The Houston Choral Society’s sparkling 39th season of bringing exquisite live choral music to greater Houston is coming to a spectacular conclusion, with two memorable concerts planned for March and May.

On March 20, audiences will be treated to a celebration of the great patchwork of American music to honor America’s 250th birthday, along with works from winners of the annual Choral Composition Competition. The final season concert on May 16 will celebrate Dr. Kevin Klotz’s 10th anniversary as Artistic Director, highlighting his favorite pieces and premiering a new commissioned piece by choral composer Michael John Trotta.

Treasured classics and award-winning new works

In store for the March 20 concert at Tallowood Baptist Church are more than a dozen works, including treasured classics such as The Star Spangled Banner, Shenandoah, A Tribute to the Armed Forces, and Lift Every Voice And Sing.

Dakota Hymn, a new arrangement by Heather Sorenson; Yemaya, arranged by Puerto Rican composer Diana Sáez,  are among the “new classics” being sung professionally for the first time in the Houston area. Father Reginald Samuels, Pastor of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, will deliver a pre-concert lecture.

Accompanied by a full orchestra, the 100-voices of the Choral Society will lift in joy for these and new works from Choral Competition winners Zachary Doyle of Louisville, Kentucky, and Robert Dierdorf of Katy, Texas. Winners were chosen by blind judging, and more than 75 entrants from 28 states competed. Zachary is a music educator and has performed at Carnegie Hall. Dierdorf is retired and devoting himself to his love, writing music. Both hold degrees in Music and Composition.

Joan Marchelli, soprano and Board Member with the HCS, says Tallowood Baptist Church offers the ideal venue for this concert. “This is a beautiful facility, with a large fan-shaped space that lends itself well to contemporary performing.”

Artistic Director Kevin Klotz showcases his favorite choral works

On May 16 at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, HCS celebrates Dr. Kevin Klotz’s 10th Anniversary as Artistic Director, and will premiere a new commissioned piece by acclaimed composer Michael John Trotta. This inspiring program includes Dr. Klotz’s favorites — a beautiful mix of choral works that reflect the passion, variety, and artistry of the past decade. St. Laurence is Dr. Klotz’s home parish, and he is the music minister there. This venue, with its excellent acoustics and many gloriously colored stained glass windows, is an ideal showcase for classical choral performances.

The Houston Choral Society is a professional-quality chorus dedicated to bringing audiences great choral music to enrich the soul and advance the choral arts. Founded in 1987, this 100-member choir is composed of passionate, experienced singers who perform a breadth of music from the great masters, contemporary composers, American heritage, musical theater, and opera.

The Houston Choral Society made its debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2018 and returned there this fall at the personal invitation of Dallas composer Heather Sorenson to perform her masterful Requiem, conducted by Dr. Klotz himself. 

The 100 members come from all over the greater Houston area, all of whom go through a rigorous audition to join this professional community choir. Passionate about bringing great choral music alive to enrich and delight the soul, the HCS collaborates with local orchestras and student ensembles, including the Houston Christian University Choirs, ECHOrchestra, and the Houston Civic Symphony, and brings music to hospitals, nursing homes, and even Astros and Space Cowboys games.

Children under 12 attend free, and every program is designed to engage both newcomers and longtime supporters. To explore the 2025–2026 season, purchase tickets, or get involved as a singer, volunteer, or supporter, visit houstonchoral.org. You can also follow Houston Choral Society on Facebook and Instagram.