Celebrating over 40 years of collaboration, the Eastman-Rochester Chorus is a select symphonic chorus consisting of singers from the greater Rochester community and students from the Eastman School of Music. The chorus presents works for chorus and orchestra in collaboration with the orchestras of the Eastman School of Music and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

The chorus has presented a wide spectrum of repertoire, ranging from masterworks of Bach, Beethoven, and Handel to Rochester premieres of works by Christopher Rouse, Dominick Argento, and Leonard Bernstein. Recent performances have included the Britten War Requiem, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, and the Vaughan Williams Sea Symphony. The chorus has appeared with numerous distinguished conductors, including David Zinman, Robert Shaw, Gerard Schwarz, Jerzy Semkow, and Christopher Seaman, and is a founding member of the Greater Rochester Choral Consortium.

Starting in fall 2026, Professor Emeritus of Conducting & Ensembles William Weinert—who led the group since 1994—will pass the baton to Donald Nally, visiting professor of conducting & ensembles and interim director of choral activities. Nally will conduct the Eastman-Rochester Chorus and Eastman Chorale, along with supervising students in the graduate programs in choral conducting.

The Eastman-Rochester Chorus is open to all singers in the Western New York community by audition. In keeping with the motto on the façade of the Eastman Theatre – “For the Enrichment of Community Life”— there is no membership fee.

Regular Tuesday evening rehearsals, 7:30-9:45 PM.

Auditions are held by appointment. No prepared solo is required. For more audition information and an appointment call 585-274-1444 or email erc@esm.rochester.edu.