Choir

The Chautauqua Sunday Community Choir has been a part of the Institution’s life for many generations, providing a musical and spiritual dimension to the worship services each Sunday morning and evening in the Amphitheater. Approximately 80 individuals participate in the choir each Sunday throughout the Season, singing the finest quality of sacred music from the past as well as a diversity of styles from the present. Joshua Stafford is the Director of Sacred Music and Jared Jacobsen Organist for Chautauqua Institution. 

While no audition is required for this choir, it is expected that an individual will be able to read music and have previous experience singing in a choral group. In order to participate in the choir, singers must attend at least one of the three rehearsals on Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings from 6:15–7:45 p.m, though two or more rehearsals are preferred, prior to that respective Sunday, as well as the pre-service warmups on Sundays. A gate pass for those who live off the grounds is issued to attend rehearsals. The gate pass is then valid for admission to events in the Amphitheater that evening. There is no fee charged to sing in the choir, and music is provided.