Our Story
History
The Georgetown Chorale was founded in 1989 by Dr. Elaine Rendler, who envisioned for her fledging community chorus a two-fold mission of cultivating musical excellence among its members and raising funds for local charitable organizations. What started as an extension course through the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University soon grew into an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization and eventually into a vibrant and diverse arts organization. Dr. Rendler stepped down from the podium after 24 years of spirited leadership, but her legacy of community service through music lives on in the Chorale today. From 2013 through the end of the 2022 season, the Chorale flourished under the leadership of Dr. Richard Giarusso.
Artistic Leadership
The Chorale welcomed Heather Adelsberger as its Assistant Director and Accompanist in 2021. In July of 2022, Ms. Adelsberger was appointed Music Director. Dr. Elizabeth Hill joined the group at the same time as Accompanist.
In 2024, the Chorale formed the Georgetown Chamber Players, an ensemble formed from the orchestra that performed Elijah in May of 2023 to great acclaim. The Co-Artistic Directors of this ensemble are Agata Miklavc and Jason Solounias. They will be featured in a series of concerts this spring as well as in the Spring Benefit Concert of May 4, 2024.
People
The Georgetown Chorale, a 100-voice SATB chorus of singers from across the D.C. metro area, is an all-volunteer ensemble comprising singers of widely ranging age, experience and background. The Chorale embraces the challenge of performing classical choral music of the highest caliber to achieve a shared experience that nourishes the mind and spirit. Committed to bringing out the best in every singer and doing its small part in making the world a better place, the Chorale is a diverse and inclusive community that encourages new members to contribute their unique strengths.
Repertoire and Concerts
The Chorale performs two concerts each season – a Seasonal Concert in December, and a Spring Benefit Concert – in December 2023 in the beautiful sanctuary of the Church of the Epiphany in downtown Washington, D.C. and in May 2024 in the National United Methodist Church in Tenleytown.
Community Service
To fulfill its mission of community service, the Chorale performs a benefit concert in the spring to raise funds for a local charitable organization. At the start of each season, the Chorale’s Board of Directors selects a beneficiary from local charities nominated by its singers. Past donations have supported homeless adults and families, wounded veterans, children in foster care, and cultural and educational opportunities for young people, including at-risk youth. The Chorale is proud to have donated more than $300,000 to numerous different local charities since its founding in 1989.