Chattanooga Pulse

One of Chattanooga’s most-respected arts organizations is having a milestone birthday this year. In 1985, Dr. John Hamm created Choral Arts of Chattanooga.

“I knew J. Oscar Miller, the prominent music teacher,” explains Dr. Hamm, “who was bringing world-class singers into the city. I also knew accomplished local singers who wanted to continue singing. My wife, Esther, agreed to manage the organization, and so, on November 17, 1985, we presented our first concert of Bach’s Magnificat and Handel’s Dettingen Te Deum.”

Dr. Hamm recruited from church choirs, “wonderful people who were also wonderful singers,” and grew the organization for 10 years before being succeed by Philip Rice, who directed the organization from 1995-2003.

“At the time I was asked to become artistic director, I was very involved with the CSO,” Rice says. “I brought an orchestral component to the organization.” During his tenure, Choral Arts made several recordings, including A Christmas Portrait, called by music critic Martin Bookspan “one of the best recordings of its type,” and Brubeck in Chattanooga, featuring world premieres by acclaimed jazz artist Dave Brubeck, who specifically selected Choral Arts to record them. Rice remains very proud of these accomplishments. “The dedication of this choir is immense,” he says. “They have the potential to offer the same quality of classical music as any other top-level arts organization in Tennessee.”

In 2004, the group’s 20th season, Dr. William Green was named artistic director to continue the tradition of presenting the finest choral masterpieces and contemporary literature. Asked why he feels the organization has survived and flourished for so long, he responds, “There has been a strong interest in great choral music performed with excellence in the Chattanooga community. I think that Choral Arts provides a place to hear wonderful music with a touch of polish that might not be attainable in church or school performances.  You bring together exceptional musicians with talent and musical sensitivity and the result is amazing, something that our community recognizes.”

Choral Arts has also changed as an organization over the years. “In the last six years, we have refocused our energy in two areas,” Dr. Green notes. “First, developing a well-balanced artistic ensemble and second on collaborating with other artists in the area.  The desire to balance the group has given us the task of carefully selecting not only the best singers, but also voices that work well together.  Collaboration has enriched our audiences in allowing them to experience the music in a brand-new way.”

The 25th anniversary season includes three concerts. “We start off the season with one of my favorite programs to date,” he says. “We are focusing on music that reflects our region, with pieces that speak literally of the area, are written by area composers, or have a tie to the physical landscape of the Chattanooga area.  A unique element will be a photo display that will accompany many of the pieces using the art of local photographers, such as Virginia Webb.

“We’ll close the season in great fashion as well with a full performance of Haydn’s Creation.  This presentation with full orchestra, soloists, and chorus will feature two very special groups, both celebrating 25th anniversaries this year, Choral Arts and The Chattanooga Bach Choir.  This provides an exceptional opportunity to partner in celebration of great choral music.”

For tickets and more information, visit www.choralartsofchattanooga.org or call (423) 877-7050.

Tennessee Soundscapes
A multi-media concert “bringing together the beauty of our local landscape with remarkable music that represents our area.”  Included will be songs about Tennessee, pieces that reflect the nature of the area, and compositions from Tennessee composers.
$15
7:30
October 20
Humanities Theater, Chattanooga State,
4501 Amnicola Highway.

Vision of Christmas Past & Present
A look back at Choral Arts over the last 25 years, focusing on the great music that has been presented in this annual holiday concert.
$15
7:30
December 15
First Centenary United Methodist Church,
419 McCallie Avenue.

Haydn’s Creation
The season finishes with a concert of grand proportion from one of the masters of choral music.
$15
7:30
Brainerd United Methodist Church,
4315 Brainerd Road.