The I. Sherman Greene Chorale, Inc.
REHEARSALS
The Chorale rehearses each Monday at 6:00 p.m. in the choir room of the Booker T. Washington High School, 1111 Park Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23504.
The I. Sherman Greene Chorale, a civic semi-professional choral ensemble, was founded in 1972 by Isaac Sherman Greene, a music instructor at Norfolk's Booker T. Washington High School, after a performance of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast for the Annual Negro History Week celebration. The event was so successful that Mr. Greene asked some of his former singers to form a permanent civic group.
Mr. Greene conducted the Chorale in performances of Requiem Masses by Mozart, Brahm’s, Verdi, as well as other large works for choir.
Mr. Greene conducted the Chorale in performances of Requiem Masses by Mozart, Brahm’s, Verdi, as well as other large works for choir.
Following the illness of Mr. Greene in 1978, Dr. Carl W. Haywood assumed the conducting responsibilities continuing a lineage of successful performances. He conducted the I. Sherman Greene Chorale for twenty-six years. A lover of Negro spirituals and masterworks, Professor Haywood has conducted the Chorale in successful performances of Haydn’s Creation, Brahms’ Requiem, The Ordering of Moses (Dett), The Lord Nelson Mass (Haydn), Scenes from the Life of a Martyr (Undine Moore), and Messiah (Handel)—all with orchestra.
Continuing the heritage of great master conductors of the I. Sherman Greene Chorale is Maestro Terry W. Butler who was appointed Musical Director in 2004. Mr. Butler embodied the spirit of his predecessors in his creation of a new vision of outstanding performances of the Chorale. He also broadened the performance venue thereby exposing a vast community to the outstanding contributions of African-American Composers and singers.
Continuing the heritage of great master conductors of the I. Sherman Greene Chorale is Maestro Terry W. Butler who was appointed Musical Director in 2004. Mr. Butler embodied the spirit of his predecessors in his creation of a new vision of outstanding performances of the Chorale. He also broadened the performance venue thereby exposing a vast community to the outstanding contributions of African-American Composers and singers.
We are honored to have as the new Music Director of the I. Sherman Greene Chorale, Dr. Sheila McDonald Harleston.
Now in its 40th season, the Chorale is in demand for recitals and concerts throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. The Chorale is known for its performances of the music of the great masters and traditional spirituals.
Ms. LaVerne Wiggins is Executive Director of the Chorale .
