It is a volunteer, nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors chosen from within the membership. There are no salaries except those of musical direction and accompaniment. Administrative and performance expenses are covered by dues, donations, ticket sales, and program advertising. The CCNO was founded in 1959 to fulfill a need for an adult choral group dedicated to singing works not normally available to singers or audiences of the New Orleans area.
All members pay annual membership dues.
The CCNO contributes to the cultural life of the city with two or more performances per year. It also promotes and develops interest in various works of the choral genre. The Choir has historically included a wide range of music in its programming. During the years from 1989 to 1998, music from the 16th to the 20th centuries was performed. The CCNO was, at one time, the only civic chorus in the area.