In 1991, a group of choral singers got together under the direction of noted composer, conductor, and bass-baritone Thomas Beveridge, to form the New Dominion Chorale. Now one of the largest choral groups in the area, NDC boasts 120+ members and is widely regarded as one of the jewels of Washington's brilliant choral scene.

     Writing in the Washington Post about an NDC performance of the Messiah, critic Joseph McClellan used words like "opulent, precise, and powerful," noting that the sound was "smoothly balanced and integrated, with each section bringing a justly proportioned weight and color to the total effect." 

     NDC is unique in many ways, starting with the fact that it's a singers' cooperative. With no office and no paid staff, it's run by a board of directors consisting solely of current members. The singers sell the tickets, oversee the finances, write grant proposals, operate the website, and perform the myriad tasks that keep an organization as large as this running smoothly.

     "We're thriving because we don't have paid staff," said former NDC President Joseph Condo. "All the money goes for production - for paying our soloists, our orchestra, and our artistic director. Members scour the area for grants, and individual singers contribute money as well. One year a member sold a piece of property and had an unexpected windfall, and she donated a substantial sum to the chorale."

     Given the stature of the chorale, many people are surprised to learn of its no-audition policy; anyone can sing with the chorus. Even so, critics have praised the ensemble for its vocal balance and the polish of its performances. In part, the high level of musicianship comes from an unspoken compact among members: "Learn your notes. And if you don't read music that well, practice at home until you know the piece cold."

    Members also take their responsibility to the community seriously. That's why we volunteer our time to sing in area retirement and nursing residences and at community events.

     With NDC still going strong after 35 years, Maestro Beveridge recently announced his retirement from the podium.  Now serving as Artistic Director Emeritus, he will be mentoring our new Artistic Director, Dr. Casey Cook, as he leads New Dominion Chorale into our next chapter. Casey is bringing fresh energy and creativity to NDC, including a new focus on living composers and the masterworks of the future, along with the classical favorites. 

     "Everything starts with the music," says NDC President Rosemarie Hunziker. "New Dominion Chorale is about making music accessible to everyone. First and foremost, it's for people who love to sing, but who, for the most part, have day jobs. The music is also accessible to a wide variety of audiences. And our ticket prices are low enough so that everybody can come -- from those who already love choral works to those who will love them once they're exposed. It's a joy to belong!"