60 Seasons Of Song

THIS YEAR MARKS the 60th anniversary season of Ridgewood’s Ars Musica Chorale. From Baroque to Bernstein, folksongs to opera, Ridgewood’s community chorale was founded by Joyce Keshner on the belief that choral music should be both excellent and accessible.

Originally established as the Paramus Chorale, the ensemble was subsidized by the Paramus Recreation Commission and performed its first concert on Dec. 18, 1966, featuring Baroque works by Bach, Vivaldi, and Haydn. Keshner, who served as conductor and music director for 19 years, was featured in The New York Times in 1975—a remarkable achievement at a time when men still dominated the field of conducting.

“Getting started was the biggest challenge,” says Keshner. “I was one of the four or five female conductors in this country—we made history.”

In 1970, the ensemble adopted its current name, Ars Musica Chorale. Its tagline, “World-class choral music on your doorstep,” highlights that you don’t need to travel to New York City to experience exceptional performances. Local senior organizations and groups serving people with disabilities benefit from discounted or complimentary tickets, making it far more convenient for them to attend concerts.

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION

The ensemble has performed New Jersey premieres by renowned composers such as Pietro Mascagni and has commissioned new works by contemporary American composers Joshua Groffman and Vince Peterson. It has performed in many of New Jersey’s most prestigious venues, including the Trenton War Memorial, the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, and Newark’s historic Symphony Hall.

Ars Musica has also performed with the Opera Orchestra of New York at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as on tours and at festivals throughout Europe.

During the pandemic, the Chorale produced virtual choral recordings culminating in a complete online concert, ensuring that their music reached the community during a time of uncertain silence.

Today, Music Director Michael McCormick carries that tradition forward with creative programming that bridges the old and the new.

Since joining Ars Musica in 2022, McCormick has led performances that range from folk-inspired Americana to 20th century English choral music. Ars Musica recently opened its anniversary season with a U.S. premiere: the chamber orchestra version of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.”

THE CONDUCTOR’S VISION

McCormick, who also teaches at Princeton University, admits his commute from Princeton to Ridgewood is long—but worth every mile.

“Ars Musica has always had a reputation for excellence,” he says. “I particularly enjoy the willingness of the choir to explore all kinds of repertoire. There are some concerts where the vast majority of singers have sung the music we’re performing, and others where every piece of music is brand new to all of us. The enthusiasm our members show for the music— both old and new—is inspiring and gets me excited to be more creative in my programming.

He explains that choosing each season’s repertoire is like crafting a musical conversation: “The dialogue between the masters of the past and the composers of our time shows that choral music is a living, breathing entity.”

Rehearsals reflect that balance of artistry and community. They begin with a roadmap of the evening’s rehearsal goals and warmups, followed by a review of some familiar material before diving into new music and ending on a unifying chord. Once a month, members gather for post-rehearsal treats, often homemade, reminding everyone that Ars Musica is more than a choir—it’s a family.

COLLABORATIONS AND COMMUNITY

Collaboration has been a central component of Ars Musica’s mission since its inception. Over the years, the Chorale has partnered with orchestras, children’s choirs, and local schools, expanding both its artistic reach and community impact.

“This year, we’re collaborating with Adelphi Orchestra (twice), two different children’s choirs, and two high schools,” says McCormick. “December brings us a brass quintet, and in March, we will be joined by a brilliant organist. All of these collaborations help us learn, grow, and expand our musical minds.”

Educational initiatives also run deep in the Chorale’s history. Past programs have included a Composer-in-Residence, the New Jersey State Children’s Chorus, and the Encore Young Artists Program. Today, the Choral Scholars initiative provides young singers with professional experience both as ensemble members and soloists, while the assistant conductor program helps emerging leaders refine their skills.

A LASTING IMPACT

As McCormick reflects on his role in this milestone season, he points to the rewarding challenge of programming works that honor tradition while embracing the new, balancing the crowd favorites with new and unfamiliar works.

“In my experience, the conversation between the musical masters of our past and the composers of our time allows the listener to discover that choral music is a living, breathing entity that is always progressing,” he says. “For example, in May, we are performing the treasured Poulenc ‘Gloria’ with André Thomas’ ‘Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy.’”

The former was written in 1959 and has long been a standard in choral repertoire. The latter was written in 2019. “André Thomas was inspired by Poulenc, suggesting that the ‘Gloria’ is a natural and ideal pairing with his ‘Mass’, even though the styles of the two works are wildly different,” notes McCormick. “This is a prime example of blending the old with the new in a natural and intentional way.”

When Daniella Ashbahian, current Ars Musica Chorale president, discovered Ars Musica Chorale, the group was not only a perfect fit—it became a second family.

“After returning home from college in Virginia—where I had sung in four university choirs, three community choirs, and one professional chamber choir—I took some time off from singing, but after a while, I found myself missing it and began looking for a choir in Bergen County.” Ashbahian notes that she’s made many lasting friendships over the years through her involvement. “Ars Musica Chorale is more than just a place to sing. It’s a community, a support system, and a true musical family.”

Marjorie Vandervoort, member since 1978, says: “My connection to Ars Musica has allowed me to perform great and unusual music, 48 years of friendships with other music-loving people, and trips to Europe presenting concerts under Joyce Keshner, Italo Marchini, and Robert Long. I think I have done almost every job available, from rehearsal-chair set-up to concert mistress; chorus master at Carnegie Hall, and transporter of the Ondes Martenot for our Messiaen concert. I became a better musician myself, making music with our eight gifted conductors, and I am grateful for it all.”

As Ridgewood gathers to celebrate Ars Musica’s 60th season, the Chorale’s legacy is clear: six decades of song, service, and community—and a future filled with harmony.

UPCOMING ARS MUSICA 60TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

Carmina Burana 

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m. West Side Presbyterian Church

“Carmina Burana” is a bold and timeless work exploring the turning wheel of fortune, the beauty of spring, and the fleeting nature of life. This performance marks the American premiere of a new chamber orchestration, offering a fresh and intimate take on Orff’s iconic cantata. The Chorale will be joined by the Adelphi Orchestra, soloists Kristen Plumley and George Johnson III, the New Jersey Children’s Choir, and the Mount Olive Middle School Select Choir for this unforgettable evening of music and energy.

An Ars Musica Holiday

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church

This festive concert blends stirring choral music, seasonal readings, and the rich sounds of organ, brass, and percussion to create an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages. This year’s program features selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” alongside festive works by John Rutter, David Willcocks, and Ryan Brandau. Two former conductors, Joyce Keshner, and Brian Mummert, will conduct selected pieces of music.

Rutter’s Requiem

Sunday, March 8, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church

John Rutter’s “Requiem” is a luminous and contemplative work filled with prayers for peace, comfort, and humanity. Its serene beauty offers a profound sense of closure and renewal. We are also thrilled to welcome the acclaimed all-male vocal quartet, Choir Next Door, featuring some of the East Coast’s finest choral artists.

Celebrating 60 years

Saturday, May 30, 2026, 7:30 p.m. West Side Presbyterian Churc

Ars Musica Chorale closes its landmark 60th Anniversary Season with an electrifying celebration of music, spirit, and community featuring Francis Poulenc’s “Gloria” and André Thomas’ “Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy,” a vibrant fusion of gospel, spirituals, and jazz that showcases the power and joy of American musical traditions.

Tickets for all concerts:

Adult $40; Seniors/special needs $35; Student with ID $15;

Under 12 are free

Tickets are available at www.arsmusica.org or at the door.

BY KRIS PEPPER