About Classic Choral Society

Who is Classic Choral Society?

After more than fifty successful years, the Orange County Classic Choral Society continues to play a significant role in the cultural, educational, and aesthetic environment of the Hudson Valley in New York State.



Classic Choral Society serves a dual function for the community:

• Devoted to excellent performance of choral music, it offers a variety of concerts at many venues throughout the year for the public to enjoy free of charge.
• Equally important is the opportunity it offers to men and women who love to sing.  Singers at every level of expertise are able to join CCS’ ranks without being required to audition.  The makeup of the chorus is always a colorful mix of individuals with diverse backgrounds and talents.

Artistic Director Janiece Kohler is an extremely skilled educator and conductor with a special knack for choosing music demanding enough to challenge the many experienced singers in the Society yet introducing it in a way so members with limited music-reading ability may learn quickly and without intimidation.  The singers, from age 19 to 90, mature teens to seasoned seniors, come from within Orange County and far beyond.  Classic Choral Society is a year-round resource for choral musicians and grateful audiences.



Classic Choral Society maintains a distinctive, sonorous quality of sound, attributed in no small part to Maestra Kohler’s unfailing ear and devotion to authenticity.  In addition to choral programs presented at local Hudson Valley venues, in recent years the Society has accepted numerous invitations to perform under world-renowned conductors with other prestigious choral ensembles from around the country and the world.  Those performances have taken place at such cultural landmarks in New York City as Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, formerly known as Avery Fischer Hall and Philharmonic Hall.



As it has been, it will always be a hallmark of the organization to make participation with the Society accessible to as many people as possible.  Classic Choral Society continues to welcome new members and supporters with appreciation each season.