FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025 | 8PM
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025 | 8PM
SCHWARTZ CENTER for PERFORMING ARTS
ERIC NELSON , ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
DEANNA JOSEPH , GUEST CONDUCTOR
JON EASTER , ACCOMPANIST
AN
EVENING WITH
MOZART
CORONATION MASS & REQUIEM
ERIC NELSON, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
DEANNA JOSEPH, GUEST CONDUCTOR
JON EASTER, ACCOMPANIST
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025 | 8 PM SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025 | 8 PM
Emerson Concert Hall
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts
Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
In consideration, please silence all electronic devices. Audio recording, video recording, and flash photography are prohibited.
The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts is a place where teaching, learning, and performance merge to create a vital arts presence for the entire community. The concert hall was funded by and is named after Atlanta scientist Cherry Logan Emerson who earned a BA and MA from Emory in the 1930s. It houses a 14-ton Werner Wortsman Memorial Organ built by top North American builder Daniel Jaeckel, which was installed in 2005.
ACCESSIBILITY: We welcome all guests with special needs. The Schwartz Center for Performing Arts is committed to providing performances and facilities accessible to all. Please direct all accommodation requests to the Schwartz Center Box Office at least 24 hours in advance of the event at 404.727.5050 or by email at BoxOffice@Emory.edu.
PROGRAM
Coronation Mass (1779)
Requiem (1791)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
Soloists
Maria Valdes, Soprano
Elizabeth Johnson Knight, Mezzo
Cory Klose, Tenor
John Andrew Arnold, Bass-Baritone
Orchestra
Kerren Berz, Kenneth Lambert, David Chong, Jonathan Wright – Violin I
Christopher Burndrett, Vera Ilyushina, Laurel Haislip, Yihuan Zhao – Violin II
Joseph Skeric, Yinzi Kong – Viola
Guang Wang, Alana Bennett-Garcia – Cello
Stephen Ward – Bass
Kathy White, Tim Fitzgerald – Clarinet I/II
Rebecca Testerman, Barbara Cook – Oboe I/II
Amy Pollard, Lazara Santana – Bassoon I/II
David Sayers, Brandon Austin – Trumpet I/II
Amy Black, Dilon Bryan – Horn I/II
Ed Nicholson, Dan Pendley, Ryan Black – Trombone I/II/III
Lisa Angert Morris – Timpani
CORONATION MASS IN C MAJOR (K.317)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
KYRIE
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.
GLORIA
Gloria in excelsis Deo, Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.
Laudamus te, benedicimus te, Adoramus te, glorificamus te.
Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.
Domine Deus, Rex coelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.
Qui tollis peccata mundi, Miserere nobis.
Qui tollis peccata mundi, Suscipe deprecationem nostram.
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.
Quoniam tu solus sanctus, tu solus Dominus.
Tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe.
Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris, Amen.
CREDO
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem coeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium.
Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex patre natum ante omnia saecula, Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero.
Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us.
Glory to God in the highest, And peace on earth to men of good will. We praise you, we bless you, We worship you, we glorify you. We give you thanks for your great glory.
Lord God, King of Heaven, God the Father Almighty. Lord only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. You who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. You who take away the sins of the world, hear our prayer. You who sit at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are holy, you alone are Lord. You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ. With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father, Amen.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God of God, light of light, true God from true God,
Genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt.
Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de coelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto, ex Maria virgine; et homo factus est.
Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est. Et resurrexit tertia die secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in coelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris, et iterum venturus est cum gloria, judicare vivos et mortuos, cujus regni non erit finis.
Et in Spiritum Sanctum Dominum, et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit, qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur, et conglorificatur, qui locutus est per Prophetas.
Et unam sanctam catholicam et apostolicam Eccelsiam.
Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum, et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.
SANCTUS
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. Osanna in excelsis.
BENEDICTUS
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Osanna in excelsis.
begotten, not made, of one being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven. He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit, of the Virgin Mary; and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, suffered death, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, and who spoke through the prophets.
I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church;
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins;
I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.
AGNUS DEI
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
REQUIEM IN D MINOR (K.626)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791), completed by Franz Xaver Süssmayr
REQUIEM & KYRIE
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion, et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem.
Exaudi orationem meam, ad te omnis caro veniet.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.
DIES IRAE
Dies irae, dies illa solvet saeclum in favilla, teste David cum Sibylla. Quantus tremor est futurus wuando judex est venturus cuncta stricte discussurus.
TUBA MIRUM
Tuba mirum spargens sonum per sepulcra regionum coget omnes ante thronum.
Mors slopebit et natora cum resurget creatura judicanti responsura.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine on them. Thou, O God, are praised in Sion, and unto Thee shall the vow be performed in Jerusalem.
