About CONCORA - Connecticut Choral Artists
Acknowledging that music transforms and enriches people’s lives, CONCORA perpetuates and performs with excellence choral music of the highest quality for the broadest possible audience.
Under the direction of Chris Shepard, Artistic Director, the ensemble’s versatility is displayed in its wide range of repertoire and in the crafting of ensembles from among the choir’s roster of singers.
CONCORA has been praised as “one of the premier musical forces in the state,” “one of our region’s priceless musical assets,” and “a model of choral artistry.”
Choral music has the power to cross cultural boundaries and to move hearts; CONCORA’s mission to reach a broad and diverse audience extends not only to the choral aficionado, but also to those who may be touched by the beauty of the choral art for the first time.
Under the direction of Chris Shepard, Artistic Director, the ensemble’s versatility is displayed in its wide range of repertoire and in the crafting of ensembles from among the choir’s roster of singers.
CONCORA has been praised as “one of the premier musical forces in the state,” “one of our region’s priceless musical assets,” and “a model of choral artistry.”
Choral music has the power to cross cultural boundaries and to move hearts; CONCORA’s mission to reach a broad and diverse audience extends not only to the choral aficionado, but also to those who may be touched by the beauty of the choral art for the first time.
History
Since its founding in 1974 by Artistic Director Emeritus Richard Coffey, CONCORA has held a unique place in the arts community and has built an extraordinary reputation for artistic excellence throughout New England. CONCORA was the recipient of the 2003 Governor’s Arts Award, in recognition of remarkable artistic achievement and contributions to the arts in Connecticut.
CONCORA has appeared often with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra New England, with whom the ensemble recorded The Six Motets of J.S. Bach. CONCORA served as the resident chorus of the esteemed Bard Festival with the American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, Director. The chorus has performed in concert with Chanticleer, the Gregg Smith Singers, John Rutter’s Cambridge Singers, and Bobby McFerrin.
CONCORA made its New York debut at Trinity Church, Wall Street in 1998 with A 75th Birthday Tribute to Ned Rorem, who called CONCORA “the finest chorus in America.” CONCORA’s recording of Rorem’s choral works received national acclaim in The Choral Journal. CONCORA has performed widely in New England, including national and regional conventions of the American Guild of Organists.
CONCORA has appeared often with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra New England, with whom the ensemble recorded The Six Motets of J.S. Bach. CONCORA served as the resident chorus of the esteemed Bard Festival with the American Symphony Orchestra, Leon Botstein, Director. The chorus has performed in concert with Chanticleer, the Gregg Smith Singers, John Rutter’s Cambridge Singers, and Bobby McFerrin.
CONCORA made its New York debut at Trinity Church, Wall Street in 1998 with A 75th Birthday Tribute to Ned Rorem, who called CONCORA “the finest chorus in America.” CONCORA’s recording of Rorem’s choral works received national acclaim in The Choral Journal. CONCORA has performed widely in New England, including national and regional conventions of the American Guild of Organists.