The Madison Singers is the advanced, auditioned choral chamber ensemble at JMU. Maintaining an active performance schedule both on- and off-campus, they have shared the stage with renowned jazz artist Bobby McFerrin, modernist string quartet ETHEL, Native American flutist Robert Mirabal, American storytelling icon Garrison Keillor, and Irish ensembles Danú and the Five Irish Tenors. A featured choir on the 2015 Josh Groban Concert Tour in Washington, D.C., The Madison Singers have also sung in master classes with noted choral ensembles, including Tenebrae, Chanticleer and The King’s Singers. The Madison Singers tour locally, regionally and internationally, including competing in the 2009 National Eisteddfod Choral Competition and appearing frequently at the Charleston Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Regionally, they are active “audible ambassadors” for JMU, performing in the Staunton Music Festival and in local schools and assisted living facilities. The Madison Singers recently performed at the Augusta Correctional Center in Craigsville, Virginia which they consider one of their most meaningful concerts.
Ranging from 60-80 voices, the JMU Chorale is an auditioned and highly select choir that performs repertoire from the Baroque to the contemporary era in both sacred and secular genres. The Chorale maintains an active performance schedule both on- and off-campus. Its feature programs include the JMU Pops! concert and Holidayfest; the choir frequently collaborates on projects with the JMU Symphony Orchestra.
The Madison Singers and Chorale are under the direction of Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy.