Hear my prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come. Grant them eternal rest, 0 Lord, and may perpetual light shine on them.
Lord have mercy upon us. Christ have mercy upon us. Lord have mercy upon us.
Day of wrath, that day will dissolve time itself into dust as both David and the Sibyl bear witness. How great that terror that will be when the Judge shall come to sift out all things without exception
A mighty trumpet’s wondrous sound through the tombs of every land will summon all before the throne.
And death and nature shall be astonished When creation shall rise again in response to his judgement.
Liber scriptus proferetur in quo totum continetur, unde mundus judicetur.
Judex ergo cum sedebit quidquid latet apparebit, nil inultum remanebit.
Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum togaturus, cum vix justus sit securus?
REX TREMENDAE
Rex tremendae majestatis, Qui salvandos salvas gratis, Salve me, fons pietatis.
RECORDARE
Recordare, Jesu pie, quod sum causa tuae viae, ne me perdas ilia die.
Quaerens me sedisti lassus, redemisti crucem passus, tamus labor non sit cassus.
Juste judex ultionis donum fac remissionis ante diem rationis. lngemisco tamquam reus, culpa rubet vultus meus, supplicanti parce, Deus.
Qui Mariam absolvisti et latronem exaudisti, mihi quoque spem dedisti.
Preces meae non sum dignae, sed tu bonus fac benigne, ne perenni cremer igne.
Inter oves locum praesta, et ab hoedis me sequestra, statuens in parte dextra.
The book of scripture will be brought forth in which is contained everything that is, out of which the world shall be judged.
When therefore the judge takes his seat whatever is hidden will reveal itself, and nothing will remain unavenged.
What then shall I say, wretch that I am? What advocate am I to call upon, when even the righteous are hardly secure?
King of tremendous majesty, Who freely saves the redeemed, Save me, fount of mercy.
Remember, merciful Jesus, that I am the cause of your pilgrimage, Do not forsake me on that day.
Seeking me you sat down weary, You redeemed me, suffering death on the cross.
Righteous judge of vengeance grant me the gift of forgiveness before the day of reckoning.
I groan like a guilty man, guilt reddens my face, spare the supplicant, O God.
You who absolved Mary and heard the thief, you also have given me hope.
My prayers are not worthy, but in your goodness have mercy, and rescue me from everlasting fire.
Provide me a place among your sheep, and separate me from the goats, guiding me to your right hand.
CONFUTATIS
Confutatis maledictis flammis acribus addictis, voca me cum benedictis.
Oro supplex et acclinis, cor contritum quasi cinis, gere curam mei finis.
LACRYMOSA
Lacrimosa dies ilia qua resurget ex favilla judicandus homo reus.
Huic ergo parce, Deus, pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem.
DOMINE JESU
Domine Jesu Christe! Rex Gloriae! Libera animas omnium fidelium defunctorum de poenis inferni et de profundo lacu!
Libera eas de ore leonis, ne absorbeat eas Tartarus, ne cadant in obscurum.
Sed signifer sanctus Michael repraesentet eas in lucem sanctam, quam olim Abrahae promisisti et semini ejus.
HOSTIAS
Hostias et preces tibi, Domine, laudis offerimus. Tu suscipe pro animabus illis, quarum hodie memoriam facimus.
Fac eas, Domine, de morte transire ad vitam quam olim Abrahae promisisti et semini ejus.
When the accursed have been confounded and given over to the bitter flames, call me with the blessed.
I pray in supplication on my knees, my heart contrite as the dust, safeguard my fate.
Full of tears will be that day when again from the dust shall rise a guilty man to be judged.
Therefore, spare him, O God, merciful Lord Jesus, grant them rest.
Lord Jesus Christ! King of Glory! Deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit.
Deliver them from the lion's mouth, let not hell swallow them up nor let them fall into darkness.
But let St. Michael, Thy standard-bearer, lead them back into the holy light that you have promised to Abraham and his seed.
We offer unto you, God, this sacrifice of prayer and praise. Receive it for those souls whose memory we keep today.
Grant them, O Lord, to pass from death into the life that you have promised to Abraham and his seed
SANCTUS
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua. Osanna in excelsis.
BENEDICTUS
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Osanna in excelsis.
AGNUS DEI
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona eis requiem.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona eis requiem sempiternam.
Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine, cum sanctis in aeternum, quia pius es.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them rest.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them rest everlasting.
May eternal light shine on them, Lord, with your saints eternal, because you are merciful.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine on them.
With your saints eternal, because you are merciful.
