Our Story
Founded in 1989, the Chamber Chorale began as a small ensemble devoted to high-quality choral music in a wide variety of styles. Over the decades, CCF has grown into the region’s premier choir, performing across Fredericksburg and the Commonwealth and earning praise for artistry, precision, and expressive diversity.
Today, CCF continues to elevate Fredericksburg’s cultural life through innovative programming, community collaboration, and performances that feel both world-class and distinctly local. Ongoing collaborations with regional orchestras and local guest artists, frequent performances of contemporary works and original arrangements, and praise in local and regional media outlets show that there’s no need to travel to Richmond or Washington, DC, with world-class artistic experiences available close to home.
Highlights & Milestones
- Annual participation at the St. George’s Concert Series and FredNats games
- Performances with other local groups, such as the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra, the annual Fredericksburg Community Chorus presentation of Handel’s “Messiah,” Rappahannock Pops Orchestra, the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic, Stafford Regional Choral Society, and ADCA regional conferences
Chorale members with the Fredericksburg Community Chorus in concert
- 2026 – Regional debut of the Virginia Passport Program, offering discount tickets to WIC recipients
- 2025 – WETA 90.5 FM Song of the Season feature performance with other local renowned choral groups in the NOVA region
- 2025 – World debut of the choral arrangement for Matt Riley’s “Ode to Joy” with the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra
- 2024 – Hurricane Milton and Helene benefit concert with other local musical ensembles
- 2024 – Inaugural high school invitational to perform with CCF at our annual Spring Concert as a new edition of our education and community outreach initiatives
- 2023 – 95.9 FM Hometown Spotlight with “Muppet Christmas Carol Medley”
- 2021 – Continued uninterrupted through the COVID-19 pandemic by presenting virtual “Zoom-style” concerts. The members’ dedication was clear when they were called to rehearse outside. Multiple virtual concerts, including the complete “Gloria” of Antonio Vivaldi, were recorded, edited, and produced entirely by our members and directors. We performed our first live concert, post-COVID, in Market Square, downtown Fredericksburg, in June of 2021.
- 2018 – World debut of Dawn Brighton’s piece “Awakenings” with the Virginia National Ballet
- 2016 – Commission of Rene Clausen’s “Now Talking God,” as part of a consortium from Chorus America
- 2012 – Partnering with the National Park Service (NPS), University of Mary Washington, and Fredericksburg Area Museums, CCF provided Civil War-era music as a part of their “Lyrics, Letters and Diaries: Songs and Passages from the Civil War”
- 2012 – In cooperation with the Library of Virginia’s 150th Legacy Project, “Songs and Remembrances: Civil War on the Northern Neck” performance at Stratford Hall
- 2012 – 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg culminating ceremony performance at Sunken Road
CCF Sunken Road Performance, 2012
- 2008 – Belmont “Artists in their Studios” exhibition summer concert series
- 2007 – Gari Melcher’s Home Studio “Painting the Beautiful” exhibition
Gary Melchers Museum Performance, 2008
- 2003 – World debut of commissioned piece “Happy Prince” by noted Virginia composer Deen Entsminger
“Happy Prince” rehearsal, 2012
- 2001 – 2003 – Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg Children’s chorus under the direction of Susan Onderdonk
- 2000 – Spring Choral Festival presented by the Community Concert Association, Culpeper, VA
- 2000 – Lakeside United Methodist Church Concert Series, Richmond, VA
- Other commissions include: David Long, “Shenandoah,” and Daniel Gawthrop’s “Cantante Domino”
- 1989 – Premier concert at Trinity Episcopal Church, Sunday, May 7, 1989, with 17 vocalists, 2 accompanists, and a glowing review
Celebrated Artistic Directors Have Included
- Joe Eveler (2021–present)
- Bryan Hiroto Stenson (2017–2020)
- Dr. Mary-Hannah Klontz (2009–2016)
- Michael O’Brien (2002–2008)
- Rebecca Tyree (1994–2002)
- Founding Director, Karen Simmons (1989–1993)
Our Purpose and Promise
Mission Statement
The Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg shares the transformative power of music through exceptional performances featuring gifted local musicians.
Vision Statement
CCF is a beacon of choral excellence in our community, providing inspiring musical experiences for impassioned audiences and steadfast supporters.
What Sets Us Apart
- A hand-picked ensemble: An auditioned choir of 34–40 high-caliber singers, known for their blended tone and expressive range.
- Ambitious programming: From a cappella gems to major works with orchestra, we’re proud to present a wide variety of complex repertoire.
- Depth of musicianship: Approximately 75% of our members are music educators, private teachers, degreed/formally trained musicians, or arts professionals.
- Welcoming and accessible: Reasonably priced tickets, varied and topically themed programming, and concerts in celebrated historic venues.
