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New South Festival Singers present their annual "Bon Voyage" concert en route to the Piccolo Spoleto Music Festival.
New South Festival Singers present their much anticipated annual concert at the Piccolo Spoleto Music Festival at the Circular Church in Charleston South Carolina. Expect to hear the BEST of their 41st season, on the theme of peace, love, radiance, sorrow and eternity. This is a FREE concert, but donations will be graciously accepted.
Come to support the Choral Foundation's summer community handbell ensemble & learn about bells at the conclusion of their season!
Amy Chinnery Valmassei, Music Director, and Robbert Abbott, Associate Music Director lead handbell ringers of all experience levels in a fun, workshop style environment over the summer with a conclusion of a concert performance, an instrument Zoo, and a reception for the audience. It is a win-win way to spend an evening in Lee's Summit.
The all-new GWINNETT SUMMER SINGERS under the direction of Matthew Edwards, Music Director and Conductor presents a festive celebration of the 250th birthday of our nation, with Randall Thompson’s THE TESTAMENT OF FREEDOM, on words of Thomas Jefferson. Other music on the program will include patriotic favorites and selections by American composers.
An all-gospel concert celebration featuring Robert Ray's GOSPEL MASS. The performance, led by director & conductor Dr. William Baker, will also include other selections from the Gospel tradition.
The 12th season of the Summer Singers of Lee's Summit will be unique, inspirational and powerful! Alongside the Gospel Mass the program will also include a wide variety of rousing selctions from the gospel music traditions of the past half-century. Inspiring gospel slections by Andre Crouch, Byron Smith, and Grace Dorsey Landy!
In their second annual concert season, the Northland Summer Singers under the direction of Daniel Baker perform Schubert’s Mass Number 2 in G Major and other works of Franz Schubert.
KING DAVID is a highly dramatic work, performed with choir, chamber winds, percussion, piano, organ, a narrator & distinguished soloists.
The choir of 100 members will be led by THOMAS DIXON, DMA, Music Director & Conductor** in their 36th season of singing! A rarely performed masterwork, KING DAVID by French composer Arthur Honegger, 1892-1955. Sung in English, the work is highly dramatic and features a narrator, soprano, alto, and tenor soloists, as well as movements for mixed, treble, and tenor-bass choirs. The famous final chorus, "And God Said One Day Shall Dawn" brings some of the most majestic music of the early 20th century!
A celebration of Franz Joseph Haydn with chorus, soloists and orchestra performing the LORD NELSON MASS, TE DEUM in C & Symphony #88.
The choir of 175 members will be led by** WILLIAM O. BAKER, DMA, Music Director & Conductor** in their 27th season of singing! They will be joined by distinguished soloists from the Kansas City region and members from the Kansas City Symphony. It is a concert not to be missed!
The 2026 Cobb Summer Singers presents a celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, I HEAR AMERICA SINGING.
This diverse program led by director and conductor, James Cordell, will include patriotic selections such as God Bless America, and My Country ‘Tis of Thee, beloved works by American composers, spirituals in settings by great American arrangers Moses Hogan, Dan Forrest, and William Dawson, and stirring gospel selections like Total Praise.
Vox Venti concludes their fourth concert season under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director, Ed Frazier Davis with Quintessence, a brand new, large-scale work for choir, string orchestra, and English horn, with both music and text written by Artistic Director, Ed Frazier Davis. Quintessence is a meditation on grief, physical death, and the nature of the soul. Also featuring works by Andrew Balfour and Caroline Shaw, plus the winners of our annual composition contest.
The award-winning William Baker Festival Singers culminate their 28th concert season in Kansas City with favorites from the 2025-2026 concert season. The Lawrence Civic Choir, under the direction of Steve Eubank, joins us for the celebration. The concert will feature classical works, modern works by Composer in Residence Sean Sweeden, and the Festival Singers' signature spirituals and gospels. Join us for a festive Wine and Cookie Reception following the concert, presented by the Choral Foundation Board of Trustees.
A NEW PARTNERSHIP ACROSS THE PRAIRIE The WILLIAM BAKER FESTIVAL SINGERS and THE LAWRENCE CIVIC CHOIR will exchange concerts over the same weekend: the Festival Singers will appear as guests of the Lawrence Civic Choir in Topeka First United Methodist Church on May 2, and the Lawrence ensemble will return the favor at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in KCMO on May 3.
The event on May 2nd will be FREE with donations gratefully accepted.
At the end of the concert after both ensembles have performed solo, the choirs will unite for three final works. Steven Eubank, Artistic Director of the Lawrence Civic Choir, will conduct two of them, including William Mathias’s jubilant Let All the People Praise Thee, famously performed at the wedding of Charles and Diana.
They will also present Every Heart in Harmony, written by Kansas City composer and organist Dr. Geoffrey Wilcken in honor of the Lawrence Civic Choir’s 50th anniversary.
