Archdiocesan Festival Choir of Atlanta

The concept of a "festival choir" was discussed among a small number of Catholic musicians in the Atlanta area for many years without any organization being formed. Then, in about 2001, several music directors and an enthusiatic physician with a great love for choral singing began to meet and make concrete plans to launch a Catholic chorus with singers from throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta. In May of 2003, the Archdiocesan Festival Choir of Atlanta presented Robert and Eileen Twynham's Magnificat in performances at Holy Trinity Church in Peachtree City and Holy Family Church in Marietta. Attendees at both venues expressed their overwhelming approval and the Festival Choir was off to a great start. Since that first abbreviated season, the Festival Choir has presented additional major works including Vaughan Williams' Mass in G Minor, Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna and the Missa Brevis in F by Mozart. The Choir repertoire also includes many motets, anthems and hymn arrangements which have been performed for a special Festival Mass honoring pastoral musicians, a deaconate ordination, and the Eucharistic Congress closing liturgical celebration.