Formed in 1999 through the merger of the former Singers’ Guild of Scranton, Wyoming Valley Oratorio Society, and Wyoming Valley Children’s Chorus, the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania has quickly established itself as a regional force for choral performance and arts education. In 2001 the Society also formally recognized the many contributions being made by members of the former Hazleton Oratorio Society.
Guided by the twin mottos, “Artistry through Opportunity” and “Excellence through Education“, the Society seeks to provide quality performances and choral music education to both singers and listeners of Northeast Pennsylvania; and to promote the choral arts as a vital element of contemporary society across the region. Specifically, the Society endeavors to provide its constituents with:
- Quality instruction and experiences in ensemble singing
- Aesthetic sensitivity to beauty in both music and literature
- Musical Literacy
- Understanding and appreciation of diverse music and its cultural and social bases
- Understanding and appreciation of music as a teacher of cultural and social history
- Understanding and appreciation of choral music as a social art form requiring the contributions and cooperation of diverse peoples
A variety of choral ensembles are sponsored for singers age 5-adult and meet on a weekly basis from September through May. Membership is open to all interested parties with modest tuition. Collectively, our choirs bring to the public 4-6 quality choral concerts per year, as well as regional radio broadcasts, recordings, and collaborations with other regional arts entities. Our children’s and adult ensembles regularly collaborate with the NEPA Philharmonic Orchestra, and the society has also commissioned new works from regionally- and nationally-recognized composers.
The Society employs a professional staff of conductors, accompanists, and instructors who follow a Kodaly-based curriculum in teaching musical literacy to all children’s and youth members.