The finale will be Robert Ray’s gospel classic He Never Failed Me Yet, conducted by Baker—a piece the Festival Singers have recorded “four or five times” and one that never fails to ignite an audience.
The William Baker Festival Singers joins with The Festival Brass and Organist Jacob Hofeling in the 14th annual Kenneth Babcock Memorial Masterworks Concert. Dr. William O. Baker conducts the newly commissioned "My Shepherd," by Composer in Residence Dr. Sean Sweeden, along with Kodaly's "Laudes Organi," William Mathias' "Let the People Praise Thee," Dirksen's "Christ Our Passover," Glenn Rudolph's "The Dream Isaiah Saw," and John Rutter's "Gloria." The concert will be followed by a Wine & Cookie Reception provided by the Board of Trustees of the Choral Foundation.
Our annual Andrew Cain Memorial Masterworks Concert will shed light on the brilliance of three interconnected masters of the Baroque and Classical eras. Join The New South Festival Singers for Music From the Michaelerplatz, a program inspired by Vienna’s rich musical heritage. Featuring choral-orchestral works by Nicola Porpora, Franz Joseph Haydn, and Marianna Martines, the concert explores music that embodies the Classical ideals of musical clarity, expressive text setting, and grace-filled melodies. Together, these composers’ works offer a window into a vibrant artistic circle that shaped an era and continues to inspire audiences today.
Kansas City Bronze, one of the region's elite handbell ensembles, will perform Joy and Remembrance to culminate its seventh concert season. Music Director** Dr. William O. Baker** leads the six octave ensemble ringing 132 handbells and concert chimes.
Kansas City Bronze, one of the region's elite handbell ensembles, will perform Joy and Remembrance to culminate its seventh concert season. Music Director** Dr. William O. Baker** leads the six octave ensemble ringing 132 handbells and concert chimes.
Kansas City Bronze, an elite six-octave ensemble ringing 132 handbells and concert chimes, performs a concert of heart-warming classics and new works perfect for the waning days of winter. Join us for an hour of memorable and inspiring music.
Vox Venti with Guest Director Victoria Marshall presents a choral meditation on four interconnected themes, light, resilience, dreaming, and wakefulness. Featuring works by Juhi Bansal, Eleanor Daley, Eriks Ešenvalds, Anna Lapwood, Morten Lauridsen, Shara Nova, Karin Rehnqvist, Caroline Shaw, and Eric Whitacre, plus a brand new commission by Mariana Romero Serra.
Since his appointment as Composer in Residence in 2020, the music of Dr. Sean Sweeden had delighted Festival Singers audiences throughout the nation in concerts, recordings, broadcasts and tours. The William Baker Festival Singers is proud to devote an entire weekend of concerts celebrating the music of Sean Sweeden.
The William Baker Festival Singers, a 50-voice semi-professional chorale, celebrates the Music of Sean Sweeden, who is their fourth Composer-in-Residence. Sean has held this title for the Choral Foundation for 6 years and during that time has composed numerous new works for the Festival Singers and other Choral Foundation ensembles. The concert at Bella Vista will feature selections from the tour, including five being performed publicly for the very first time.
This varied tour program will include SUNWARD, a setting of the beloved poem “High Flight” by John Gillespie McGee, Jr., ALWAY SOMETHING SINGS composed on a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a new gospel selection, WE ARE HELD, and even settings of popular selections OVER THE RAINBOW, and PURE IMAGINATION. The program also includes settings of beloved sacred texts, including IN THE BEGINNING, MY SHEPHERD, and THERE IS NO ROSE.
Dr. Sweeden, a professional percussionist as well as singer and composer, utilizes exciting rhythmic elements in his music. 40+ percussion instruments will be a part of the concert; including, marimba, hand chimes, tuned water glasses + clay pots, wind chimes, triangles, and much more!
The New South Festival Singers present Tribute to the Black American Composer, honoring the rich legacy and lasting impact of Black voices in the American choral tradition. The program spans sacred and secular works, gospel and spirituals, and vibrant 21st-century compositions.
We are thrilled to welcome Atlanta composer and conductor B.E. Boykin with her acclaimed youth choir Kanjani!
Since his appointment as Composer in Residence in 2020, the music of Dr. Sean Sweeden had delighted Festival Singers audiences throughout the nation in concerts, recordings, broadcasts and tours. The William Baker Festival Singers is proud to devote an entire weekend of concerts celebrating the music of Sean Sweeden.
The William Baker Festival Singers, a 50-voice semi-professional chorale, celebrates the Music of Sean Sweeden, who is their fourth Composer-in-Residence. Sean has held this title for the Choral Foundation for 6 years and during that time has composed numerous new works for the Festival Singers and other Choral Foundation ensembles. The concert tour will feature 14 selections, including five being performed publicly for the very first time.
