Mission

Our Values

  • We find and share the joy in music.
  • We perform works in original orchestration, language and intent.
  • We strive for musical excellence.
  • We support our local music community.
  • We employ professional orchestral musicians and vocal soloists.
  • We perform in Dedham and Boston.
  • We engage in community outreach.
  • We seek challenge in our music and growth in our musicianship.
  • We strive for professionalism in all we do.
  • We are an organization with dedicated members.
  • We promote friendship and mutual encouragement among our membership.

Our Mission

Dedham Choral Society presents outstanding performances of significant choral works to inspire and excite our audience and our singers.

Our Vision

Dedham Choral Society aspires to be the region’s preeminent chorus, widely recognized for excellent musicianship, innovative and inspirational repertoire, and the enthusiasm and energy of its members.

History

Dedham Choral Society is a non-professional adult community chorus organized in 1955 by a group of interested and enthusiastic Dedham townspeople.

The first ever rehearsal for the newly-formed chorus was on Wednesday, October 5, 1955 at 8:00 PM at the Dedham Community House. Under the leadership of Nicholas Van Slyck and accompanist Helena Baldwin, the chorus prepared for the choir’s first concert on December 14, 1955 at the Unitarian Church in Dedham.

St. Mary's Church rehearsal

Mr. Van Slyck led the chorus until 1960, passing the baton to John Bavicchi for a one and a half year stint, assisted by accompanist Alice Procter. In 1962, Richard J. Griffin took over as conductor and led the chorus until 1967 with Alice Procter still at the piano.

In the Fall of 1967, Brian E. Jones began his tenure of 26 years at the helm, joined by accompanists: Alice Procter, Barbara Roth and later, Joseph Muise, Jr. During his tenure, the chorus grew from 25 to 130 members.

Repertoire was expanded to include the Requiems of Mozart, Brahms, Verdi, Faure, and Durufle, as well as Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius and the Horatio Parker Hora Novissima.

Dedham Choral at NEC

In 1994, the chorus observed the retirement of Brian Jones and warmly welcomed our current Director, Jonathan Barnhart, along with our Assistant Director, Darryl Hollister. Under their leadership, DCS has further expanded its repertoire to include a wide variety of choral styles drawn from around the world, performed in world-renowned international venues, and strived to attain new heights of musicianship.