Our founding national motto – E Pluribus Unum – becomes the lens for a season built on the great dualities of the American experience. Under Artistic Director Dominick DiOrio, we explore the tensions and contradictions woven into our country's founding and its future — ecstasy and grief, dark and light, many and one, East and West. Above all, we celebrate the chorus itself as a model of democracy: many voices joining in solidarity for a single, unified expression.
ECSTACY/GRIEF
Choral-Orchestral Cries
October 24, 2026 · The Church of the Holy Trinity
A season-opening program of orchestral power and emotional extremes, moving between brutality and bliss. Featuring Schubert's Mass No. 2 in G, James MacMillan's Seven Last Words from the Cross, and Weaver of Eternities by Dominick DiOrio and poet Jacqueline Goldfinger — with saxophonist Valentin Kovalev and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.
DARK/LIGHT
A Feast of Carols
December 12, 2026 · St. Paul's Episcopal Church
The Christmas story is one of both isolation and hope. Nine new works by composers including Sarah Quartel, Saunder Choi, Ben Ponniah, Elizabeth Poston, and Rex Isenberg, plus the premiere of Harold Burgmayer's In Thy Dark Streets Shineth. With Timberdale Brass and friends.
MANY/ONE
The All-Philly Big Sing Returns
March 13, 2027 · The Church of the Holy Trinity
Nothing captures our desire to gather like the All-Philly Big Sing. Headlined by Arreon Harley-Emerson and joined by song-leaders from across the region, this is a celebration of community singing — many singers joining together in one unified voice.
FELIX FEST!
Mendelssohn Chorus' Annual Fundraiser
April 17, 2027 · The Oaks Cloister
This isn’t your typical fundraiser. FELIX FEST! features performances by Mendelssohn Chorus members throughout the historic rooms of the Oaks Cloister. Wander from room-to-room and discover something new around every corner.
EAST/WEST
The Asian Diaspora in America
May 22, 2027 · Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral
A season finale bringing together composers with roots in Asia who now live and create in the United States. Featuring a newly commissioned world premiere by Adrian Wong, plus additional music by Reena Esmail, Hyo-Won Woo, Chen Yi, Saunder Choi, and Philly's own Melissa Dunphy.