THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 17, 1996 TAG: 9604170358
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CRAIG SHAPIRO, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
Don McCullough, founder of the highly regarded Norfolk ensemble the McCullough Chorale, and chorus master of the Virginia Symphony Chorus, has been named conductor of the Paul Hill Chorale in Washington, D.C.
He takes over the baton May 1.
Since its inception as Norfolk Pro Musica in 1984, the McCullough Chorale has expanded its repertoire from early-music to include new works by 20th century American composers. With 24 paid singers, it is Virginia's only fully professional choral ensemble.
McCullough formed the 90-voice Symphony Chorus six years ago.
The Paul Hill Chorale, founded 29 years ago by its namesake, is twice that size and has a $500,000 operating budget. Headquartered at the Kennedy Center, the ensemble is involved in commissioning and performing works by American composers. Among its dates next season is one with the National Symphony Orchestra and its new music director, Leonard Slatkin.
The chorale is the only large chorus in metropolitan Washington with a paid corps of professional singers, McCullough said.
``It certainly addresses their commitment,'' he said. ``The one thing I've tried to do here was give singers who've spent $100,000 learning to sing an opportunity to perform.''
McCullough added that he hopes to meet his obligation to the Symphony Chorus by commuting to Hampton Roads next season. He leads the McCullough Chorale in its final concerts May 17 and 19 at 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Colonial and Redgate avenues, Norfolk. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
MAY CONCERTS
Don McCullough leads the McCullough Chorale in its final concerts
May 17 and 19 at 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Colonial and
Redgate avenues, Norfolk.
by CNB