The Washington Chorus Returns with a Song in Our Hearts

The Washington Chorus rehearses outdoors as part of the chorus retreat in Maryland

September 14, 2021

Well, if two years ago we described a rehearsal that involved singing in a barn with medical masks on, you probably would have thought we were crazy. But, this past Saturday, we were absolutely thrilled to do so! This beautiful outdoor rehearsal in rural Maryland marked TWC’s second full in-person rehearsal in over 17 months. TWC is back.

Whether it be through the uplifting ‘Hold Everybody Up’ by Melanie DeMore or Mozart’s famed Requiem, our community of singers is once again united in song.

While we reacquaint with old friends and colleagues, we also welcome new faces to TWC. After many months of virtual collaborating, we were delighted to welcome Dr. Eugene Rogers, TWC Artistic Director, along with 41 new singers to their first in-person rehearsals with the chorus.

“To finally join our voices together in person has been such a joy and gift that almost escapes description. Already I am so moved by the level of talent and dedication of The Washington Chorus in these first few rehearsals. I’m also buoyed by the sense of connection and community that TWC fosters, and the curiosity our singers have in learning more about the histories, stories, and contexts of the musical works we sing. Every person, every piece of music, and every movement has a story, and what a joy it is to discover and share these stories together” Dr. Rogers commented.

From TWC singer Amelia “Mimi” Smith:

“I’m coming from a year and a half of not singing at all because of COVID… and so I remember the first TWC rehearsal when I showed up, it was just incredible to see a vibrant and energetic community of musicians. And I really felt the energy in the room, the energy of everyone being back together and ready to sing. And I felt the emotion of that day, with it being Eugene’s first rehearsal. I immediately felt welcomed, I felt like I belonged, and it was a really great feeling right from the first rehearsal, and I continue to feel that. I’m so excited to continue growing as a singer with TWC. I’ve come from some really good choirs, but being with a group of this caliber is really cool.”

We are inspired by the artistry, thoughtfulness and resiliency of the entire TWC community. While we embark on a historic season of collaborations across the DC metro area, we cannot wait to lift up, center, and share brilliant creative expressions that connect, challenge, heal, and strengthen.

“What a gift to have the singers of The Washington Chorus with us again live and in person, and an absolute joy to hear TWC’s powerful sound come alive under Eugene Rogers’ dynamic direction. The sense of discovery and joy in these rehearsals is unmissable, and it makes me even more excited for our ‘Candlelight Christmas’ concerts this December, our January Beethoven’s 9th performances with the National Symphony Orchestra, and all that’s ahead together. The welcoming healthy and safe experience of our singers, staff, and audience is always at the forefront of every decision we make, and I’m proud of our 100% vaccination rate, of the care of our singing community with masking and spacing, and of the warm and inclusive welcome we’re bringing to our nearly 40 new TWC singers,” says TWC Executive Director Stephen Beaudoin.

For more information on upcoming TWC concerts and events, click HERE.

For more information on TWC health and safety protocols, click HERE.

#TogetherWeSing