Established in January 1992, The Greater South Jersey Chorus (GSJC) is a mixed-voice ensemble embracing repertoire from a diverse range of choral genres, and has earned widespread respect for its diverse repertoire, beautiful sound, and thoughtful interpretations. The Chorus has been described as "one of the few extraordinary values in South Jersey" and "a South Jersey treasure. " Repertoire highlights of previous seasons include performances of Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, Brahms'Schicksalslied, Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem, Rutter's Gloria, Faure's Requiem; and a special performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in combination with other N.J. choristers at Ocean Grove, New Jersey to raise funds for the Red Cross' September 11 relief work.
On Armed Forces Day 2001, veteran and active duty service personnel were honored guests at the choir's In Memoriam concert, with Faure's Requiem as the centerpiece of the program. The GSJC also performed at the 2002 Choral Festival-by-the-Sea in Myrtle Beach, S.C. as a featured choir, and on September 11,2003 appeared on the Pennsauken Alliance for the Performing Arts program entitled Home of the Brave. The highlight of the 2003-04 season was the production of the Chorus' first commercial CD recording titled "Tis the Season".
During the 2005-2006
season the Chorus participated in
a
concert at
Carnegie Hall to benefit the University of Mississippi music department,
which suffered at the hands of Hurricane Katrina.
Now in its sixteenth season, the GSJC rehearses in Cherry Hill on
Monday evenings from September through May, with opportunities to
perform in the Chamber Choir and/or the full chorus. Members are
auditioned and are drawn from over 40 communities throughout southern
New Jersey. The current membership is comprised of choristers ranging in
age from teens to octogenarians, with a vibrant mix of
amateur and professional musicians.
An auditioned chorus, featuring outstanding soloists and
instrumentalists, our repertoire is generally anchored around
masterworks but also embraces gospel, American and multi-cultural music.
The GSJC is singer-organized and singermanaged,
and all of its functions are administered by
a
Board of Trustees composed of members of the chorus and community
professionals.
In
addition to our artistic endeavors, taking part in community events is a
vital aspect of The Greater South Jersey Chorus’ mission. The chorus has
positioned itself as a partner in our communities and provides
educational and community outreach throughout the year.
A non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization, financial support for the
chorus comes from individual donations and sponsorships as well as
ongoing grants such as the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.