2024-2025
CHORISTERS
SOPRANOS
Amy Arnold
Michelle Augsten
Casey Bagby
Hayley Conroy
Samantha Frischling
Meg Granum Gurtcheff
Lisa Hayes
Perry Houck
Audriana Johnson
Amy Kuhn
Elizabeth Lamback
Katie Leverett
Caitlin Norton
Claire Pappas
Megan Schuitema
Sylvia Ware
ALTOS
Claire Berger
Holly Botella
Emily Boyle
Calissa Dauterman
Katie Dial
Stephanie Gilbert
Jean Goffaux
Amelia Gregory
Ivy Overcash
Joy Putney
Mary Grace Roark
Kira St. Pierre
Meredith Starks
Kathryn Stone
June Webb
TENORS
Ben Barkley
Ameya Gangal
Mark King
Ryan Koter
Bronson Lee
Paul McClung
Andrew McLeod
Ryan Nation
Garrett Pace
Sam Potts
James Ranson
Denny Shin
James Rashaad Turner
BASSES
Jacob Augsten
Nick Almand
Mark Bost
Ben Burgett
Stven Carlberg
David Champion
Andre Darvasan-Stanciu
Jared Duncan
Richard Holz
James Jones
Mark Lamback
Joseph Legaspi
Thomas McKean
Joseph Ripley
Wade Thomas
David Walters
Spence Whitehead
Ross Wilcox
ATLANTA MASTER
CHORALE CHORAL SERIES
Our Atlanta Master Chorale Choral Series, published by MorningStar Music/ECS Publishing Group, captures new repertoire premiered by the ensemble, helping to add vibrant original music to the choral field. The series features original works and arrangements composed by Eric Nelson, Atlanta Master Chorale’s artistic director, in addition to pieces commissioned by Atlanta Master Chorale from composers Ivo Antognini, Joel Thompson, and Stacey Gibbs. Pieces included in the series are chosen for their technical and expressive qualities. We hope all who sing them will find those places “where music touches spirit.”
Visit AtlantaMasterChorale.org/AMCChoral-Series for more details including ordering information.
CHOOSE 4 FOR $10!
In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we are offering bundles of 4 past Atlanta Master Chorale or Atlanta Sacred Chorale CDs of your choice for only $2.50 each!
ERIC NELSON is artistic director of Atlanta Master Chorale and professor of music and director of choral studies at Emory University. Dr. Nelson’s choirs have performed throughout the world, including London, Rome, Berlin, Moscow, Seoul, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Sydney Opera House. He has conducted choirs at eight American Choral Directors Association conferences, including Atlanta Master Chorale’s performance at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis for the National Conference in March 2017 and the Emory Concert Choir’s performance at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall for the National Conference in 2011.
Dr. Nelson’s ensembles are characterized by their variety of repertoire and for their ability to fuse technical precision with warmth of musical expression. He appears regularly as clinician, lecturer, and guest conductor for honor choirs, conventions, symposiums, workshops, and all-state festivals.
Dr. Nelson’s choral compositions and arrangements are sung regularly by ensembles throughout the United States. He is the editor of the Atlanta Master Chorale Choral Series, published by MorningStar Music/ECS Publishing Group. His compositions are also published by Colla Voce and Augsburg Fortress. He holds degrees in voice and conducting from Houghton College, Westminster Choir College, and Indiana University.
DEANNA JOSEPH
, Guest Conductor | Dr.
Deanna
Joseph is professor of music and director of choral studies at Georgia State University School of Music where she conducts the University Singers and leads the master’s program in choral conducting.
Dr. Joseph's teaching and scholarship has been recognized with several awards, including the Georgia State University College of the Arts Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award in 2021, and in 2019, the Georgia State University Alumni Distinguished Professor Award, a university-wide award given to “a model of the teacher-scholar ideal.”
Under Dr. Joseph’s direction, the Georgia State University Singers were invited to perform at two national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association, in 2021 and in 2025, and perform regularly at regional and state music conferences.
In April of 2023, the Georgia State University Singers performed two concerts at the World Symposium on Choral Music in Istanbul, Turkey. In May of 2017, the University Singers won first place in the renowned Marktoberdorf International Chamber Choir Competition.
The choir’s three professional recording, Evening Hymn, Heavenly Display:
Songs Inspired by Shaker Tunes, and Requiem (Gothic Records), are distributed internationally by Naxos. All three disks have been featured on National Public Radio’s program, With Heart and Voice. Dr. Joseph’s choirs enjoy collaborations with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, and Andrea Bocelli.
Dr. Joseph holds conducting degrees from the Eastman School of Music, where she was awarded the Walter Hagen Conducting Prize. She is the founder and artistic director of the Atlanta Summer Conducting Institute, a weeklong, summer conducting master class that draws conductors from across the country.
