Since 1966, the Peninsula Women’s Chorus (PWC) has become synonymous with artistic excellence in choral music. Known for its adventurous programming and recognized as one of the leading women’s choruses in the U.S. and beyond, the PWC is dedicated to commissioning new works, discovering rarely performed works, and keeping classical choral masterpieces for treble voices alive. Comprised of a diverse group of auditioned singers who share an enthusiasm for challenging repertoire, the PWC has commissioned 46 new works and released seven CD recordings over the last ten years. Among the PWC honors are: third place winner of The American Prize in 2023 in Virtual Performance, first place winner in Choral Performance in 2015, and second place winner in 2011; third prize in the 2006 Béla Bartók 22nd International Choir Competition in Debrecen, Hungary; two Chorus America/ASCAP Awards for Choral Excellence; and second prize at the 1994 Tallinn International Choral Competition in Estonia. Other noted performances include four appearances (in 2016, 2001, 1993, and 1987) at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conferences and an appearance at the closing ceremony of the Chorus America Conference in 2023. In addition to extensive performances throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, the chorus has been heard on National Public Radio, has appeared on television both nationally and internationally, and has participated in international choral festivals in Spain in 2023 and Argentina in 2015.
With its commitment to exciting outreach programs PWC adds to its reputation as a dynamic force in music making and community building. In 2008, PWC was among the founding choirs of the New Music for Treble Voices (NMFTV) festival, which brings together diverse local and national choruses in the study and performance of innovative contemporary works. Assuming production of the festival in 2013, PWC has participated in all ten iterations of the event. The PWC also offers a Mentorship Program to provide outstanding local high school treble singers an opportunity to study and rehearse challenging works, culminating in a performance opportunity with the PWC. The ViVo program, for singers who live outside the Bay Area or are otherwise unable to commit to the full ensemble, provides flexibility for singers and gives the PWC an even fuller sound for the ViVo portions of its repertoire. After celebrating its 50th anniversary season in 2016-17, the PWC dove right into another 50 years of enriching its community with vibrant music.
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