Choral Society of Durham

The Choral Society of Durham has a longstanding reputation for excellence in performing great choral works with professional orchestras and widely-known soloists.

Our adventurous repertoire, ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century, has attracted enthusiastic audiences. Under the leadership of Dr. Rodney Wynkoop, the Choral Society has performed such works as the Requiems of Mozart, Verdi, Dvořák, Fauré and Berlioz, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and Mass in B Minor, Handel’s oratorios, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and Missa Solemnis, Verdi’s Four Sacred Pieces, Mahler’s Second Symphony,  Janáček’s  Glagolitic Mass, Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, Britten’s War Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Honegger’s Christmas Cantata, Hindemith’s When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom’d, Philip Glass’s Itaipú, and opera choruses. Beyond the classical canon, we also present jazz and gospel music; we perform in nursing homes and assisted living facilities as well as at area events; and we host the annual Durham Community Sing. The annual concert series includes a Holiday Concert in Duke Chapel, featuring classical works for the season and arrangements of carols.

Founded in 1949, the 150-voice Choral Society includes members from all walks of life, selected by audition from throughout the Triangle area. Auditions for new members are held throughout the year. The Choral Society’s select Chamber Choir also presents concerts and makes invited appearances in the community.