Greater South Jersey Chorus
About Us
Our Mission: To promote, enrich, and inspire the experience of choral music in South Jersey by performing with artistic excellence, embracing musical diversity, and fostering creative collaboration.
Greater South Jersey Chorus History
Established in 1992, the Greater South Jersey Chorus (GSJC) is an auditioned, mixed-voice ensemble that embraces a diverse range of choral genres. Initially formed under the auspices of the Philharmonic of South Jersey, the chorus has grown from the initial 50 members to 130 members performing in both full chorus and a smaller chamber ensemble in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Cumberland, and Atlantic counties in New Jersey. The chorus is now an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit, singer-managed organization with a board of trustees composed of chorus members and community professionals. The chorus remains committed to bringing quality musical performances to a broad audience throughout the region while expanding our community service initiatives in the area.
GSJC has been privileged to perform under the baton of several esteemed choral conductors over its long history. Our inaugural director, Paul McGovern was succeeded by notable directors including: Dean Rishel, who led the chorus for more than 15 years; Dr. Heather Buchanan; Mr. Ken Steele, and Dr. Jason Bishop. In the spring of 2016, we were delighted to welcome Dr. Christopher Thomas as our current artistic director. In addition to his role at GSJC, Dr. Thomas is the Director of Choral Activities in the Department of Music at Rowan University. He has led us in multiple collaborations with Symphony in C and Bay Atlantic Symphony.
The chorus focuses on performing large masterworks with orchestras and guest soloists from the region, as well as a broad range of multicultural, traditional, and contemporary choral pieces. Recent large-scale performances include works by Faure, Beethoven, Bach, McCullough, Shearing, Whitbourn, and Rutter. More contemporary notable works performed recently include compositions by Ysaye Barnwell, Joan Szymko, Rollo Dilworth, Stephen Sondheim, and Craig Hella Johnson.
Why We Sing
Greater South Jersey Chorus brings a culturally diverse, multilingual repertoire of music to the region to entertain, educate, and enrich our community. Our Fall, Winter, and Spring concerts delight audiences of all ages with music ranging from the 15th century to the present. Profoundly moving major choral works accompanied by orchestra and professional soloists are a priority in our yearly programming.
The 130 members are devoted to the chorus because we enjoy making music and experiencing the sense of community GSJC brings to our lives. We come from many different backgrounds and hold a variety of beliefs, but our shared love of choral music, our hunger to learn more about the art of singing, and our joy at delivering beautiful concerts to our growing audiences bind us together in an uncommon sense of unity treasured by all.
Rehearsals
The Greater South Jersey Chorus and the Chamber Singers of GSJC rehearse at Grace Church in Haddonfield, located near the PATCO train station.
Grace Church in Haddonfield
19 Kings Highway East
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