JONATHAN EASTER, Accompanist | Jon Easter is celebrated for his moving expressivity and musical artistry across multiple instruments and as a conductor. He performs regularly with Emory’s Concert Choir and Atlanta Master Chorale, serving as both accompanist and assistant conductor. His expertise has also been showcased in performances with Atlanta Master Chorale at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and American Guild of Organists conventions at regional and national levels.
Throughout his career, Jon has held significant positions as organist and choir director at Saint Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal in Jacksonville, FL, Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, GA, and Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA. He now enjoys life as a sought-after substitute and interim organist and is in high demand for his versatility and reliability. His commitment to musical excellence extends to solo and collaborative organ recitals across the Southeast, where he consistently demonstrates both technical mastery and artistic expression.
His collaborations with renowned singers, including multiple recitals with Jamie Barton—featuring a recording of Lee Hoiby’s Bon Appétit! and participation in the Metropolitan Opera virtual gala—further highlight his distinguished career. Jon's recordings include several Atlanta Master Chorale CDs, the University of North Florida Chamber Singers, and Crossroads Trumpets: Masterworks for Trumpet Ensemble. These contributions solidify his reputation as a dynamic and versatile musician, making significant impacts across various musical landscapes.
Jon holds an undergraduate degree in organ performance from Shorter College, where he studied with Peter Dewitt. He earned double master’s degrees in choral conducting and organ performance from Emory University under Eric Nelson and Timothy Albrecht. He also pursued additional conducting studies with Donald Nally and Martha Shaw and organ studies with Bill Evans and Alan Morrison.
MARIA
VALDES, Soprano | American soprano
Maria Valdes, praised by The New York Times as a “firstrate singing actress,” has established herself as a dynamic presence on both operatic and concert stages. This season, she makes notable appearances with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, returns to the Greensboro Symphony for Mozart’s Requiem and Exsultate Jubilate, and reprises the role of Micaëla in Carmen with Hawaii Opera Theatre. A former Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera, Valdes has sung with the Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Atlanta Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, among others. Her concert work includes collaborations with the Phoenix and Atlanta Symphonies, Bellingham Festival of Music, Symphony San Jose, and more. In addition to her stage work, she maintains an active recital schedule and appears on several recordings.
ELIZABETH JOHNSON KNIGHT,
Mezzo |
Elizabeth Johnson Knight, American mezzo soprano, is in demand as both a choral and solo artist. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as alto soloist in Handel's Messiah with Andrew Megill and the Masterwork Chorus. Recent solo appearances include Atlanta Baroque, Chamber Music Athens, Illinois Bach Academy, and Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra. Elizabeth has sung in professional choral ensembles across the United States, including Orpheus Chamber Singers, Vox Humana, Kinnara, Spire Ensemble, and the South Dakota Chorale. She is a long-time member of the Chorale of the Carmel Bach Festival. She has recorded with many of these ensembles, including the GRAMMY-nominated Tyberg: Masses album with South Dakota Chorale. She is associate professor of music and chair of vocal studies at the University of Georgia's Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of North Texas (DMA), Indiana University (MM), and the University of Mississippi (BM). She lives in Athens with her husband Mickel and their dog Nashville.
CORY KLOSE
, Tenor | With singing described as “poignant ... with sincerity and unforced beauty” (The Times, London), “elegant” (Cape Cod Times), and “emotionally devastating” (Boston Music Intelligencer), Cory Klose is a sought-after soloist and ensemble singer in the United States. Cory’s recent solo engagements feature appearances with the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, Dekalb Symphony Orchestra, Colorado's Music in the Mountains Festival, and Washington DC's Orchestra of the Hills, performing works such as
J.S. Bach’s Magnificat and St. John Passion, Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, Schubert’s Mass in Eb, Mozart’s Requiem and Vesperae solennes de confessore, and Handel’s Messiah. As a professional choral artist, Cory has appeared with many noted ensembles across the U.S., such as The Crossing, Kinnara, Skylark, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Handel & Haydn Society, Bach Collegium San Diego, True Concord, Spire Chamber Ensemble, and The Thirteen. He can also be heard on many acclaimed choral recordings, including the GRAMMY® Award-winning “Songs of Ascension” with Meredith Monk & Vocal Ensemble and as a soloist on Skylark’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated album “Seven Words from the Cross.”
JOHN ANDREW ARNOLD, Bass-Baritone | John
Arnold has built a reputation for delivering performances imbued with a unique combination of vocal clarity, elegant musicality, and dramatic sophistication. John has performed to great acclaim with opera companies across the United States including the Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Concert Opera, Boston Opera Collaborative, Des Moines Metro Opera, Detroit Opera, Kentucky Opera, Knoxville Opera, Lone Star Lyric, Madison Opera, the Merola Opera Program, Opera New Jersey, and Soo Opera Theatre. In addition to opera, John is in demand as a concert and oratorio soloist. To keep the wolves from the door, he also stays busy as a voice actor, writer, editor, award-winning podcast host, and multiinstrumentalist. John lives in Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood with his wife and three beagles.
