Brief History

The 100-plus voices that comprise the Jefferson Choral Society represent 15 different communities in and around Central Virginia. The dedication of the singers, some of whom drive an hour to rehearsals, is evident in the quality of sound the Society creates.

Following 27 years as the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center Chorus, the JCS was chartered in 1990 as a separate, nonprofit entity. The name was chosen because of proximity to Thomas Jefferson’s summer home, Poplar Forest, and his love of classical music.

Fulfilling the need for accessible, live classical music, the chorus has performed more than 35 master works of all periods, from Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Magnificat in C Major, Fauré’s Requiem, and Orff’s Carmina Burana to King David by Honneger.

The Choral Society is one of the most widely traveled vocal groups in the state, having performed in many beautiful European churches and cathedrals. It has also performed at the Washington National Cathedral, Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Church and at the Wintergreen Performing Arts Series. Two years ago the singers traveled to New York for a memorable performance of Orff’s popular Carmina Burana at historic Carnegie Hall and this summer performed in a number of venues in Italy.

The Choral Society is grateful for the support of businesses and the community at large. The Chorus returns the favor by performing benefit concerts for such worthy causes as the Interfaith Outreach Association and the National D-Day Memorial.

The JCS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is the resident performing arts organization of the Academy of Music in Lynchburg, Virginia.