This varied program will include SUNWARD, a setting of the beloved poem “High Flight” by John Gillespie McGee, Jr., ALWAY SOMETHING SINGS composed on a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a new gospel selection, WE ARE HELD, and even settings of popular selections OVER THE RAINBOW, and PURE IMAGINATION. The program also includes settings of beloved sacred texts, including IN THE BEGINNING, MY SHEPHERD, and THERE IS NO ROSE.
Dr. Sweeden, a professional percussionist as well as singer and composer, utilizes exciting rhythmic elements in his music. 40+ percussion instruments will be a part of the concert; including, marimba, hand chimes, tuned water glasses + clay pots, wind chimes, triangles, and much more!
Since his appointment as Composer in Residence in 2020, the music of Dr. Sean Sweeden had delighted Festival Singers audiences throughout the nation in concerts, recordings, broadcasts and tours. The William Baker Festival Singers is proud to devote an entire weekend of concerts celebrating the music of Sean Sweeden.
The William Baker Festival Singers, a 50-voice semi-professional chorale, celebrates the Music of Sean Sweeden, who is celebrating their fourth Composer-in-Residence. Sean has held this title for the Choral Foundation for 6 years and during that time has composed numerous new works for the Festival Singers and other Choral Foundation ensembles. The concert on February 20 will feature 14 selections, including five being performed publicly for the very first time.
This varied program will include SUNWARD, a setting of the beloved poem “High Flight” by John Gillespie McGee, Jr., ALWAY SOMETHING SINGS composed on a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, a new gospel selection, WE ARE HELD, and even settings of popular selections OVER THE RAINBOW, and PURE IMAGINATION. The program also includes settings of beloved sacred texts, including IN THE BEGINNING, MY SHEPHERD, and THERE IS NO ROSE.
Dr. Sweeden, a professional percussionist as well as singer and composer, utilizes exciting rhythmic elements in his music. 40+ percussion instruments will be a part of the concert; including, marimba, hand chimes, tuned water glasses + clay pots, wind chimes, triangles, and much more!
Since 1998 the award-winning William Baker Festival Singers & Friends have presented a concert of exquisite beauty and wonder, Candlelight, Carols & Cathedral in the nave of Kansas City, Missouri's majestic cathedrals. The concert includes beloved carols for the audience to sing, the telling of the Christmas story in traditional scripture, and beautiful choral music from the voices of Kansas City's beloved a cappella choir. Early arrival recommended for best seats.
Since 1998 the award-winning William Baker Festival Singers & Friends have presented a concert of exquisite beauty and wonder, Candlelight, Carols & Cathedral in the nave of Kansas City, Missouri's majestic cathedrals. The concert includes beloved carols for the audience to sing, the telling of the Christmas story in traditional scripture, and beautiful choral music from the voices of Kansas City's beloved a cappella choir. Early arrival recommended for best seats.
Welcome the holiday season with The New South Festival Singers at our beloved Candlelight and Carols concert. Experience timeless a cappella gems alongside fresh arrangements of treasured holiday favorites. Brilliant brass and organ will ring in the joy of Christmastide, with music by Gerald Finzi, Malcolm Sargent, Phillip Stopford, Rosephanye Powell, and more.
We’re delighted to share the stage with The Spivey Hall Children’s Choir for an unforgettable evening of reflection, joy, and candlelight.
Vox Venti with Guest Director Tim Lambert presents a moving and exciting program full of winter soundscapes and radiant sacred music. Featuring works by Nathaniel Dett, Jonathan Dove, Gabriel Jackson, David Lang, Morten Lauridsen, James MacMillan, Arvo Pärt, Michael John Trotta, and Julia Wolfe, plus two world premieres by Chicagoans Graham Meyer and Heidi Joosten.
Kansas City Bronze, ringing 132 handbells and concert chimes, celebrates the season of Christmas with beloved carols and inspiring classics. The six-octave ensemble is joined by Organist Alisa Carmichael for a worshipful hour of beauty and wonder in one of Kansas City's most spectacular sacred spaces.
The William Baker Festival Singers has performed a Thanksgiving Concert for Human Need each year since 1998 on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised for human need services over the years. This year the annual concert will benefit Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (www.CatholicCharitiesks.org). Admission is free and 100% of donated funds will benefit Catholic Charities. The one-hour concert features favorite classics and spirituals by Kansas City's award-winning a cappella choir. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Kansas City Bronze, called "one of Kansas City's elite handbell ensembles..." by The Independent opens their 7th concert season in grand style with the program titled, Elysium in Bronze. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of Elysium is: a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight: paradise.
The six-octave ensemble will ring 132 handbells and concert chimes in classic works by Matthew Compton, Susan Nelson, Arnold Sherman and Kevin McChesney. Join us for an hour of inspiring hymns and classics.
