The NJMC is a symphonic chorus comprised of 110 singers with various backgrounds from the greater South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. The group is a community chorus offered as part of the Music Ministry of the Haddonfield United Methodist Church in Haddonfield, NJ and has performed major choral works with orchestral accompaniment of the highest quality since its beginnings as the Haddonfield United Methodist Church Oratorio Choir in 1974. Its repertoire has always centered on symphonic choral music such as the Verdi Requiem, the Beethoven 9th Symphony and other works by Bruckner, Mozart, Durufle, Brahms, Francis Poulenc and Leonard Bernstein to name a few. In recent years they've broadened their horizons as a result of their excellent choral quality. See our Link to past concerts.
In their 13 year history as the NJMC, under the direction of Wayne Richmond, their engagements have included serving as the opera chorus for the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, PA in their productions of Puccini's Edgar (2004) and Weber's Der Freischutz (2007) as well as AVA's Jubilate! concerts (2005-2011). As a result you may have heard them on WRTI radio (90.1 FM). In addition to their association with AVA, they were chosen to sing as the chorus to represent the state of New Jersey at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC in 2004. In 2005, the NJMC was chosen to open the Abraham Lincoln Exhibit at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia where they performed American composer George Lynn's setting of The Gettysburg Address. Later that year they joined forces with the Ocean City Pops in presenting The Gettysburg Address during the Ocean City Pops summer season at the Music Pier.
In the fall of 2007, the NJMC moved into its new 120 seat rehearsal facility at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church.
Every two years we hold our Madrigal Dinners early in December. This music and fun-filled evening takes us back to medieval times with chamber music, period instruments, court jesters, a royal court, and a full 5 course meal complete with stuffed pig! This is a ticketed fund-raiser event for MasterChorale over 3 nights. Tickets may be obtained from the church office beginning in October.
The NJMC welcomes singers who are serious about making beautiful music while having fun in the process. MasterChorale is overseen by the Board which meets regularly. We rehearse each Thursday evening from 6:45 to 8:05 pm. Spaces are occasionally open for additional voices, and you may contact the director to schedule an audition when they are held. There are no dues or other financial requirements, although most members contribute as they are able. All contributions are tax deductible and listed in concert programs.
Major works performed in the last 13 years:
- Rossini Stabat Mater
- Handel Messiah
- Brahms Requiem
- Bernstein Chichester Psalms
- Bruckner Te Deum
- Verdi Requiem
- Puccini Gloria
- Rutter Te Deum
- Haydn Creation
- Durufle Requiem
- Beethoven Ninth Symphony- 4th movement
- Faure Requiem
- Respighi Laud to the Nativity
- Mozart Requiem
- Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes
- Poulenc Gloria
- Beethoven Mass in C
- Beethoven Choral Fantasy
- Gounod St. Cecilia Mass
- Mendelssohn Elijah
- Dvorak Stabat Mater
- Jubilate Concerts with AVA
- Additonal concerts at Ocean City Tabernacle, Constitution Center, Washington National Cathedral
