GCC History

History of the Chorus

The Gainesville Civic Chorus began its existence under the direction of Elwood Keister in 1976 as the Bicentennial Choir, and played a major role in the community's celebration of the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. So gratifying were its musical efforts and so congenial were its activities that its members re-formed as the Gainesville Civic Chorus the following year. The permanent name selection deliberately underscores the Chorus' commitment to the cultural enrichment of the Gainesville community, a commitment which was quickly recognized. In 1978, the Chorus received the Gainesville Cultural Commission's award as the community's "best organization involved in the performing arts." It has also gained recognition by both the City Commission and the Alachua County Commission as the community's official chorus. Among the sixty members are retired citizens, business persons, university professors, professional musicians and others from many walks of life.

The Gainesville Civic Chorus presents three major concerts each season. In addition, the Chorus hosts an annual Messiah Sing-A-Long, performs at the Festival of Lights at the Downtown Plaza and participates in the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences annual Baccalaureate service. Over the last ten years, the Chorus has joined the Jacksonville Symphony and Chorus in singing many of the great choral masterpieces including Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Haydn's The Creation and The Seasons, and Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem. In April 1997, the Chorus again joined the Jacksonville Symphony for Beethoven's Nineth Symphony as the opening performance of the Jacoby Symphony Hall. In November 1993, the Gainesville Civic Chorus was invited to sing at Carnegie Hall to perform John Rutter's Requiem with Rutter conducting.

In 1993, in an effort to serve a greater portion of the community, the Gainesville Civic Choristers was created from within the Chorus itself. The Choristers perform in more intimate venues such as retirement homes and local churches.

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