| Established in 1998 by Founders Jill Hackett and Deb Baur, the Santa Clarita Master Chorale fills a recognized need for a first-class independent community chorus in the Santa Clarita Valley. The all-volunteer Chorale is an auditioned chorus whose members meet high musical standards. It premiered in June 1999 under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director Peter Pocock and was warmly received by audiences and critics. In the following four concert seasons, Dr. Pocock firmly established the Chorale’s reputation for performances of high artistic quality. Upon Dr. Pocock’s return to his native Australia in 2004, Allan Robert Petker became the new Artistic Director and has proven to be a popular and inspiring new leader who has built on the solid foundation of excellence established by the Chorale.
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale rehearses once per week from September through May/June and performs three concerts per year in December, March, and May/June. The repertoire performed is of a wide range, from major classical masterworks and works by living composers to Christmas carols and Broadway music.
While striving for the highest level of artistic performance, the Chorale also serves the community through community benefit performances, as well as educational programs which include pre-concert lectures, high school and college student internships, and master classes for elementary and high school students.
Now in its eleventh season, the Chorale's reputation for artistic excellence and community service has resulted in grants from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the City of Santa Clarita, the California Arts Council, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, and the Wal-Mart Foundation. |
