History of the Colorado Springs Chorale

THE COLORADO SPRINGS CHORALE

Our Mission Statement:

To serve the Pikes Peak Region by celebrating the human voice in song

and its power to rejoice, console, educate, enrich, unite, and inspire.

Founded in 1956, the Colorado Springs Chorale is the oldest continuously performing community organization for vocal artists in the state of Colorado. The Chorale contributes to the cultural richness of the Pikes Peak Region through its concerts of the world's great choral masterworks while providing an artistically rewarding singing experience each week for talented singers as the Chorale prepares for its upcoming appearances.

The Chorale is a 120-voice auditioned adult ensemble that functions as the premier symphonic chorus for the Pikes Peak region. Each season, the Chorale performs at its independently-produced concerts, and it also collaborates with ensembles in the region, including the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, the Air Force Academy Band, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, and others.

The heart and soul of the Chorale is its singing membership. The group is comprised of a cadre of dedicated volunteers—from young adults to retirees and from all walks of life—who participate in the Chorale’s work for the sheer love of their art. They are each well-trained in choral singing and musicianship, and give many hours of rehearsal to the perfecting of each concert. The Chorale sings a wide range of classical, contemporary, and international music, including the masterworks of the choral repertoire. With its high caliber of vocal artistry and musicianship, it rivals professional choruses around the world.

50 Years Of Music

The Colorado Springs Chorale celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2006. At that time, E. Marie Gardner, one of the Chorale's "founding mothers" undertook the task of writing the organization's history. It was illustrated with photos and clippings from the 50 years of scrapbooks that have been assembled. Click on the 50th Anniversary logo to the left to peruse an electronic version (it's a large file, so allow time to load), or contact the office at (719) 634-3737 to purchase a soft-bound copy of the book.

E. Marie Gardner in Memoriam

E. Marie Gardner was a Colorado Springs native and a founder of the Chorale. She sang with the Chorale for more than 60 years and continued to serve on the board, playing an instrumental role in the inception of the Monte Carlo Masquerade. Marie passed away in 2022 and remained involved and dedicated to the Chorale throughout her life.