At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many choruses scrambled to create new virtual connections in an effort to stay engaged with their singers and supporters. Two years on, as singing in-person returns, choral organizations are making the time to reflect on what they’ve learned and to envision a virtual presence that makes sense for their long-term future.

This is a uniquely challenging time for the choral field, full of both hope and fatigue. For two years the ground has shifted constantly beneath our feet, leaving many feeling drained and apprehensive about the future. Yet this has also been a time of extraordinary creativity and innovation, and the reaffirmation of the value of choral music. We asked seven choral leaders to share how they are caring for their organizations, their singers, and themselves right now.

An artist, arts educator, teaching artist, policymaker, and philanthropist, Alysia Lee has a broad perspective on the arts ecosystem. As the founder and artistic director of Sister Cities Girlchoir and as the inaugural president for the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (a position she began in early 2022), she works to advance access, equity, and decolonization—always with a focus on youth, anti-racism, creativity, and justice.

Five choruses with plans for concerts in January or February 2022 share how they made the decision to either reschedule or proceed. Baltimore Choral Arts is moving ahead as planned with Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana on February 27. See the full series here.

Five choruses with plans for concerts in January or February 2022 share how they made the decision to either reschedule or proceed.  The Thirteen in Washington, DC and moving ahead as planned with Sing Willow (centered on music by Vaughan Williams) February 11, 12 and 13.  See the full series here.

Five choruses with plans for concerts in January or February 2022 share how they made the decision to either reschedule or proceed. VOX Femina Los Angeles postponed Music They Wrote (honoring past and present women composers) from February 26 to April 23.  See the full series here.

Five choruses with plans for concerts in January or February 2022 share how they made the decision to either reschedule or proceed. The Key Chorale in Sarasota, Florida postponed Choral Splendor in 40 Parts (music by Thomas Tallis and Alessandro Striggio) from January 14-15 to May 6-7.  See the full series here.