Atlanta Master Chorale proudly marks our 40th anniversary this season, continuing our legacy of crafting one of America's finest choral sounds and bringing singers and audiences to a place "where music touches spirit."
Over the past four decades, we have been known as the Gwinnett Festival Singers, Atlanta Sacred Chorale, and now Atlanta Master Chorale. While there have been many transformations through the years, our mission to sing at the highest level of choral artistry remains.
We have evolved into an auditioned metro-area choir with a repertoire of over 100 pieces from diverse genres and periods. Our choral music series of 23 pieces is published by MorningStar Music/ECS Publishing Group, and we have commissioned and premiered 8 new choral works and produced 18 recordings (available on CD and digitally). Our inaugural choral composition competition attracted over 400 applications and 250 submissions from across the globe. We continue to be recognized for our superior choral artistry, including invitations to perform live for national audiences of the American Choral Directors Association national convention and the Chorus America convention. And our digital audience continues to grow through our YouTube channel with 8,800 subscribers, 260 music videos, and 3.5 million views.
Our organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a board of directors experienced in finance, engineering, church music, development, business, law, and the performing arts. As a result of our professionalism, artistic excellence, and our strategic pivot during the pandemic, we are a national leader among choral organizations, sought after for workshops and advice.
Whether this is your first, fourth, or fortieth season, Atlanta Master Chorale welcomes you to this year-long celebration of our successful mission:
To inspire and enrich the lives of our community through the performance of inspirational choral music, to sing at the highest level of choral artistry and to be a standard of excellence among performing arts organizations.
Mark this important 40th anniversary with a gift in any amount. May we suggest amounts featuring the number 4: $4, $40, $400, or more? As always, Atlanta Master Chorale thanks you for your past, present, and future support.
To give online, scan the QR code or visit AtlantaMasterChorale.org/Give
You may also mail a donation to:
Atlanta Master Chorale
P.O. Box 133201
Atlanta, GA 30333
Atlanta Master Chorale is a registered IRS 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation may be tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.
SEASON DONORS
Donor lists reflect gifts from January 1, 2024 - April 15, 2025
LEGACY CIRCLE
($5,000+)
Anonymous
A & J Fund of the Ayco Charitable Foundation
Caterpillar Foundation
Sydney and Craig Cleland
Collings Family Giving Fund
Barbara and Donald Defoe
Patty Dontje
Sylvia and Samy Naguib
Mary Margaret Oliver
Ellen and John Yates
ACCOMPANIST CIRCLE
($2,500 – $4,999)
Charles Beaudrot, Jr.
Carol and Michael Bohannon
Ruth C. Brown, MD
Jamie Clements
Roy and Janet Dorsey Foundation
Cindy and Gary Frischling
Sandy and L. Tom Gay
Berta and James Laney
Susan and James McCabe
Helen Motamen and Deepak Shenoy
Susan and Eric Nelson
Georgia and Stan Segal
Jane and Alan Stevenson
Sally and Todd Tucker
Carol and Bill Yadlosky
COMPOSER CIRCLE
($1,000 – $2,499)
Anonymous
Anne Marie Alexander
Lisa and Jack Alexander
Mark Barilla
Lua Blankenship and Dennis Kemp
Emily and T.J. Boyle
Pat and Ron Braun
Ted Campbell
Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault
Coca-Cola Foundation
Marge and Gray Crouse
Elizabeth and Robert Edge
John Eley
Janet and Donald Filip
Susan and Donald Garrett
Toni and Hardy Gregory
Doug Hand
Sharon L. and Duncan M. Harle
Lisa Hayes
Peggy and Rodger Herndon
Tammy and Tommy Herrington
Michael Nifong and John Sartain
