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
2024
Going – Thomas Keesecker
Winner, HMC Choral Composition Competition