About Choral Arts New England

Choral Arts New England was formed in 1980 as a memorial to Alfred Nash “Bud” Patterson, the founder of Boston'sChorus pro Musica and the Master Singers of Worcester and leader, at various times, of the Cape Cod Chorale, the Worcester County Music Association, the Worcester Festival Chorus, and the Brandeis University Chorus. Bud Patterson loved the choral arts and all those who practiced them. In his teaching at Tanglewood and Brandeis and through his personal example, he inspired a whole generation of singers and choral directors throughout New England. He was a cultural leader, articulating ambitious goals for choral music performance, chorus development, and choral music composition. He was a mentor and model for singers, conductors and composers. Upon his death in 1979, many spontaneous gifts were received in his memory; from those seeds, the present organization has grown.

Today, Choral Arts New England conducts the following activities to support choral singing. Further information can be found by following the indicated links.

1. Alfred Nash Patterson Foundation grants are given annually for outstanding projects that further the choral arts.The grants support adventurous programming and broaden repertory by encouraging performance of new compositions and long-neglected works, support music education and the training of young choral singers, encourage festivals and other cooperative choral projects, and otherwise enrich the quality of choral singing in all six New England states. Grants are carefully evaluated, including a review of applying choruses by a committee of distinguished artistic advisors. Grant application schedule: Applications are due by the end of February for projects that will begin on or after the following July. Decisions are made and applicants notified by the beginning of May, whether or not the application is granted.
2. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually by Choral Arts New England to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to choral singing and its culture within New England.
3. Awards and grants are presented at the annual fall awards ceremony, which is usually held in mid or late October. The ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to meet representatives of various choruses, choral directors, composers, members of the Choral Arts board of directors, and other supporters of our cause.
4. An online newsletter continually publishes information of interest to New England choral singers, and accepts submissions of items of interest. It is supplemented by a biannual print newsletter, sent to our mailing list.
5. An online choral calendar that aims to list all major choral events in New England (it can be customized to show only local events). Anyone can submit calendar events.
6. A directory of choruses of New England, listing all choral societies throughout the region. Anyone can submit a new directory listing for consideration.

Choral Arts New England is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, run by a Board of Directors. We welcome yourcomments.