Roberts Wesleyan University Chorale
Dr. Adam Potter, conductor
The Roberts Chorale is Roberts Wesleyan University’s premier vocal ensemble, devoted to the study and performance of high-quality choral music from diverse styles, musical eras, languages, and cultures. Bonded by a passion for compelling musical performance and a desire for meaningful Christian fellowship, the Chorale is an ensemble of talented singer-artists who combine their gifts to cultivate excellence in choral singing.
The Roberts Chorale Mission Statement
We are a family of diverse musicians united to sing for the glory of God. Striving to serve as God’s instruments, we seek to enlighten others to the reality of God’s love. Recognizing that our music is a gift from God, we express ourselves humbly and honestly through song.
Our purpose as an ensemble and as individuals is to
- Return the beauty God has given us,
- Share the life-transforming power of musical and interpersonal harmony with our audiences,
- Celebrate how our differences empower us to contribute to the kingdom of God,
- Serve each other and those around us in ways beyond our music,
- Connect our heads to our hearts and engage our hands, and
- Find joy in all we do.
About Us
The Chorale took its first international tour and released its first recordings on LP under director Gregory Goida. During the 33-year tenure of his successor, Robert Shewan, the Chorale released multiple recordings on the Albany label and performed frequently with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. The proud heritage of choral singing at Roberts Wesleyan University was further fostered by subsequent Chorale directors Nelson Hill, Stephen Caracciolo, Jeffery McGhee, Jamie Spillane, and David Chin. Under its current director, Adam Potter, the Chorale continues to serve the university and community through frequent on- and off-campus performances, recording projects, collaborations with the Roberts Wesleyan University–Community Orchestra, joint concerts with other choirs in the region, biennial domestic performance tours, quadrennial international performance tours, and innovative programming and partnerships.
Recent Repertoire
The Chorale’s recent repertoire has included Choral Fantasy (Beethoven), Polovetsian Dance & Chorus (Borodin), Et in Terra Pax (Finzi), Messiah and “Zadok the Priest” (Handel), Mass in C (Mozart), Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Vaughan Williams), and the New York State premiere of LUX: The Dawn from On High (Forrest). In addition to major works and classical music, the Chorale delights in inviting its audiences into a spirit of worship through the singing of new music, well-crafted hymn settings, music from the Global South, gospel music, and spirituals.
Videos
Visit the Roberts Chorale's Youtube channel here.