Singer

When the smoke clears, only truth is left standing.

Set in Richmond, VA, Intelligence is inspired by a gripping true story of espionage, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom. With the Civil War blazing, Elizabeth Van Lew, a socialite from a prominent Confederate family, is running a secret pro-Union spy network that feeds intelligence to the North. Working alongside her, Mary Jane Bowser, an enslaved woman who becomes a spy, infiltrates the heart of the Confederacy. With dramatic storytelling, a pulse-pounding score, and electrifying movement, Intelligence reveals how two brave women came together, risking everything for freedom.

EPSG:4326

Intelligence

George Mason University

Dominion Energy Center

Harrison Opera House

This performance of Messiah: Part 1 and the triumphant Hallelujah chorus will transport audiences with its grandeur and spirit. The program begins with William Boyce’s Ode to the New Year 1758, a lively and celebratory work, followed by composer and lost local legend Julia Perry’s Ye Who Seek the Truth. Hadyn’s charming and impressive Trumpet Concerto closes the first half. Finally, the Akron Symphony Chorus joins the ASO to deliver the true might of orchestral power necessary for Handel’s Messiah—a piece widely recognized and beloved by audiences. A full stage of choral and orchestral energy awaits audiences this November.

Handel’s Messiah

The University of Akron

Everyone has heard of Rosa Parks, but she wasn’t the first to refuse to move. She Who Dared recenters the spotlight on the courageous women who helped desegregate the Montgomery bus system in the 1950s. These Civil Rights pioneers pay homage to the quiet struggle for justice that has often gone unknown – further amplifying the effects of the historic case of Browder V Gayle. While often riotous and sometimes hilarious, these women demonstrate how everyday people have the power to challenge the systems around them and affect tangible change – if only they dare. 

She Who Dared

Fine Arts Building Chicago

On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.

An American Soldier

Perelman Performing Arts Center

Join us as we  honor celebrated composer Adolphus Hailstork, trustee and chorus member Michael Roos, and chorus member Dee Kittany who celebrates her 50th season with The New York Choral Society.

2024 Spring Gala

Metropolitan Club

The New York Choral Society presents A Knee on the Neck, a concert that pairs two cantatas that bring our attention to the devastating pain of injustice and conflict in a program that call us to come together with a collective resolve for justice, freedom, and peace.  Featuring the New York premiere of Adolphus Hailstork’s new requiem cantata A Knee on the Neck.

A Knee on the Neck

Lincoln Center

Our 20th Anniversary Season kicks off with Maestro Botstein leading The Orchestra Now and Bard Festival Chorale in a performance of Missa solemnis—one of only three sacred works written by Beethoven and a favorite piece of the late Richard B. Fisher, an inimitable champion of the arts and our namesake.

Mezzo-soprano

Cierra Byrd

Events

Past events

Jan 30 - Feb 15, 2026

Intelligence · Virginia Opera

Nov 15, 2025

Handel’s Messiah · Akron Symphony Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Lucinda in Intelligence by Heggie

Virginia Opera

Singer in Messiah by Handel

Akron Symphony Orchestra

About

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