Greenville Chorale announces new Artistic Director and Conductor

Greenville Chorale is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Anthony Bernarducci as its next Artistic Director and Conductor. Bernarducci will succeed Dr. Bingham Vick, Jr. who has announced his retirement in September 2025 after forty-five years leading the organization.

“I am thrilled beyond words that after an extensive search, Dr. Bernarducci was our unanimous choice to become our next maestro,” Board President Kirby Colson said.  “Dr. Bernarducci’s extensive experience in conducting, teaching, and composing makes him an ideal choice for this role. He is well-equipped to carry forward the rich traditions and artistic excellence established by Dr. Bing Vick, ensuring the continued growth and success of the Chorale,” Search committee chair Randy Traynham added.  

“It is truly an honor to be named the new Artistic Director and Conductor of the Greenville Chorale and Herring Chamber Ensemble” Bernarducci said. “This esteemed organization has touched the hearts of both singers and audiences for decades through choral music. I am thrilled to carry on this legacy and work alongside the GVC staff and Board of Directors to shape the future of this organization. I eagerly look forward to making music with our dedicated singers, composing new works for the choirs, and engaging with our community through inspiring concert experiences!”

“Anthony Bernarducci was the clear choice to become The Greenville Chorale's next Artistic Director and Conductor” Executive Director Kathy Cottingham said. “His leadership and preparation during the interview and audition assured us that he was ‘the one.’ He will lead The Chorale into its next chapter with careful thought and I look forward to working with him in this endeavor.”

Anthony Bernarducci is an Associate Professor of Music at Clemson University, where he also serves as the Music Program Director and Director Choral/Vocal Studies for the Department of Performing Arts. He conducts the Clemson University Singers and is the founding director of Clemson’s chamber choir, Cantorei. Dr. Bernarducci has conducted several of the great choral-orchestral masterworks, including Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Vivaldi’s Gloria, the Requiem settings of Mozart, Fauré, Cherubini, and modern masterworks such as Jake Runestad’s Into the Light. He makes his directorial debut at Carnegie Hall in 2025 performing Mozart’s Mass in C Major, K. 317, “Coronation” presented by MidAmerica Productions featuring the New England Symphonic Ensemble.

Bernarducci is also an active composer with works published by GIA Publications, Gentry Publications, Hinshaw Music, and ECS Publishing Group. He has received commissions and performances from prestigious ensembles and organizations such as The Westminster Williamson Voices, The St. Olaf Choir, and The United States Soldiers Chorus. His compositions have been performed globally by choral ensembles in Korea, Slovenia, Italy, and South Africa, and on notable stages such as Carnegie Hall, Severance Hall, Mechanics Hall, and Heinz Hall. In the spring of 2025 an album of his choral chamber music, titled Something Beautiful Remains, will be released through GIA Publications recorded by Clemson Cantorei.

Dr. Bernarducci’s first performance leading the Greenville Chorale will take place on December 9th at McAlister Auditorium, Furman University in Greenville. 

ABOUT GREENVILLE CHORALE:

Greenville Chorale has been pursuing its mission of celebrating and promoting the art of choral music in the upstate of South Carolina for sixty-four years.  Under the direction of Dr. Bingham Vick Jr., the 160-voice choir presents five concerts annually including many of the significant choral/orchestral works in the repertoire.