Webster Alexander Rogers, Jr., Conductor and Music Director

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Founded in 1902 as a women's chorus, the Chorale of the Friday Morning Music Club became a mixed chorus in 1986. The group performs several major concerts each year, each of them with a full orchestra. The Chorale also participates in smaller concerts in December to celebrate the holiday season in song. The group has performed works by Bach, Beethoven, Bernstein, Brahms, Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Poulenc, Rutter, Saint-Saëns, Schubert, Vaughn Williams, and Vivaldi, as well as lesser known, neglected literature. The group also performs original works by FMMC composers. Over the years, a number of the Chorale's performances have been reviewed favorably by local media.

A semi-independent chamber group formed from and led by members of the Chorale, called the Collegium Musicum, performs music from the Renaissance to the avant-garde, both in chamber recitals and within Chorale programs. Most works are performed a cappella. Chorale membership is encouraged, but not required. FMMC membership is required.

2009–2010 Concert Schedule

Concerts will take place on Sunday, January 24, 2010, and Sunday, June 13, 2010. For programs, times, locations, and rehearsal information click on the links above right on this page. Also see our Calendar of Events for more details on these and other FMMC concerts.

Membership

Any singer who has successfully auditioned for Solo, Chamber, or Chorale Performance Membership and become a member in the Club is eligible to participate in the Chorale. The Chorale invites interested singers to visit one of the rehearsals. Those interested in auditioning to become Chorale Performance members may contact the Chorale Chair at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or the Chorale Music Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange an audition. Candidates will be asked to perform before the conductor and an Auditions Committee, demonstrating their range and quality of voice, ability to read at sight, and ability to sing one familiar song.

Chorale members interested in becoming part of the Collegium Musicum should contact the Chorale Chair at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Vocal soloists are auditioned separately for each performance. Solo performers are generally chosen from within the FMMC membership; however, guest soloists may appear under special circumstances. All performers volunteer their services.

Chorale Orchestra: The orchestra for each concert is drawn in large part from the Orchestra, Chamber, and Solo Performing membership of the Club. Players from outside the membership can participate at no cost to the Club when necessary to complete the instrumentation for a particular performance. For information on auditions, write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Soloist Auditions

Club members are invited to apply to be soloists for the Chorale's upcoming season, which will feature performances of major portions of Handel’s Messiah and other Handel choruses, Michael Haydn’s "St. Francis Mass," and Bruckner’s Te Deum. Auditions will be held on a date to be announced. Auditions will be scheduled in 15-minute increments to accommodate as many singers as possible.

Singers should prepare two short sacred solos (excerpts from longer arias are acceptable), either from the pieces we are performing or comparable works. An accompanist will be provided, but singers should bring two copies of the pieces they will sing, one for the pianist and one for the Chorale conductor.

Please note that in adherence to FMMC policy, the Chorale does not pay soloists.

For more details or to schedule an audition, please contact Joanna Rogers at 703-283-5603 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2009–2010 Chorale Personnel

• Conductor and Music Director: Webster A. Rogers, Jr.
• Associate Conductor: Christine Wells
• Director, Collegium Musicum: Thomas Meier
• Chair: Mathew C. Blum
• Vice Chair, Music: Ruth M. Doherty
• Vice Chair, Soloists: Joanna Rogers
• Vice Chair, Programs & Asst. to Director: Christine Wells
• Vice Chair, Web Technology: vacant
• Accompanist: Jonathan Hellerman
• Accompanist/Coordinator, Collegium Musicum: Christine Wells
• Secretary: Barbara B. Luchs
• Treasurer: Kathleen Meier
• Orchestra Manager: B. J. Stone (through January)
• Assistant Orchestra Manager: Thomas Meier
• Librarian: Leah Baum
• Publicity: William W. Van Stone
• Logistics: Peter J. Baum

Chorale Fund

In addition to the support it receives from the Club’s General Fund, the Chorale draws from a fund dedicated to its use. For information on how to contribute to the Chorale Fund, please go to our Donations page.