I am moved every time I see a performance of the New York City Master Chorale. Their commitment to their artistry and concern for the community are two reasons I support this musically outstanding group. If every conductor inspired as much and achieved the same level of excellence as Dr. Kano, NYC, in fact the world, would be an infinitely better place.
As difficult as these economic times have been for all non-profits, I can say with pride that NYCMC's artistic excellence has never faltered. Attending Board and Committee meetings can be time consuming for everyone, but experiencing the Chorale as an audience member really does make it all worthwhile. It has been a pleasure to work towards fulfilling the vision of our Artistic Director, Dr. Thea Kano.
In a time when so many people need reassurance that there is a better tomorrow, organizations like the New York City Master Chorale provide that sense of hope through music and do so at an affordable price to those who need it most. The NYCMC is a source of community outreach in the NYC area and they touch lives and hearts through song.
I am one of the singers in the chorale, and I'm amazed not only by the choir itself, but the things that the choir is striving to do. The music is gorgeous and Thea, our conductor, is a true leader. But I also love that the choir reaches out to many students and teachers to get them interested in music and singing.
I am a founding singer with this group as well as a Board of Trustees member. Since its fouding in 2006 by Thea Kano, this symphonic chorus has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, Riverside Church and many other venues in the metropolitan NYC area. Under the leadership of Conductor Thea Kano, the chorale has demonstrated a deep commitment to performing the work of living composers and has premiered a commissioned work. In addition to these stunning accomplishments, Dr. Kano has built partnerships with New York City public schools and has brought music instruction and classical concert experiences to New Yorkers who would otherwise never attend a concert.
I am thrilled to advocate for work of New York City Master Chorale. As a musician and a non-profit executive in New York City, I have the opportunity to work with many organizations and I am so impressed by all the wonderful things the chorale has done in their very short history. Their tremendous artistry, under the leadership of Dr. Thea Kano, is to be applauded, as is their outstanding work in arts education and advocacy in New York City public schools. New York City Master Chorale is an excellent candidate for funding from both the public and private sectors.
With funding for arts education nationwide dwindling, this chorus and its founding artistic director, Dr. Thea Kano, have committed themselves to taking outstanding choral music into their New York, NY community. Dr. Kano and singers visit schools and community organizations, and bring the community to their concerts through free and reduced-price ticket offers. Thusly, a whole generation who might not otherwise be able to experience beautiful choral music are exposed to it, as performed at the highest level by a premiere symphonic chorus in venues like Lincoln Center and Riverside Church.