Masterworks Chorale is critically recognized as one of Northern California's finest choral ensembles. We perform master works of sacred and secular choral music, from Baroque to Broadway, in venues across the Bay Area.
Our Mission
Masterworks Chorale inspires and engages our community through vibrant & expressive music-making. We strive to enrich the cultural tapestry of the Peninsula with diverse, dynamic programming through concerts & educational outreach programs.
“It’s an amazing choir - it brings the community together.”
Our Story
Founded in 1964 by Galen Marshall, Masterworks Chorale is a much-loved Bay Area institution, treasured for its warmth of tone, technical excellence, and commitment to the local community. Dr. Bryan Baker has been Artistic Director of the Chorale since the Fall of 2002.
Masterworks has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, Redwood Symphony, Peninsula Symphony, San Jose Symphony, and the Cabrillo Festival. The chorale has received various accolades and awards including recent wins of the coveted Best of the Bay award. Our performances have received critical acclaim, at home and abroad, on various tours in Europe, the People’s Republic of China, and for our 50th Anniversary performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Under Dr. Baker’s leadership, Masterworks has become a committed sponsor of new choral music including new pieces by renowned composers Bob Chilcott and Ola Gjeilo. Masterworks mission has also grown to include a passionate dedication to community outreach. Our musical enrichment programs and community Pocket Concerts offer music education and performances to a diverse array of Peninsula groups including underserved children, at-risk and homeless families, and senior citizens coping with memory loss.
Our chamber ensemble, Serenade, performs concerts in more intimate settings, at private and public events. The chamber choir most recently performed the US premiere of Assassin’s Creed Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall. For more details about hiring Serenade click here.
Our Values
Musical Excellence
Personal Enjoyment
A Caring Culture
Creativity & Innovation
Community Partnerships
Fiscal Responsibility
Musical Excellence. We are committed to the constant improvement of our musical skills and performance presentation so that we share meaningful, enriching, transcendent musical experiences with our community/audience.
Personal Enjoyment. We are happy to belong to and sing with the Chorale, and find participation rewarding and worthwhile.
A Caring Culture. We foster a diverse, friendly, caring, respectful, open, honest, positive, trusting, supportive environment.
Creativity & Innovation. We have the creativity and courage to try original and imaginative approaches to our music and performances, while honoring the great traditions of choral music.
Community Partnerships. We encourage community partnerships with those that share similar values, and actively reach out to share our music with the broader community.
Fiscal Responsibility. We use money wisely. Funds are spent in a manner that assures the best use of our resources for our music and to assure long-term viability of the Chorale.
Our Concerts
Masterworks Chorale performs four concert programs each season, and collaborates frequently with community arts organizations throughout the Bay Area. Many of our programs are accompanied by some of the Bay Area's finest professional musicians and vocal soloists.