Artistically Driven, Socially Conscious,

Civically Engaged

Choral singing is a natural, spontaneous medium for building understanding
among people, and Singing City must take and make every opportunity to do so.
To this purpose I must dedicate whatever talents I have and all of my energy.

Elaine Brown, Founder

June 7, 1957

As part of its strategic planning process, Singing City regularly re-examines its mission in light of changing needs in the community and society at large.

Artistically Driven

• To ensure that all current and prospective members of Singing City have the tools they need to fully participate in all artistic endeavors. This includes free education for those wishing to enhance their musicianship skills, and financial support to cover costs associated with membership (dues, attire, touring, etc.).
  Accessibility
  
• To continue making all concerts accessible to students, seniors, and others who cannot afford full ticket prices.
• To provide a QR code for access to concert programs in digital form. Those with vision challenges can enlarge the program content, thereby making it more accessible.
• To strategically choose venues such that people of all backgrounds and circumstances can attend performances.

Socially Conscious

• Continue to introduce and amplify the voices of underrepresented composers who live/work in the Greater Philadelphia as well as those who live/work in other parts of the world
• Continue to build relationships with communities and organizations that reflect the diverse cultures in the city.
• Continue recruitment and retention efforts so that the membership expands in richness and representation (in all ways).
   

Civically engaged

• Taking part in service projects that address the issues of racism, discrimination, social justice, and climate/environmental justice.
• To frequently engage members of Singing City in community building activities to strengthen an atmosphere of belonging.
• To engage our audiences in singing activities so that they feel a sense of belonging and connection to Singing City.
• Continuing to build relationships with music teachers and schools in the Greater Philadelphia region and to collaborate with schools in developing cooperative programming models that benefit all.

Singing City Songbook

In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Singing City has commissioned 24 composers to write short works to create
the Singing City Songbook. This compilation is intended for community singing everywhere—its themes echo the human experience, with messages of unity, hope, love, and the ties that bind.

The Songbook is available as a downloadable PDF in our online store.

If You Could Hear These Walls

In 2014, Singing City participated in a project that was a collaboration between the American Composers Forum and Mural Arts Philadelphia. Entitled "If You Could Hear These Walls," composers created works to be performed at one of three murals in the City of Philadelphia. Two choral composers, Andrew Bleckner and Evan Solot, wrote works for Singing City Choir to perform at the Peace is a Haiku Song mural located at Broad and Christian Streets, inspired by poet and activist Sonia Sanchez. This documentary tells the full story of this wonderful project.