Larry Owens and Clark Simmons
Betsy and Dave Polstra
Pam and Stephen Pugh
Sally Rhoden
Deanna and Vernon Robbins
Mary Slaughter
Hamilton and Mason Smith
Kathryn Stone
Richard Stumm
Anne and Don Teddlie
Dr. James L. Waits
Stephanie Watkins
Donna and Bill Woolf
Anna Wright
SOLOIST CIRCLE
($500 – $999)
Anonymous
Sally Angevine
Shauna and Jason Byars
Laura and Richard Dyer
Lawrence Easter
Dorothy and Todd Evans
Philip Garrett
Sally F. George
Harry Gilbert
Google, LLC
Cameron Ives
Rita and Chris Johnston
Eric Klem
Katheryn Klimko
Amy and Chris Kuhn
Betty Lou Land
Joan and Gerald Lord
Jerry Loyd
Donna and Jack McCoy
Lisa and Rich Mistretta
Lori H. Owens and Anthony E. Healy
Antoinette and Raymond Payne
Elise T. Phillips
Debra and Scott Pyron
Susan Raven
Beth and Mark Roberson
Virginia Schenck
Becky and Sunny Sundquist
Donna and Brian Weatherby
Jerry and Tolly Williamson
CHORISTER CIRCLE
($250 – $499)
Anonymous
Casey Bagby
Jonathan Bauer
Myrna Bauman
Katie Bossie
Donna Brogan
Jan Buchanan
The Caldwell Family
Kelli Carroll and David Ross
Teresa and Thomas Coffey
Susan and Jose Couvillion
Sharon E. Cregier
Susan L. Davidson
Adelia Ann Dozier
Peggy Easter
Janet Fath and Richard Henneman
Paul Frysh
Christine and Lawrence Fuller
Richard Fuller
Marti Hagan
Betty J. and Travis E. Halford
Sarah and Harvey Hill
Martha and Mike Holt
Joanne and Richard Holz
Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM
Sally and George Lee
Sharon and William Luck
Barbara and Walter MacGinnitie
Alison Main
Mark and Sherry Massee
Arina Meeuwsen
Sharon and Dan Rankin
Maggie and Charlie Rogers
Stephen Shaver
Liz and Wayne Stewart
Joanne and Jim Van Duys
Angela M. Verrecchia
Nancy and Jim Verrecchia
Jana and Brian Williams
A CAPPELLA CIRCLE
(up to $249)
Anonymous
Karen Adams and Jeff Pickett
Valerie Almand
Mary S. Archer
Anne Archer Dennington
Mona Reiser Armstrong and John T. Armstrong
Bonnie Baker
Alla Balueva
Bob Bauer and Terry Simerly
Claire Berger and Branislav Marinkovic
Elaine Bradley
Nancy and Randall Burkett
Chuck Burleson
Kathleen and Bernie Cleveland
Coca-Cola Foundation
Delia Coleman
Susan Collins
Rebecca and Wayne Conover
Randal Davison
Linda and William Easterlin
Nancy and John Edison
Merrill Ellis
Sue and Bob Epley
B.J. Erb and Bruce Crabtree
Vicki and Steve Fey
Howard Filston
James Fortier
Samantha Frischling
Mary Galpin
Jane and James Gole
Rob Grabenkort
James Green
Meg and Chris Gurtcheff
Amanda Hall
Nancy Hamilton
Faye and Tom Hammett
Barbara Hammond
Leila L. Hartley and James L. Costlow
Karen Harwell
Shay and Ray Herman Gift Fund
George Hickman
Pamela Ingram
Carol Jean and J. Timothy Johnson
Oren Johnson
Arlene Kim
Ardath and Stephen Krist
Alison Lebreton
Mary Wyche Lesesne
June Lester
Lynn Linck
Marsha and Neal Little
Janet Locke
Kay and David Mainor
Anh Malloy
Nancy McCarty
Craig and Becky McClung Giving Fund
Susan McDonald
Linda Marr McPherson
Laura Meadows
Cynthia S. Mendenhall
M. Lew Miller
Sandra and Simon Miller
Lisa and Joel Morris
Alice and Matthew Nelson
Janice Newsome
Susan and Rhus Palumbo
Anne and Ken Powell
Teresa and Peter Psyhogios
Cheryl Ranson
Louise Reaves
Maria Rispoli
Terri and Gregory Rosenblatt
Frances St. John
Don Saliers
Sue Sandell
Meredith Schweig
Michael Sizemore
Jan and Greg Smith
Maxine and Franklin Smith
Sara Solla
Gayle and Robert Suggs
Carol I. Swisher
Curtis C. Thompson, Jr.
Theressa Virgil
Teresa and Doug Waterman
Jeanne Williams
Anne C. Wray
Carolyn and Max Yost
Cynthia A. Young and James B. Farmer
Jeanne and Richard Young
David Yurko
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. If you find an error, please accept our apology and notify us at INFO@ATLANTAMASTERCHORALE.ORG
MONTHLY SUSTAINING DONORS
We invite you to consider becoming a monthly sustaining donor, spreading your gift over the year. Visit AtlantaMasterChorale.org/donate to set up your recurring donation.
