THE CHORUS
In its 62nd season, the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus (PVSC) consists of approximately 70 talented singers from across our region.
Under the leadership of Chorus Director Dr. Allegra Martin, the PVSC explores a wide range of choral music, from Mozart to Margaret Bonds, from hymns to popular songs. The PVSC performs three to four times each season with the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra and also presents dedicated choral concerts. Special concerts or performance opportunities are sometimes added during the season.
For those interested in an opportunity to showcase their voice in a smaller group, the PVS Chamber Singers are a selective choir made up of PVS Chorus members. This small group (around 16 singers) performs a cappella pieces in various styles. The Chamber Singers rehearse from 9-10pm after the PVSC rehearsals on Tuesday nights.
The PVS Chorus and Chamber Singers meet once a week from late August/early September through late April/early May. Concert week schedules require a larger time commitment. See "Rehearsals" below for more details.
We look for singers who love music and want to experience the full spectrum of choral music. Almost all of our singers can sight read at a basic level, but we are a non-auditioned ensemble and welcome anyone willing to put in some practice time! Since we only meet once a week, we are looking for musicians who are committed to spending time in and out of rehearsal to prepare, but we have plenty of resources, including audio recordings of each part, to help each singer achieve their musical goals. Our singers are hard-working, fun-loving performers who are eager to welcome new folks to the group! We welcome new singers in every voice part.
We accept inquiries throughout the year from singers interested in joining the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus. If you wish to join the chorus, contact us at chorus@pvso.org or (413) 773-3664.
REHEARSALS
Tuesday Evenings
Late August/Early September - Late April/Early May
7:00–9:00 PM
Most Holy Redeemer Parish Hall:
120 Russell St, Hadley, MA 01035
​Generally, during the week of a given concert we also have rehearsal on Wednesday night with the PVSO and Maestro Tianhui Ng during their regular rehearsal time. We also have a dress rehearsal with the orchestra in the performance venue. This is almost always on the Friday night prior to a Saturday concert. The extra pre-concert Wednesday rehearsal is sometimes in the regular rehearsal venue and sometimes at the performance venue. Announcements about the rehearsal schedule will be made via email and at rehearsals.
Rehearsals are fun! We socialize and get to know our fellow singers. Rehearsals are also critical work times, and attendance is vital. Every voice is important!
As a general rule, singers should miss no more than one rehearsal in a short concert cycle or three rehearsals in a long cycle. If it is necessary to miss a rehearsal, please contact your section leader in advance. If you have unusual circumstances that affect your attendance, you should consult with the director.
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The Chamber Choir practices after the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus rehearsal starting at 9pm.
PERFORMANCES
886TH SEASON CONCERTS
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Ancient Burlesque
Saturday, Apr. 26, 2025, 7PM
Greenfield High School
Greenfield, MA
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Alice Parker Festival
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 4PM
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA
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​Annual Holiday Pops Concert
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, 4PM
Greenfield High School
Greenfield, MA
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Visions of Utopia
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, 4PM
Church of James and Andrew
Greenfield, MA
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The PVS Chamber Singers at Music In the Orchard, Summer 2024
DUES
Since concert ticket sales account for less than one-third of the cost of producing a PVS season, the organization works on fundraising year-round, and many sponsors, donors (many PVS Orchestra and Chrous members among them), and funders answer the call. However, there is still a gap. All members of the PVS Orchestra and Chorus pay dues to help make the cost of their ensemble's rehearsals possible. Membership dues help the PVS pay for our stellar directors and accompanist, rehearsal venues, staff support, and all the administrative costs involved in running a small non-profit organization. Because on the PVS's core values is to ensure the accessibility of our programs to all members of the community, dues are offered on a sliding scale. Members are free to choose the dues rate that is right for them.
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$100 sem/$200 year EQUITABLE RATE: This rate helps to subsidize other musicians.
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$80 sem/$160 year SUSTAINABLE RATE: The actual per-musician cost for rehearsals.
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$60 sem/$120 year ACCESSIBLE RATE: Discounted dues for those who need assistance.
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No one is turned away from the Orchestra for lack of funds. To learn more about financial aid options, contact billing@pvso.org or (413) 773-3664.
