Fairfax Choral Society

With a legacy stretching back to 1962, the Fairfax Choral Society, a non-profit public charity, enriches lives through the performance, education, and appreciation of choral art. With nine ensembles and the opportunity to join skill-appropriate musicianship classes, FCS is one of the largest choral groups in Northern Virginia and the only organization providing opportunities to 350-plus choral singers from preschool through adult. Our vision is a world where choral music uplifts and inspires all people and unites communities. The FCS Symphonic Chorus is comprised of approximately 50 singers who audition annually. The Symphonic Chorus has received rave reviews for its performance of choral masterworks in collaboration with the Fairfax Symphony, Cathedral Choral Society, Choral Arts Society, National Symphony Orchestra, City of Fairfax Band, and other arts organizations in the region. The Washington Post has described the FCS Chorus as “…confident and polished…this chorus produced waves of gorgeous tones and a rich tapestry of color…the effect of some very skillful conducting.” The FCS Vocal Arts Ensemble is an adult chorus of 110 singers that held their inaugural season in 2018-2019. Under the direction of Artistic Director Michael Ehrlich, this ensemble performs a variety of genres, including traditional choral literature, major works, American folk songs and spirituals, music of different cultures, vocal jazz, and Broadway. Members of the Vocal Arts Ensemble perform with the Fairfax City Band at their annual Holiday Concert. Along with bringing choral music to the community, the ensemble embraces the true meaning of community by seeking diversity in its make up and in its repertoire. Additionally the ensemble envelops all elements of our community to foster inclusiveness, to help those in need, and to share our love of the choral arts. The FCS Youth Choruses, under the direction of Patrick Vaughn, provide singers ages five to nineteen the opportunity to expand their vocal experience in an auditioned choral program. Singers participate in musicianship classes and performing ensembles at our Campus in Annandale, VA. The FCS Youth Choruses have sung for choral festivals, schools, church concert series, with the National Symphony Orchestra and the American Youth Philharmonic, at Carnegie Hall, at the White House, and in collaboration with other youth choruses throughout the Washington area. Their repertoire includes classical, folk, and the finest contemporary compositions for treble and mixed voices. FCS was honored by the Arts Council of Fairfax County with the 2016 Arts Education Award for its outstanding music education program. Whether as a participant or audience member, there is something for everyone at the Fairfax Choral Society!