ABOUT THE CHORUS

The Western Carolina Community Chorus is composed of singers from the westernmost counties of the state. Now in its thirtieth year of existence, the organization is the oldest, continuously active community chorus in western North Carolina. Formed in the fall of 1970 for a joint performance of the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah with the choruses of Western Carolina University, the group has been continuously active since its founding.

The chorus has established a distinguished reputation as a musical resource in the region, providing amateur and professional singers exceptional opportunities for serious study and performance of choral music. Western Carolina University has sponsored the organization since its inception, and the Jackson County Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council have also provided significant funding and other forms of support for many years.

During its thirty year history, the chorus has performed a wide variety of choral literature, including over twenty-five major works of composers ranging from Bach and Vivaldi to Prokofiev and Orff. The group complements its repertory of masterworks by programming Christmas carols and part songs, choruses from oratorios, shorter works of significant composers, and representative selections of seasonal, patriotic, traditional, and folk music. Programs of the 1997-98, 1998-99, and 1999-2000 concert seasons are representative of the chorus' repertory and performance commitments.

The chorus has presented concerts throughout western North Carolina, having performed in fourteen different locations in Jackson, Macon, Haywood, and Buncombe counties during its three decades of activity. Membership is open to singers with past experience in community, school, and church choirs. No audition is required for acceptance in the group, but regular attendance at rehearsals is essential. Additional information may be obtained by calling the director, James E. Dooley, at (828) 293-5589.