Chorus
The Akron Symphony Choral Society, as it was first known, began rehearsals in the fall
of 1956. Their first performance was the Brahms German Requiem on April 17 1957
under the direction of Robert Shaw. In the years to follow, the renamed Akron Symphony
Chorus has sung much of the major choral repertoire of the last six centuries as well
as several regional first performances and world premieres. Highlights have included
Honegger’s Joan of Arc at the Stake featuring world famous actress and dancer Vera Zorina,
and in recent years, the Mozart Coronation Mass with guest conductor Jeannette Sorrell,
Handel’s Messiah directed by James Mismas, and an all Brahms program conducted by
Grammy and Emmy award-winning guest conductor Vance George, retired choral director
of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. In 2007, the chorus performed Verdi’s La Traviata,
conducted by Christopher Wilkins.
At 130 members strong, the Chorus is dedicated to achieving the highest level of choral
singing. The volunteer singers represent all walks of life from our Akron community
and surrounding areas. The Chorus is an indispensable part of the Akron Symphony
Orchestra, and along with the Orchestra and the Akron Youth Symphony, functions under
the auspices of GAMA- the Greater Akron Musical Association.
The Akron Symphony Chorus’ current season includes Fauré’s Requiem, Holiday Pops,
Haydn’s The Creation and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, which will mark the Akron Symphony
Orchestra’s debut in Cleveland’s Severance Hall, under the direction of renowned Mahler
interpreter and Director of the Boston Philharmonic, Benjamin Zander.
