About

Michael Korn founded The Philadelphia Singers in 1972 as the regionís only professional chamber chorus. Michael Korn, who was a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music, and chorus master of the Opera Company of Philadelphia, saw a need and an opportunity for the Philadelphia region to support a professional chorus.

For forty years, The Philadelphia Singers has upheld its mission to inspire audiences in the Philadelphia region with compelling concert experiences featuring performances of choral masterpieces and contemporary works. The Singers has a special commitment to preserve and strengthen Americaís rich choral heritage through performances, commissions, and music education. The Philadelphia Singers also believes in the power of art to advance individuals and communities. It seeks to enrich the broader community through embodying the highest standards of classical musicianship and by providing a platform for its musicians to serve the community in a wide variety of forms.

The Singers began as a 32-voice chamber ensemble that presented an annual concert series. The ensemble initially focused on a broad range of repertoire from the Renaissance through the contemporary period. As the ensemble entered its second decade, Michael Korn began to focus more on choral works from the baroque era, particularly the works of Bach and Handel. In addition to this focus, the 1980ís included the Philadelphia premieres of works by Poulenc and Gershwin and the world premieres of Romeo Cascarinoís William Penn and Flower Songs by Vincent Persichetti. Under Michael Kornís leadership, The Philadelphia Singers made three recordings for RCA Red Seal: Handel’s Roman Vespers, Gloria! Gloria! and Ceremonies of Carols, featuring soprano Benita Valente.

The 1990’s brought significant change and artistic growth. In 1991, The Philadelphia Singers established The Philadelphia Singers Chorale, a symphonic ensemble composed of professional singers and talented volunteers. Michael Korn died that same year and in 1992, David Hayes was named Music Director. Under Mr. Hayesís leadership The Philadelphia Singers artistry has thrived. The Philadelphia Singers has presented several world premieres including David ShpairoísMetamorphoses, Robert Capannaís Day, Hayr Arrakogh by Richard Yardumian, Ezra Ladermanís Brotherly Love, and Thomas Whitmanís Babylon. Mr. Hayes has also established a fruitful relationship with Philadelphia composer Jennifer Higdon that has yielded four world premieres including Deep in the Night, O magnum mysterium, Sing, Sing and Southern Grace.

The Philadelphia Singers | 1211 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 | p. 215-751-9494 | f. 215-751-9090