Overview
Since 1996, Mastersingers USA gives international concert tours every 2 to 4 years, and in off-years, the group meets for a weekend of rehearsals and performances in some city in the U.S. Members study their music on their own prior to each meeting and then rehearse when we gather prior to performances. When it’s all put together in a concert, the effect is magical, and audiences typically marvel at how a geographically diverse group like this can produce such excellent results with just a few days of rehearsals. The Mastersingers USA repertoire consists of sacred music (masses, motets, anthems, etc.), folk music from many countries, and the American folk songs and spirituals which have proven to be so popular all over the world.
Mission, History, & Future
Mastersingers USA’s members participate for the sheer joy of singing in a top-notch men’s chorus. and to share the energy, beauty, and joy of the group’s stunning repertoire with as many people as possible. There have been wonderful singing experiences at various venues throughout the United States, but members especially enjoy introducing their music to audiences in other countries.
The group was started in 1995 to organize an international tour, which took place in 1996 and took 60 men to Austria, Germany, and France. With its success, Mastersingers USA was born. Mastersingers USA toured again in 2000 (to Austria, Italy, and France), and then again in 2003 to Dublin, Edinburgh, York, London – and Llangollen where they were winners in the International Musical Eisteddfod. In 2005 Mastersingers USA participated in the First International Symposium for Men’s Choirs in Barcelona. And in 2007, they toured Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Details of these tours are in the “Past Concerts” pages.
With members of all ages, a steady input of newcomers, and a solid organizational structure, Mastersingers USA looks forward to many retreats and tours in the years to come.
Artistic Direction
Kerry P. Brennan – Music Director
Peter Stoltzfus-Berton – Organist
Steven Greene – Pianist
