THE MARYLAND CHORAL SOCIETY (MCS) is a community choral group dedicated to quality performance for music enthusiasts in the Greater Washington area. A mixed chorus of approximately 40 members, MCS is based in Prince George’s County, Maryland and has members from throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Through active recruitment and creative programming, MCS attracts singers and audiences from diverse backgrounds who are drawn to the organization for both its commitment to high musical standards and its welcoming spirit. It performs a wide repertoire of musical styles and periods to attract as broad an audience as possible. It strives to nurture an appreciation for the choral arts among both novices and seasoned listeners.  

Since its founding, MCS has performed over 600 works spanning five centuries and many languages. At least one masterwork concert each season features the participation of a full orchestra and has showcased a number of distinguished vocal and instrumental soloists. MCS has a reputation for its varied and eclectic musical fare, encompassing a range of styles from classical to new age, world, pop, and gospel.

our mission

The Maryland Choral Society strives to be a leading force in the advocacy and enhancement of the choral arts industry, to cultivate educational opportunities, to nurture intergenerational experiences, and to create musical excellence throughout Maryland and the D.C. Metro region.

We aim to achieve our mission by:

  • Fostering and developing an appreciation of choral music, enhancing the cultural life of the community, and providing camaraderie among people of all ages who appreciate the choral arts.

  • Providing a fulfilling musical experience for our members, patrons, and audience.

  • Bridging the gap of understanding and tolerance among diverse communities through music.

  • Providing education for the mastery of music through regular rehearsals and performance.

Our History

The organization was formed in 1971 under the direction of Mr. Paul Bley. Initially, the group called itself the Greater Southeast Community Choral Society. In 1975, Dr. Sandra Willetts became artistic director and the name was changed to the Southern Maryland Choral Society. Under Dr. Willetts' direction (1975–1981), the group earned the reputation as one of the more accomplished choral groups in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. For the next three decades, MCS sang under the direction of a series of outstanding artistic directors:

  • Dr. Craig Jessop (1981–1987)

  • Dr. Samuel Gordon (1987–1995)

  • Julianne S. Turrentine (1995–97)

  • Ernest Johnson (1997–2001)

  • James Holloway (2001–05)

  • Dr. Don Armstrong (2006)

  • Jeanne Kelly (2007–08)

  • Dr. Richard Giarusso (2009–14)

  • Dr. Stephen Caracciolo (2014–15)

  • Dr. Douglas Buchanan (2015–24)

MCS welcomed Benjamin Buchanan to the role of interim artistic director for the 2024–25 season. MCS also gratefully recognizes Serena Moore, who faithfully served as the accompanist from 1977 to 2014.

MCS Gratefully Acknowledges:

The Maryland Choral Society, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization, is supported in part by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and Prince George's County, Maryland.