Atlanta Master Chorale

Atlanta Master Chorale (AMC) is an esteemed choral organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, that has been enriching the lives of its community through choral music for over three decades. Established in 1985 as Gwinnett Festival Singers, the group has expanded its reach beyond its initial suburban origins, drawing singers and audiences from across the metropolitan Atlanta area. The ensemble underwent a significant transformation when Dr. Eric Nelson took the helm as Artistic Director in 2000. Under his leadership and with his vision, the choir was rebranded as Atlanta Sacred Chorale to reflect its growing influence and artistic direction. In 2013, embracing a new phase of artistic growth, the group adopted the name Atlanta Master Chorale, signaling its commitment to choral excellence and leadership in the arts. The chorale has since been recognized for its high-quality performances and contributions to the choral arts, receiving numerous accolades such as the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence from Chorus America in 2013 and the Prudential Board Leadership Award from BoardSource in 2014. Moreover, AMC was selected to perform at the prestigious American Choral Directors Association National Conference in 2017, a testament to its status as a leading community choir. Atlanta Master Chorale's repertoire spans a wide range of choral music, performing nearly 100 different pieces across five main concerts each season. These include historic and newly commissioned a cappella songs, as well as accompanied major and minor works. The AMC Choral Series, published by MorningStar/ECS Publishing Group, features new music premiered by the ensemble, contributing fresh and original compositions to the choral community. The chorale's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is central to its mission, striving to create a welcoming environment that reflects the diversity of its community. This commitment extends to all facets of the organization, including recruitment, programming, and collaborations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlanta Master Chorale continued to engage with audiences through virtual performances, reaching over a million views on their YouTube channel and expanding their global reach to viewers in over 100 countries. Atlanta Master Chorale is governed by a dedicated board and staff, and its performances are brought to life by a volunteer group of professionally trained choristers. The organization also engages in musical outreach, influencing an estimated 14,000 people weekly through its members' diverse backgrounds and professions. For those interested in learning more or participating in the Atlanta Master Chorale's initiatives, including leadership training seminars and community choral festivals, the organization can be reached at their Atlanta P.O. Box or through their email address. Their commitment to choral artistry and community engagement has made them a pillar of the Atlanta arts scene and a beacon of choral excellence nationwide.