Southern Delaware Chorale

The Southern Delaware Chorale (SDC) is a distinguished choral organization based in Sussex County, Delaware, with a rich history of providing choral music to the local community. Originally established under the auspices of the Sussex County Arts Council, the Chorale was formed to perform Handel’s Messiah in a sing-along event with the Delaware Symphony and guest soloists in 1986. The foundation of the group was driven by Beth Hochholzer's vision to offer the community the opportunity to participate in and enjoy live performances of choral masterworks during the Christmas season. Under the leadership of Beth Hochholzer as the volunteer Executive Director, Music Director Richard Eckerd, and a dedicated board of members, the Chorale evolved into an organized musical entity. For many years, the Southern Delaware Choral Society, as it was then known, presented annual Messiah concerts and other choral masterworks performances. ===Expansion and Development=== During Richard Eckerd's tenure as Music Director, which lasted until 2000, the Chorale expanded its repertoire and transitioned to a two-concert season. It was also during this period that the organization commissioned an oratorio from pianist and composer Lee Mitchell. The resulting work, "Delaware: A Secular Oratorio," premiered in 1996 and led to the establishment of the Lee Mitchell Scholarship in 1999 to support talented high school singers in community choral singing. The SDC Ensemble, a select auditioned group within the Chorale, was created by David Miller, who served as Music Director from 2001 to 2007. The Ensemble performs both within SDC concerts and at community events. John Ranney, a founding member of the SDC and a featured bass soloist, succeeded Miller in 2006, bringing a dynamic presence and expanding the repertoire to include American standards and Broadway selections. His tenure ended due to health issues, and Ann Freeman stepped in as Conductor from 2012 to 2014, during which the Chorale collaborated with the Newark Symphony and began gospel music concerts in February. In 2014, the group officially changed its name to Southern Delaware Chorale to avoid confusion with another choral group. Joseph Shortall was hired as Artistic Director after a year-long search, and the position of Assistant Director was formalized. ===Current Leadership=== Dr. Colin Armstrong joined the Chorale as the Artistic Director and Conductor in January 2018. Under his leadership, the Chorale has continued to expand its choral repertoire while maintaining a three-concert season. Collaborations with the Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra have included performances of Handel’s Messiah and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The Chorale has embraced partnerships within Delaware's artistic communities. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, but through virtual rehearsals led by Dr. Armstrong and Assistant Director Sarah Rose, the Chorale persisted. In-person rehearsals and a limited performance took place in June 2021, following pandemic protocols. ===Mission and Vision=== The Southern Delaware Chorale's mission has consistently focused on providing a platform for local singers to unite, develop their skills, and perform choral masterpieces for audiences in Southern Delaware. The Chorale aims to increase its regional impact by growing its roster of choristers, diversifying its community engagement initiatives, and fostering partnerships with artistic communities and arts advocates. The organization is supported in part by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Chorale actively engages with its audience through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. ==External links== * [http://canadianinpa.wixsite.com/colin-armstrong Dr. Colin Armstrong's Profile] * [https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-armstrong-0482774b Dr. Colin Armstrong on LinkedIn] * [http://www.DelawareScene.com Delaware Division of the Arts Events] ==References== <references/> [[Category:Choral Societies]] [[Category:Music organizations based in Delaware]] [[Category:Arts organizations established in 1986]] [[Category:1986 establishments in Delaware]]