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For almost two decades Texas Choral Consort (= TCC) has provided Central Texas singers with quality choral performance opportunities and given audiences the opportunity to hear diverse choral music at budget prices. As the only non-auditioned community chorus in Austin, it enables many to sing who otherwise wouldn’t. Other TCC hallmarks are its organization of international tours and emphasis on collaboration, bringing a wide range of experiences to singers and audiences alike.
1997: The organization was founded as the Summer Choral Symposium, for which any singer could register without audition, enjoy educational rehearsals to prepare a choral masterwork, and perform in a public concert with orchestra. Symposia repertoire has included W.A. Mozart's Requiem, St. John Passion (BWV 245) and Magnificat (BWV 243) by J.S. Bach, George Frideric Handel's Messiah, Maurice Duruflé's Requiem, Dvoraks Stabat Mater, Johannes Brahms' Requiem, and more. Singers ranged in age from 11 to 90. Early audiences consisted mostly of singers’ friends and family, but as the Symposium’s reputation grew, so too did its audiences.
2001: The Symposium proved so popular with singers that a winter version was added. Advanced TCC singers also sought small-ensemble opportunities, so founding Artistic Director Barry Scott Williamson started an auditioned TCC chamber choir. It performed a concert season separate from the Symposia, and at various functions such as the Texas State Capitol’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Neill-Cochran House Museum, Villa Antonia Twilight Concert Series, and private weddings. This select ensemble still performs occasionally on request.
2002: TCC organized its first international tour to Ireland. It has since performed in Germany, Austria, Wales, Argentina, and Uruguay, all under private sponsorship.
2003: TCC incorporated and obtained 501(c)3 status.
2007: Barry Scott Williamson departed for other opportunities.
2008: Current artistic director Brent Baldwin was appointed and continues TCC’s emphasis on excellence without exclusivity, building on the symposium model to develop a top-notch amateur chorus of up to 125 singers.
2012: TCC hired its first paid executive assistant*. Current EM Kirsten Watson was appointed in 2013. (*title changed to Executive Manager in 2016)
2015: Texas Choral Consort remains unique among USA choruses in that it is open to all singers, without audition, who deliver professional-level concerts that garner critical kudos and sold-out performances. Notable TCC collaborators have included Maestro Peter Bay of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Fusebox Festival, Texas Performing Arts, Golden Hornet Project, Austin Children’s Choir, choirs In Ireland and Wales, Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche, and composers Donald Grantham, Patricia Long, Russell Reed, Graham Reynolds, Peter Stopschinksi, and Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw. |
