About
Biography
Founded in January of 2008, Choral Chameleon has already begun to make strides in the NYC Choral Music scene as a new generation of artists thinking outside of the box about choral music. Hailed as having “forward thrust and an expressive musical profile” and called “stunning” by emerging composer Jeff Parola, the group is out to give rest to the old ideals of putting genres of music in categories. Time Out New York said to go see Choral Chameleon’s annual December concert if you’d like to get a “Handel-Free” Holiday. Celebrated composer, Conrad Susa praised the group calling its recent performance of his piece “Hymns for the Amusement of Children” “the best performance of ever done of the work”. The group was founded and is led by Artistic Director, Vince Peterson, an emerging composer and conductor himself who is quickly gaining notice on the New York and Brooklyn concert music scenes, having been profiled in The New York Times as well as The Brooklyn Eagle. Among Choral Chameleon’s accomplishments thus far are grants from The Sparkplug Foundation as well as The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and a successful inaugural season of its Composer-In-Residence program. In addition, Chameleon’s exciting Education Outreach initiative promises to do life-changing work for many aspiring musicians throughout the tri-state area.
Our Mission and Vision
Our Mission:
The mission of Choral Chameleon is to engage its listeners in a diverse and innovative musical experience through its integrative concert programming and education outreach.
Our Vision:
PERFORMANCE. Present distinctive musical performances of diverse repertoire combining styles and genres in new and interesting ways, honoring the voice as a unique instrument with a particular ability to reach human beings and transcend divisions of culture, nationality, gender, language, and age.
COLLABORATION. Work together in performance with other musicians including choral and instrumental ensembles; and unique types of instrumentalists such as those specializing in music from a certain period or culture. Create new, innovative works with living composers of choral music, through such possible avenues as workshops, festivals, and commissions.
EDUCATION. Inspire the next generation of choral singers, conductors, and composers through invitational choral festivals at the high school level; public and private workshops on technique and style; and hands-on learning opportunities for students of choral conducting and composition.
Board of Directors
Cathy Solomon, President
Vince Peterson, Artistic Director
Amy Buckley
Steve Smith