Pilgrim Festival Chorus

The Pilgrim Festival Chorus is a premier community chorus based in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting a diverse range of choral works to educate, enrich, and engage both its members and audiences[2][4].

History and Repertoire

Established in or before 1999, the chorus celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024. It comprises approximately 100 experienced vocalists from over 20 Plymouth County communities. The repertoire includes major works such as Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Israel in Egypt, Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem, and Orff’s Carmina Burana. Additionally, they perform compositions by prominent 20th-century composers like Bernstein, Britten, and Kodály, as well as contemporary composers including Corigliano, Forrest, Hagenberg, Jenkins, Rutter, and the late Whitbourn[1].

Artistic Direction and Performances

Under the artistic co-direction of William B. Richter and Elizabeth Chapman Reilly, the chorus offers a variety of concerts throughout the year. A typical season includes a festive holiday concert in December, an annual Messiah Sing where the audience participates, and a spring concert featuring larger works with an orchestra and soloists. In June, the Pilgrim Festival Singers, a subset of the chorus, performs repertoire from Broadway and American traditions[1].

Membership and Engagement

New members are welcome to join at specific times during the year, after attending an open rehearsal and completing a Vocal Placement Session. This process allows newcomers to integrate into the chorus seamlessly. The organization fosters a welcoming environment, encouraging community participation through educational and engaging performances[1].

Funding and Support

To support their artistic endeavors, Pilgrim Festival Chorus also encourages community involvement through initiatives such as "Adopt an Instrument," which helps fund instrumental ensembles for their concerts[3].

Celebrations and Milestones

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, the chorus presents special concerts, such as "Opus 25 – A PFC Journey," highlighting some of the best selections from their extensive repertoire[3]. These events symbolize the chorus's commitment to sharing great choral music while fostering community spirit and artistic excellence.

[1] https://seeplymouth.com/listing/pilgrim-festival-chorus/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/134225061 [3] https://www.pilgrimfestivalchorus.org [4] https://choralarts-newengland.org/CDIR/234 [5] https://www.pilgrimfestivalchorus.org/events_calendar/category/concert/summary/