Dr. Eugene Rogers Extends His Contract and Anthony Salvi-Exner Announced Executive Director!

The Washington Chorus (TWC) is pleased to announce the 5-year extension of Dr. Eugene Rogers’ initial contract as Artistic Director, as well as the appointment of Anthony Salvi-Exner as Executive Director. Both actions ensure TWC’s stability in the coming years, allowing the organization to further commit to its mission of creating transformative musical experiences that bring people together through the joy of choral music.

Dr. Eugene Rogers was appointed in 2020 as TWC’s fifth Artistic Director and led and curated programming through the 60th anniversary season and the pandemic. Continuing as Artistic Director allows TWC to advance his commitment to musical excellence and ensure the execution of his outstanding artistic vision, including the “Mahogany Initiative,” TWC’s year-round programming initiative that centers on commissioning artists of color.

“I am overjoyed to continue leading and partnering with one of America's leading symphonic choruses,” says Rogers. “As Artistic Director of TWC, my vision is that through audacious, distinctive, and inclusive programming—and in tandem collaborations with the amazing colleagues and artists in the Washington, DC region and beyond—we will build on our rich musical legacy and foster a strong and diverse community of artists. Creativity and collaboration will be at the heart of this work.”

The Washington Chorus is also pleased to announce that Mr. Anthony Salvi-Exner has accepted a 3-year contract as TWC's Executive Director.  He previously sang with The Washington Chorus and was a board member before his appointment as Interim Executive Director in August 2022. He brings 30 years of executive leadership experience working in a variety of organizations, having held several Chief Operating Officer positions, including most recently at VMD Corp, a professional services company.

 “I am honored and humbled to be selected as Executive Director for an organization that is committed to delivering outstanding choral music to the DC community.’ says Salvi-Exner. “The Washington Chorus has a long and storied history, and I am excited to help lead the organization into our bright future.” 

The appointments are confirmed as The Washington Chorus rehearses for Free at Last: A Musical Tribute to Dr. King’s Legacy.  The concert on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 7:30pm at The Kennedy Center, commemorates the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech through the performance of Undine Smith Moore's Scenes from the Life of a Martyr and the Duruflé Requiem. TWC looks forward to continuing its artistic collaborations by joining the National Symphony Orchestra in June to perform Beethoven Symphony No. 9. The 63rd season under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Eugene Rogers and Executive Director Anthony Salvi-Exner will be announced later this Spring.

"The Board of Directors is thrilled to extend the contracts and continue working with Eugene and Anthony,” says TWC Board Chair Kara Morrissey. “With Eugene's vision for innovative programming, rich collaboration, and inclusive musical excellence, and Anthony's many years of executive leadership skills, TWC is strong and poised to continue to lead in the DC Choral community."

Read more about Anthony Salvi-Exner here.

Read more about Eugene Rogers here.