The addition of human voices, and, in most cases, text, is critical to those great works of art. Indeed, many people are introduced to symphonic repertoire through choral literature. In West Virginia, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is assisted in performing major choral-orchestral works by the West Virginia Symphony Chorus, a volunteer group of singers chosen from among the best in the state. Numbering over one hundred, the chorus performs at the highest level of artistry.
Members represent a broad spectrum of ages and professions.
All members, however, share a deep respect for the works they rehearse and perform, as well as the parent organization, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Since its inception, the West Virginia Symphony Chorus has performed most of the major choral-orchestral repertoire. Most recently, performances have been given of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, Borodin's Polyvetsian Dances, Britten's War Requiem, Debussy's Sirenes, Handel's Messiah, Vaughan Williams's Sea Symphony, and Walton's Belshazzar's Feast. The 1999-2000 season will include performances of the Mozart Requiem and Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. Membership Symphony Chorus membership is offered to singers who have previous choral experience and who can read music reasonably well.