Sacramento Master Singers

MISSION:

The mission of the Sacramento Master Singers (SMS) is to:

provide audiences in the greater Sacramento area with world-class concerts that engage and inspire,
perform a diverse repertoire of music drawing on the best choral literature from early chant to avant-garde,
offer an opportunity to accomplished choral singers for musical growth, personal fulfillment and fellowship, and
to ensure the advancement of the choral arts through outreach programs for area youth.

HISTORY/INFORMATION:

The Sacramento Master Singers was incorporated in 1983 after performing for many years under other names including the Camellia Concert Chorale. In the early 80s, founding director Ken Winter, admired for his passionate interpretations and extensive knowledge of choral literature, sought to form a new, auditioned choir of carefully selected singers who would focus on expert performances of choral music. SMS’ first performance in the spring of 1984 at Northminster Presbyterian Church included just 14 singers. Among them were current member Carol McCormick and current Artistic Director Ralph Hughes. The choir is indebted to Ken and those 14 founding members for the vision they shared in establishing this choir that so many have grown to love and admire.

Ralph Hughes became the conductor and Artistic Director of the Sacramento Master Singers in the fall of 1986. At that time the choir was small – with a budget and audience to match. Under Dr. Hughes’ leadership, the choir’s membership increased in number and quality, establishing the group as an esteemed member of the Sacramento arts community.