History of the Huntsville Master Chorale

About the Huntsivlle Master Chorale

Why We Sing

The Huntsville Master Chorale celebrates creativity by providing vibrant musical performances, developing singers, commissioning original compositions, and promoting community through choral singing and collaborating with other local arts groups.

While the Chorale provides musical growth for singers, it also provides educational opportunities for area musicians, composers, and music educators. Through workshops and Meet the Composer events, we bring tools, perspectives, and master class teaching opportunities that enrich our arts community.

The Chorale has a particular heart for commissioning new works. Composition is where music begins, and we feel honored to participate in the process. The Chorale consistently brings new musical works to life, both from composers of international renown and in the local area.

Above all, we seek to promote unity through music. We believe that corporate music provides the unique opportunity to offer peace, inclusion and harmony to all involved, performer and listener alike.

Our Mission

The mission of the Huntsville Master Chorale is to foster creativity by keeping excellent choral singing alive in North Alabama. Of particular interest is nurturing renowned and emerging composers by commissioning and performing new works.

Our History

Originally the Eugene Brasher Chorale, the Huntsville Master Chorale was founded in 1998 by Dr. Eugene Brasher. Other directors through the years have included Handy Avery, Tom Dooling, and Dr. Erin Colwitz.

In May 2012, Dr. Patricia Ramirez Hacker was appointed as Artistic Director of the Huntsville Master Chorale. The group is thriving under her direction and is attracting regional attention as a force in vocal music excellence.

While The Chorale provides musical growth for singers, it also provides educational opportunities for area musicians, composers, and music educators. Through workshops and Meet the Composer events, we bring tools, perspectives, and master class teaching opportunities that enrich our arts community. Most concerts are provided free of charge for all to enjoy, with donations accepted to defray expenses. The Chorale relies greatly on corporate and individual sponsorships, as well as its annual Valentine’s Day fundraiser, Mosaic of Love.

The Huntsville Master Chorale has a particular heart for commissioning new works. Composition is where music begins, and we feel honored to participate in the process. The Chorale consistently brings new musical works to life, both from composers of international renown and in the local area.

Above all, we seek to promote unity through music. We believe that corporate music provides the unique opportunity to offer peace, inclusion, and harmony to all involved, performer and listener alike.

Commissioned Works and World Premieres

2009

Songs of Love & Loss* – Bryan Page

*Commissioned by Greg Wright and dedicated to Hannah Marguerite Wright & Gregory Marshall Wright, Jr., for the joy they bring to their parents’ hearts.

2014

Having Told the Hive the News – Holland G. Hopson

Three Songs of Spring – Emma Lou Diemer

Dolphins

My Apple Orchard

Unpredictable

2015

Two Prayers – Bryan Page

Great, Good, Just and Loving God

I Thank You, God

The Great Song – Susan Fletcher

We Give Thanks – Adriana Perera

2016

Spring Songs – J.D. Frizzell

If I Could See You Wind

Upon a Wheel of Cloud (Like a Rain It Sounded)

Beauty Calls Me to My Knees – Dennis Clements

2017

Ode to the Sun– Hal H. Hopson

The Radiant Moon Has Passed Away

The Edge of the Night

The Sun Will Rise Tomorrow

It is Early Yet

Let Go, Release the Night

And Comes the Sun

2018

Spring Songs – Michael John Trotta

Flower God

Love is the Very Heart of Spring

Spring Carol

April – Andrew Marshall

Winner, HMC Choral Composition Competition

My Cathedral – Lori Larson

Finalist, HMC Choral Composition Competition

Winter’s Defeat – Gwyn Williams

Finalist, HMC Choral Composition Competition

2019

Ignition – Evelyn Pursley-Kopitzke

Winner, HMC Choral Composition Competition

2020

Three Songs of Spring – Timothy Amalavage-Smith

Winner, HMC Choral Composition Competition

2021

I Dream a World – Cole Reyes

Winner, HMC Choral Composition Competition

2022

Nothing but Love – Remel Derrick

Winner, HMC Choral Composition Competition

2023

When Music Sounds – Anthony Giamanco

Winner, HMC Choral Composition Competition