You make our music possible.

Charlotte Master Chorale is dedicated to inspiring unity in our community through extraordinary performances of diverse music.
 

In 1951, a group of Charlotte singers founded the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte. They envisioned a group that would perform great choral masterpieces. The first concert was held at Myers Park United Methodist Church, included 68 singers and was sponsored by the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

After the 1992-1993 season, the Boards of the Oratorio Singers and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra merged the two organizations. This combination enabled the production of large-scale choral-orchestral works.

In the fall of 2015, the name of the chorus was changed to Charlotte Symphony Chorus, then in the fall of 2018, the organization became an independent performing arts organization and changed its name to the current Charlotte Master Chorale. While now independent, we remain the resident chorus of the Charlotte Symphony.

Our Mission

The mission of the Chorus is to inspire unity in our community through extraordinary performances of diverse music. Our performance season runs from July through June and typically includes 3 to 4 masterworks performances with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra plus 4 to 5 independent performances of choral works that speak to the issues facing our society today. This is accomplished through the extraordinary talents of more than 130 dedicated dues-paying chorus members, an active board of directors and our acclaimed artistic director Dr. Kenney Potter. Our status as an independent performing arts organization has allowed Dr. Potter and the chorus to support the symphony while examining less-explored corners of the choral repertoire.

“Charlotte’s a large enough place, with all its church choirs and people who appreciate choral music, that I think there’s a market for us,” he says. “We can do a big Brahms Requiem or small Durufle motets. My vision is that the Charlotte Master Chorale will be a destination for singers and audiences to experience choral music in a fresh way.” Dr. Kenney Potter, Charlotte Observer 12/6/18

Sources of Income

Prior to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sources of income for the Master Chorale were as follows: sponsorships, grants and donations (44%); concert ticket sales and Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performance fees (50%); and, membership dues (6%). As an organization our goal is to significantly increase the level of sponsorships and the number of donors in order to expand our outreach to the community while maintaining affordable ticket prices. Your support towards achieving these goals is crucial and this is how you can help.