The San Diego Master Chorale (SDMC), "The Voice of San Diego" by mayoral proclamation, includes 100 of San Diego's finest singers who perform more than 25 times each year all around San Diego County. Originally established in 1961 as the San Diego Symphonic Chorale, the choral arm of the San Diego Symphony, the Chorale became an independent arts organization in 1979. At that time, our name was changed to the San Diego Master Chorale, and we produce our own annual concert series in addition to regular appearances with the San Diego Symphony. The singers, who are all unpaid volunteers, also participate in the Chorale's active community outreach programs, including an interactive presentation on the History of Choral Music to elementary school music classes and entertainment for local retirement homes. The SDMC has made a number of concert tours throughout Europe, most recently a tour of France after the 2010-2011 season to celebrate its Golden Anniversary.

In 2009, the San Diego Master Chorale was honored as the recipient of the prestigious ASCAP/Alice Parker Award for Innovative Choral Programming. Legendary choral composer Alice Parker personally presented this award to SDMC Music Director Gary McKercher at the annual Chorus America Convention in Philadelphia in recognition of the SDMC debut performance of Daniel Kellogg's "The Fiery Furnace" with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. In 2010, the Chorale commissioned world-renowned composer David Conte (www.davidconte.net) to create a new choral work entitled "To Music"; the world premiere performance was presented as part of their Golden Anniversary season. Mr. Conte's more than 70 published compositions include "An Exhortation", which was featured at President Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration.

The San Diego Master Chorale's mission is to promote and preserve the art of choral music through performance, education, and diverse community outreach. As an independent non-profit arts organization, we have the autonomy and artistic ability to present concerts of almost any nature in a variety of settings. Our repertoire ranges from the masterworks of choral literature to contemporary songs, spirituals, folk songs, opera choruses, and choruses from musical theatre. The SDMC is funded in part by a grant from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and by donations from its singers, corporate sponsors, and dedicated friends.