EIN: 54-0830790
Mission Statement
The Arlington Chorale creates a rich musical experience for its singers and the community by performing well-known masterpieces and compelling new works.
Program Summary
The Arlington Chorale is deeply committed to supporting and engaging with our local community. Through the power of music, we build strong partnerships with other non-profit organizations and collectively amplify our impact. We’ve organized holiday events for the refugee community, offered free tickets to underprivileged groups, and nurtured service-oriented values in our youth ensemble to leave a positive and lasting impact on the Arlington community.
As an auditioned community chorus, the Arlington Chorale not only enhances the community artistically by performing great music, it also changes lives by giving members a space to engage in teamwork and interact socially with one another. Recent studies have shown that choral singers are good citizens. They are significantly more likely to report regularly voting, reading books and newspapers, donating money to charities and other causes, and serving as officers of civic organizations. A large majority of choral singers credit their chorus experience as key to their team participation or leadership abilities, and with helping them to better socialize in other areas of their lives.
Building on over fifty years of choral art, the Chorale continues to present ambitious programming, rehearsing and performing primarily in Arlington. Choral singing builds community, providing a space for members to work toward a common artistic goal as they create, connect, and sing together.
Impact Statement
The Arlington Chorale bridges differences by creating a shared experience through unique and thought-provoking musical experiences that foster connections and create a sense of belonging. In June 2023, the Chorale presented a concert highlighting the experience of refugees. The concert featured the world premiere of a work commissioned by the Chorale, “Song of Exile” by Saunder Choi. Following the concert, all audience members were invited to a reception featuring foods from immigrant and refugee-owned restaurants. Attending a concert by the Arlington Chorale is not just a musical event, it is a horizon-broadening experience!
For the past three seasons, the Arlington Chorale has partnered with Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA). Their clients and staff are invited to select concerts with all travel and ticket expenses covered by the Chorale. Their clients are occasionally invited to take part in the performance itself as speakers, poets, and musicians. The Chorale’s youth ensemble, Performers With Purpose, puts on an annual benefit recital for the Resource Center at LSSNCA, and both youth and adult singers volunteer at the center to help with needed tasks.
In Season 24/25, the Arlington Chorale performed four concerts in Arlington and Alexandria, serving nearly 2,000 attendees.
What ways can the public get involved?
There are several ways to be involved with the Arlington Chorale! The first is to attend a concert. Information can be found on our website.
The Arlington Chorale is a community chorus and welcomes new members! If you would like to sing with the group, please reach out to Artistic Director Dr. Ingrid Lestrud at ingrid@arlingtonchorale.org.
Additionally, the Chorale supports a youth ensemble, Performers With Purpose. Designed for youth ages 11-18, this group uses choral music to serve their community in unique ways. Each season, these young singers partner with local non-profit organizations to learn about the group’s mission, engage in service projects, and use choral music to raise awareness for the partner organization. Those interested in joining Performers With Purpose should reach out to Ingrid Lestrud at ingrid@arlingtonchorale.org.
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
Donations help us expand our outreach in Arlington and continue providing high quality musical experiences for our singers and audience members. We support the artistic community as we hire soloists, instrumentalists, commission new works, and pay our staff. Without being able to cover programming expenses, the Arlington Chorale would not be able to carry out its mission.
Information provided April 2025