When done right, these choral directors say, early music transcends its intimidating reputation and connects with audiences.

“The phenomenon of a gay men’s chorus is a vital part of the musical fabric of our society. It is not a gimmick to draw a crowd. We have always just wanted to put on great concerts – and make a difference while doing it.”

At the opening session of Chorus America’s 2014 Conference, conductor Josh Habermann and a cappella pioneer Deke Sharon talked about new trends in vocal music and breaking down boundaries between the classical and pop worlds.

For the 200th anniversary of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a musicologist takes a closer look at the history of the anthem.

How Nelson Mandela shaped a national anthem that united South Africans in song.

Long-time singers will happily list numerous ways that choral singing enhances their lives. When those singers stay with the same chorus for many years, the benefits flow both ways. We spoke with seven singers who have sung with the same chorus for two or more decades about their experience and its value.

As a young girl, Abbie Betinis noticed that singing “Caroling, Caroling” during the holidays always brought tears to her grandpa’s eyes. Later she would learn that the famous carol was one of many composed by her great uncle Alfred Burt, who was carrying on a family tradition of carol writing begun by his father, the Rev. Bates Burt. In 2001, Betinis, by then a composer herself, decided to pick up the family carol writing tradition.