Jonathan Bauer
Carol and Michael Bohannon
Katie Bossie
Jamie Clements
Kathleen and Bernie Cleveland
Lawrence Easter
Samantha Frischling
Philip Garrett
Doug Hand
Amy and Chris Kuhn
Alice and Matthew Nelson
Susan and Eric Nelson
Debra and Scott Pyron
Maggie and Charlie Rogers
Kathryn Stone
Stephanie Watkins
Anonymous
Anne Marie Alexander
Bonnie Baker
Carol and Michael Bohannon
Shauna and Jason Byars
Sharon E. Cregier
Barbara and Donald Defoe
Vicki and Steve Fey
Sally F. George
Philip Garrett
Karen Harwell
Barbara and Walter MacGinnitie
Michael Nifong and John Sartain
Mary Margaret Oliver
Sally Rhoden
Theressa Virgil
Stephanie Watkins
Donna and Brian Weatherby
Full details on the Eric Nelson Artistic Fund including how to donate are listed on the next page. Donors will remain in concert programs for one year from the donation date.
2025 CHORAL COMPOSITION COMPETITION SPONSORS
To support our 2025 Choral Composition Competition through the Eric Nelson Artistic Fund, please list “competition sponsor” in the memo line of your check or in the notes box for online donations.
Bonnie Baker
Carol and Michael Bohannon
Barbara and Donald Defoe
Mary Margaret Oliver
Sally Rhoden
Stephanie Watkins
We rely on the generosity of individual donors in our community, like you, who understand and value the extraordinary quality of our music.
Your gifts help us reach thousands of people throughout the year as we inspire and enrich the lives of the people in our community and beyond.
To give online, scan the QR code or visit www.AtlantaMasterChorale.org/Give.
You may also mail a donation: Atlanta Master Chorale | P.O. Box 133201 | Atlanta, GA 30333 THANK YOU!
DEDICATIONS & MEMORIALS
We welcome the opportunity to honor individuals. Please consider a gift to honor a family member or friend. Dedications and memorials will remain in concert programs for one year from the donation date.
Anonymous donation in memory of Mildred Hopkins Mainor
Sally Angevine in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson
Mary S. Archer in memory of my beloved friend, Sam Hagan
Bob Bauer and Terry Simerly in memory of Sam Hagan
Myrna Bauman in honor of Eric Nelson
Ruth C. Brown, MD in honor of Elizabeth and Mark Lamback
The Caldwell Family in loving memory of our friend and neighbor, Sam Hagan
Ted Campbell in memory of Patricia Campbell
Sharon E. Cregier in honor of Mary Ann Evangelista
Marge and Gray Crouse in honor of Eric Nelson
Elizabeth and Robert Edge in memory of Sam Hagan
Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Edge in honor of Eric Nelson for his spectacular leadership of Atlanta Master Chorale
John Eley in honor of Denny Shin and Ameya Gangal
Merrill Ellis in thanks to Stephanie Watkins
Vicki and Steve Fey in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson
Howard Filston in honor of his grandson, Scott Eric Johnson
James Fortier in honor of Eric Klem’s 60th birthday
Christine and Ben Fuller in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson
Richard Fuller in memory of Sam Hagan, magnificent tenor, and with condolences to his wife Marti
Susan and Donald Garrett in honor of James R. Turner
Sally F. George in honor of Eric Nelson
Harry Gilbert in memory of Katie Gilbert
Marti Hagan in memory of her treasured husband and devoted member of AMC's board, Sam Hagan
Barbara Pressley Hammond in honor of Jeffrey Clanton
Keith Hand in honor of Doug Hand
Sharon L. and Duncan M. Harle in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson
Karen Harwell in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson and in memory of Genie Patterson
Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, in memory of Sam Hagan
Ardath and Stephen Krist in memory of Sam Hagan
Amy and Chris Kuhn in memory of Pat Campbell
Alison Lebreton in honor of Sydney Cleland
Janet Locke in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson
Kay and David Mainor in memory of Mildred Mainor and in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson
Craig and Becky McClung in honor of Dr. Paul McClung
Cynthia S. Mendenhall in memory of Sam Hagan
Sylvia and Samy Naguib in memory of Cleo Mansour
Betsy and Dave Polstra in honor of Bill and Carol Yadlosky
Pam and Stephen Pugh in honor of Mary Evelyn King, daughter of Mark and Edna King
Susan Raven in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson
Stephen Shaver in honor of Eric Nelson, with thanksgiving for his artistry and leadership
Gayle and Robert Suggs in honor of Eric and Susan Nelson
Joanne and Jim Van Duys in honor of Randy Dobbs
Teresa and Doug Waterman in honor of Bill and Sally Waterman
Ellen and John Yates in memory of Louise, Paul, and Rosalyn Cobb and Julia Yates
Cynthia A. Young and James B. Farmer in honor of Jim Verrecchia
Atlanta Master Chorale established the Eric Nelson Artistic Fund (ENAF) in 2020 to honor Eric Nelson’s incredible talents and twenty-year leadership as our artistic director. The ENAF underwrites chorale travel to special performances, commissioned choral works by new or established composers, our annual composition competition, and expenses for high-caliber guest artists who perform or record with the chorale.
