Atlanta was electric with energy for the choral field this June, where more than 400 chorus artistic directors, administrators, board members, composers, singers, music business leaders, and students gathered for four days of idea exchange, business strategy building, musicmaking, and celebration at Chorus America’s 33rd Annual Conference, June 16-19.

Hosted by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and director of choruses Norman Mackenzie, this year’s Conference offered a diverse line-up of activities, including a multi-event discussion on African American Choral Music, an exploration of Robert Shaw’s influence on the choral field, a Conducting Masterclass led by Norman Mackenzie and Robert Spano on Mozart’s Requiem, a Chorus Management Institute (Chorus America’s nuts-and-bolts chorus management course), and shared sessions/events with the League of American Orchestras, which also held its annual conference in Atlanta that week.

Five dynamic plenary sessions explored intriguing and pressing issues facing the choral world. The Conference kicked off on Wednesday afternoon with Steven J. Tepper, associate director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University, and Tom Hall, music director of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, in a conversation about the current state of cultural engagement in North America. Thursday, teaching artist Eric Booth led delegates in an interactive session about how the choral field can leverage their unique strengths to navigate any kind of economic climate. Later that afternoon in a shared plenary session with the League of American Orchestras, Russell Willis Taylor, president & CEO of National Arts Strategies, spoke about the effective and ineffective traits of arts organizations today. Friday morning, author Matthew Sigman led panelists Gabriela Frank, David Howse, Ian David Moss, and Julian Wachner in a discussion of the future of choral music. And, finally, on Saturday morning, arts researcher and consultant Alan Brown explored the new demands of audiences and arts patrons.

Of course, no Chorus America Conference would be complete without music. Delegates warmed up each day to a Morning Sing, led by Michael O’Neal, André Thomas, and Betsy Burleigh. Attendees were also treated to inspiring performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Spivey Hall Children’s Choir, Morehouse College Glee Club & Alumni, the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus. Composer Alice Parker prepared two original compositions for surprise serenades to celebrate president and CEO Ann Meier Baker's 10th year with Chorus America and Todd Estabrook's four years as board chairman.

Achievement in the choral field was recognized with Chorus America’s prestigious awards, which were presented Friday morning and evening (see winners on the Awards page). Attendees raised $14,550 at Chorus America’s Annual Live Auction & Banquet and an additional $30,000 was pledged to support Chorus America’s expanded online capabilities. This generosity was extended to the Annual Fund campaign at the Conference, with participants giving a total of $21,000, and thus securing nearly $10,000 in matching funds from ACFEA Tour Consultants and Chorus America board member, Hugh Davies. A new initiative this year, Chorus America’s silent auction was not held at the Conference, but rather, online at Biddingforgood.com, raising another $24,800 for Chorus America programs and services.  

Chorus America extends its gratitude and thanks to all donors, speakers, and the many volunteers who contributed immeasurably to the success of the 2010 Conference. The Exhibit Area was sold out with 30 businesses catering to the needs of choruses--visit the exhibitors online to learn more about their products and services. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our Conference sponsors, who underwrote many of the sessions and events. Special recognition goes to IMTC Concerts and the Vienna Tourist Board as lead sponsor.

Please visit our Awards page for names and photos of award winners; and see our Conference Photo Gallery for pictures taken through the week. Additional photos are posted on Chorus America's Facebook page.