is dedicated to breaking down barriers to choral music participation. It fosters connections among people of different backgrounds through music, promoting empathy and community-building across Pittsburgh. The choir aims to present diverse repertoire, including works by historically underrepresented composers, further enriching the cultural landscape of the city.

Leadership

As of 2023, Daniel Singer serves as the choir's Robert Page Music Director, bringing extensive experience in choral conducting and education. He also serves with The Cleveland Orchestra, where he directs the Youth Chorus.

Recognition

The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh has been recognized with several accolades, including Grammy nominations, reflecting its commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.