ENAF donations may be made online (choose ENAF from the drop-down menu), by mail (indicate ENAF in the memo section of your check), or at the merchandise table in the lobby. AtlantaMasterChorale.org/donate Atlanta Master Chorale| P.O. Box 133201 | Atlanta, GA 30333
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Stephanie Watkins, Board Chair
Sydney Cleland
Jamie Clements
Cindy Evans, Vice Chair
Tommy Herrington
Scott Lamlein
Eric Nelson, Artistic Director
Raymond Payne
Sally Rhoden
Charlie Rogers
Stan Segal
Mary Slaughter
Kathryn Stone, Secretary
Julie Thompson, Treasurer
James Verrecchia, Executive Director
ADVISORY BOARD
Cheryl Bachelder
Charles Beaudrot
Ray Chenault
Rodger Herndon
Dr. James T. Laney
Marianna Magee
Toni Myers
H. Hamilton Smith
William & Carol Yadlosky
Ellen & John Yates
STAFF
Eric Nelson, Artistic Director
Jonathan Easter, Pianist/Organist
James Verrecchia, Executive Director Amy Kuhn, Administrative Manager
Nick Almand, Graphic Design and Video
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ATLANTA MASTER CHORALE is grateful for the participation and support of many friends during this season. We acknowledge and thank the following organizations and individuals for their generous support and service:
INDIVIDUALS
Nick Almand, Video/Photography/Design
Casey Bagby, Membership and Audition Panel
Dr. Daniel Bara, Guest Conductor/Composition Competition Judge
Katie Dial, Guest Conductor
Samantha Frischling, Logistics
Meg Granum Gurtcheff, Guest Conductor
Marti Hagan, Editing
Dr. Deanna Joseph, Guest Conductor/Composition Competition Judge
Branislav Marinkovic, Merchandise Sales
Susan Nelson, Volunteer
Caitlin Norton, Guest Conductor
Sam Potts, Audition Panel/Guest Conductor
Megan Schuitema, Audition Panel/Guest Conductor
Julie Thompson, Accounting/Finance and Merchandise Sales
BUSINESS PARTNERS
ArtsATL
Atlanta ShowGuide
Bridge Catering
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
Alvin Moore, Decorating
Perfect Image Printing
SCHWARTZ CENTER for PERFORMING ARTS
Terry Adams, Box Office Coordinator
Rachael Brightwell, Managing Director
Stacey Cimowsky, Program Coordinator
Kathryn Colegrove, Associate Director for Programming and Outreach
Lewis Fuller, Associate Director for Production and Operations
Jennifer Kimball, Assistant Stage Manager
Jeff Lenhard, Operations Assistant
Matt Mattson, Senior Multimedia Developer
Brenda Porter, House Manager
Bebe Rogers, Communications Specialist
Alan Strange, Box Office Manager
Alexandria Sweatt, Marketing Assistant
Mark Teague, Stage Manager
And the Schwartz Center Ushers and Box Office Staff
And to the many Chorale volunteers, board members, and committee members for contributing their time and talents.
SEE YOU NEXT SEASON!
ATLANTA MASTER
CHORALE would like to thank Bridge Catering for their generosity and support this season.
Bridge Catering, owned and operated by Chef Keith Hand, prepares delicious and affordable dishes for wedding receptions, corporate events, lunches, parties, cocktail receptions, church functions, and more. We will develop a unique menu for your event that will fulfill your culinary desires while staying within your budget.
Learn more at BridgeCatering.com or call 404.233.1582.
If your company would like to sponsor a concert or a season or if you have goods or services to donate, please contact Jim Verrecchia, Executive Director, for more information: ExecutiveDirector@AtlantaMasterChorale.org | 404.853.9309
LISTEN AT HOME
Atlanta Master Chorale’s six latest CDs are available at our merchandise table in the lobby after the concerts. The full collection of our CDs and digital downloads may also be purchased on our website at AtlantaMasterChorale.org/Shop. And Atlanta Master Chorale recordings are available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other digital and streaming services.
ATLANTA MASTER CHORALE MERCHANDISE!
Don’t forget to stop by the table in the lobby to check out our Atlanta Master Chorale merchandise! We have 40th anniversary coffee mugs and 30 oz RTIC tumblers available along with our embroidered Land’s End tote bags, notecards, and magnets. And of course, we will have our latest CDs for sale.
HOMECOMING
Friday, October 10, 2025 | 8pm Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 8pm
Friday, December 12, 2025 | 8pm Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 4pm & 8pm
Friday, March 13, 2026 | 8pm Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 8pm
Friday, May 1, 2026 | 8pm
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 8pm