Reading Choral Society

Enriching the Community through Music since 1875

Founded in 1875, the Reading Choral Society is one of America’s oldest musical ensembles, and from its earliest days has pursued performances characterized by vocal excellence and musical distinction.

The Reading Choral Society is comprised now, as it has always been, of dedicated amateur singers from all walks of life, and all ages. Determined to present the highest caliber musical performances possible, the 80-voice Society rehearses weekly in a professional atmosphere, fulfilling the lives of its members by immersing them in great music, and through RCS performances enriching and enlivening the musical life of the greater Reading community.

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2024 Summer Sings

FREE - Open to the Public - Registration Required. Suggested Donation of $5 - $10 For Lunch. 10am - 3pm. Immanuel UCC Church, Shillington, PA

June 15 – Choral Colors with Guest Director Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, Professor of Music and Choral Activities at Mansfield University. A variety of styles: classical, folk, spiritual and ethnic will be shared at this workshop. Dr. Dettwiler will help you learn how to adjust your voice in changing tone color while singing the selections chosen for the day.

July 20 - Music of the HBCU Tradition: The Choral Works of Roland Carter and Nathan Carter with Guest Director Dr. Derrick Thompson, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Albright College. (HBCU means Historically Black Colleges and Universities.) The music chosen includes spiritual and hymn arrangements.
August 17 – Women in Music with Guest Director Dr. Amy Voorhees, Director of Choral Activities at Susquehanna University. Music presented will be from the following female composers/musicians: Elaine Hagenberg, Carly Simon, Andres Ramsey, Jocelyn Hagen & Melissa Dunphy.

Summer Sings Registration

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Your support is appreciated to help keep choral music in our community.

Thank you!

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The concert season is underwritten by grants from the Reading Musical Foundation, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and Berks Arts. Reading Choral Society receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and patrons who help make our concert season possible. Each year we expand our Community Outreach programs through such events as Gloria Singers, Summer Sing, and mini-concerts at various retirement centers. These programs would not be possible without the financial support of our patrons and sponsors.

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