It promises to be a blissful evening of inspirational handbell music that is sure to delight the senses. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
The 50-voice William Baker Festival Singers, second place winners of the American Prize for Choral Performance and the Ernst Bacon Award for Service to American Music, opens their thrilling 28th concert season at the historic St. Mary's Church in Kansas City, MO. Our theme is "Vision of Peace" inspired by Jean Berger's classic work on that title from the Book of Isaiah. The 90-minute program includes works by ancient and modern composers exploring themes of peace between God and Man and between nations and peoples, along with comfort and peace within the human spirit. A Wine & Cookie Reception will follow the Concert presented by the Board of Trustees of the Choral Foundation.
Join the New South Festival Singers as we open our 41st season with 'most this amazing day', a powerful program centered on peace, gratitutde, and spiritual reflection. Our first concert draws on the rich legacy of American Shaker songs, paired with choral works spanning from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Kevin Siegfried’s Shaker Songs serve as musical guideposts, shaping a narrative that moves through themes of peace, love, radiance, sorrow, and eternity. Unified by the enduring clarity of the Shaker tradition, this concert invites listeners into a space of quiet joy and deep connection. Come be moved. Come sing in spirit with us.
Please note that FREE parking is available at the Department of Public Safety Garage (180 Shirley Franklin Blvd).
The William Baker Festival Singers preview their exciting 28th concert season for our supportive friends at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, Kansas. The one-hour program features classical works by Hildegard von Bingen, Jean Berger, Gregorio Allegri, Anton Bruckner, and Felix Mendelssohn; modern works by Samuel Barber, Jean Berger, and composer in Residence Sean Sweeden.
Vox Venti and Guest Director Kirsten Hedegaard present their season opener, "Cosmos." The concert focuses on outer space, “the spheres,” and all it represents in literal and metaphysical senses, featuring works by Stephen Barton, Melissa Dunphy, Eriks Ešenvalds, Joanne Metcalf, Karin Rehnqvist, Kevin Siegfried, Kile Smith, and Timothy Takach, plus the world premiere of Gabriel Jackson’s Sweet Melody Amidst the Moving Spheres.
The award-winning William Baker Festival Singers has been Chorus in Residence at the magnificent 19th century St. Mary's Episcopal Church in downtown Kansas City. The choir sings Evening twice yearly, on the last Sundaysof September and January. Choral selections include Vaughan Williams' "Village Evensong," Rene Clausen's "Ubi caritas," Barber's "Agnus Dei," and lesser know Sacred Harp settings of Alice Parker. The Evensong is a service of Christian worship. All are invited.
The 26th Summer Singers of Kansas City & Symphony Orchestra Celebrate Ludwig van Beethoven with performances of the SYMPHONY NO. 6 in F MINOR; MASS IN C; and HALLELUJAH from "Christ on the Mount of Olives." Music Director Dr. William O. Baker conducts the 150-voice chorus and orchestra. Early arrival recommended for best seats.
Under the baton of Music Director Amy Chinnery-Valmassei, the second Summer Ringers Academy introduces the community to the joys of handbell ringing. Join us for a delightful hour of music followed by a close up look at handbells through our instrument petting zoo
Music Director Amy Chinnery-Valmassei
The William Baker Choral Foundation's newest ensemble, The Northland Summer Singers will join with chamber orchestra for its inaugural concert, Music Director & Conductor Daniel Baker leads the soloists, chorus and orchestra in Antonio Vivaldi's immortal GLORIA along with the composer's lesser-known, but delightful BEATUS VIR. The program also includes Vivaldi's contemporary, Giovanni Battista Martini's DOMINE AD ADJUVANDUM ME FESTINA.
The 125-voice Summer Singers of Atlanta is Atlanta's original summer choir, and will celebrate its 35th annual summer season in 2025. New Music Director Thomas Dixon will lead the chorus in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's CORONATION MASS and Michael John Trotta's FOR A BREATH OF ECSTACY. The chorus and orchestra will be joined by distinguished soloists Morgan Watts, soprano; Heather Witt, alto; Cory Klose, tenor; and Antonio Azpiri, bass. Early arrival recommended for best seats.
New Music Director, Thomas Dixon
The Summer Singers of Lee's Summit & Chamber Orchestra, with distinguished soloists Melissa Overton, soprano; Jennifer Lahasky, alto; Sean Sweeden, tenor; and Michael Hon, bass, performs Mozart & His American Contemporaries. Dr. William O. Baker, founder of the Summer Singers returns as Music Director to lead the MISSA BREVIS IN D of Mozart, along with Colonial American works by William Billings, Daniel Read, Justin Morgan and Jeremiah Ingalls. Newly appointed Associate Music Director Niccole Williams will conduct the chorus and orchestra in music of the American Moravians. A Wine Reception presented by the Friends of St. Paul's Music will follow the performance.
