City of Saginaw, Michigan

(989) 753-1812 201 N Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI48607 https://saginawchoralsociety.com/
Relevant, Engaging & Uncompromisingly Excellent!saginaw-choral-society-logo

Taking center stage for its 78th concert season, the Saginaw Choral Society continues to entertain, educate and excite audiences with classical, contemporary and popular choral concerts.

The Saginaw Choral Society originated in 1935 with a grant from the C.K. Eddy Family Fund and has progressively grown to a chorus of over 80 active members, whose passion is choral performance. Under the leadership of the charismatic Artistic Director, Glen Thomas Rideout, and housed in Saginaw's beautiful Temple Theatre, the ensemble continues to maintain its position as one of Michigan's most respected and accomplished choral organizations. The award-winning chorus has welcomed a host of the world's greatest artists to its stage, including: Dave Brubeck, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Mel Torme, The Canadian Brass, Doc Severinson, Kathy Mattea and William Warfield.

The Choral Society is proud to welcome world-class conductors as guest artists. Their 60th anniversary season featured nationally-renowned conductor Dr. Robert Page for a monumental performance of Verdi's Requiem. In their 70th season, the Saginaw Choral Society welcomed Midland Music Society Chorale and joined voices for thrilling performances of Carl Orff's thrilling Carmina Burana, led by the University of Michigan's Dr. Jerry Blackstone. The late, Detroit-born conductor Brazeal Dennard, among the nation's greatest pioneers of early African-American music, has also led the choral society in concert.

SCS believes artistic collaboration is a vital element of the musical experience. Recent collaborations include: The Choir of Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, White Pine Middle School Choir, Midland Music Society Chorale, Ann Arbor Symphony, The Ann Arbor Cantata Singers, The Holland Chorale of West Michigan, Choirs of the University of Michigan, Choirs of Michigan State University, Choirs of Central Michigan University, Midland Symphony Orchestra and Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra.

The Saginaw Choral Society promotes choral education in schools through workshops, mentoring, and guest appearances onstage. Artistic Director, Glen Thomas Rideout, also makes guest appearances in colleges and high schools in the region. They also annually award the $1,500 Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship to a graduating Saginaw County high school senior majoring in music at a college/university and the Glenn Thomas Rideout Scholarship for MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institute at the University of Michigan.