The mission of the New York City Master Chorale is to make a significant statement for choral excellence.

The Chorale, which consists of trained musicians from the greater New York City area, seeks to broaden public interest in fine choral music by performing a full range of musical styles at the highest level of quality. The New York City Master Chorale also educates the public through a regular program of outreach concerts and workshops for groups that might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about and experience choral music.

Founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Thea Kano, the 60-voice Chorale presented its Inaugural Concert on March 25, 2006 at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center. 2011 - 2012 marks the Chorale's sixth full-length season.

The New York City Master Chorale has performed at a variety of venues, including: Riverside Church, Church of St. Paul the Apostle, Symphony Space, New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, as well as Carnegie Hall. The Chorale had its European debut on April 29, 2011 at Église Saint-Sulpice, Paris, France. Recent repertoire includes: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, Mozart: Requiem, Rachmaninoff: Vespers, Fauré: Requiem, Poulenc: Gloria, Duruflé: Requiem and Messe cum Jubilo, Morten Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, and Paul Leavitt: Requiem (New York and European premieres), along with choral works by Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, Randall Thompson, and spirituals by Moses Hogan.

What others are saying:

"O Magnum Mysterium by Lauridsen (b. 1943) opened the second half, sung a capella by the New York City Master Chorale under the very dynamic Thea Kano. The singers brought out the composer's subtle dissonances with sensitivity and precision." - New York Concert Review, May 25, 2009
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"…Nicholas Flagello’s lifetime of music composition was recalled as the elegant New York City Master Chorale presented Flagello’s work The Passion of Martin Luther King…The Chorale lent an air of simple but poignant elegance to the performance…" - Soundview News, April 4, 2008

"[Artistic Director] Thea Kano is an exceptionally talented young conductor…She has recruited a talented group of volunteer singers that she continues to mold into an excellent performing group." – Abe Laboriel

What audience members are saying:

"I have to tell you what I observed [at the concert]. People were actually pushed back in their seats when the chorus went full volume in the [Leavitt Requiem]. I have never EVER seen ANYTHING like it...There were times during the concert when [the conductor's] body looked so tense and tight - if you took out a gun and shot her, it would ricochet right back at you. I could follow her, and I was behind her. The chorus conveyed exactly what I thought the conductor was asking for. She was so expressive with her interpretation. I was wowed. I felt every nuance, every breath, she kept the orchestra, chorus, and soloists together as one entity. I was SO impressed."

"The concert was perfect! Beautifully executed and programmed, gorgeous sounds, with an incredible balance between orchestra and chorus. My wife and I were moved to tears several times."

"This was singing at a whole new level for me."

"I couldn't stop watching the conductors' hands. She was so elegant."

"The choir's dynamics lifted me out of my seat. I wanted to stand up several times, I had to hold myself back from applauding until the end."

What the singers are saying:

"I have been enjoying the rehearsals so much, and especially the wonderful music, in all its complexity, idiosyncrasy and beauty."

"I cannot tell you how rewarding, informative and fun working with this group is for me!"

"I am so delighted to be a part of the Chorale and to be surrounded by really fantastic people...What a special gift it is that I gave myself when I decided to audition."